Debra Tice Expresses Hope for Son’s Return Amid Changing Leadership

Debra Tice, mother of Austin Tice, remains hopeful for her son’s return as the new Trump administration has offered support in his search. Tice visited Syria for the first time since 2015, meeting with new leadership and expressing optimism about their commitment to help. Austin Tice, missing since 2012, was one of the first journalists to cover the Syrian civil war. Debra has been critical of the previous Biden administration’s efforts in securing her son’s release.

Debra Tice, the mother of missing American journalist Austin Tice, expressed optimism regarding the new leadership in the United States and Syria while attending a conference in Damascus. She stated that the incoming Trump administration has pledged support in the search for her son, who vanished in Syria in 2012. “I have great hope that the Trump administration will sincerely engage in diligent work to bring Austin home,” she remarked. This visit marked her first return to Syria since 2015, during which she reiterated her hope that both nations’ leadership changes would aid the search efforts.

Austin Tice, now 43, was one of the earliest journalists to cover the Syrian civil war before his 2012 disappearance. According to the State Department, he is believed to be held by the Syrian government; however, the related authorities strongly deny these claims. Debra Tice last visited Syria in 2015, encountering authorities who did not confirm her son’s detention and subsequently denied her entrance into the country.

Following her meeting with the new Syrian government head, Ahmed al-Sharaa, Debra emphasized their commitment to assisting her in finding Austin. During her conference, she remarked, “It was so wonderful to learn that they are dedicated and determined to bring home my son.” She reflected on Austin’s passion for journalism and love for Syria, stating, “He came here as a journalist to tell the story of the Syrian people to the world.”

Debra Tice’s recent visit coincided with President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration, a time when she has criticized the outgoing Biden administration for lack of sufficient negotiation efforts. Before her return to the U.S., she noted, “I will wait and pray and let the dust settle from all these page turns.” This visit has heightened her hopes for her son’s return based on the support of the new administrations in both countries.

The case of Austin Tice has been unresolved since his disappearance in Syria in 2012, during a period of intense conflict known as the Syrian civil war. Accusations have been leveled against the Syrian government regarding his detention, which they have consistently denied. Tice’s mother, Debra Tice, has been advocating for her son’s release and has communicated with various government officials across administrations in pursuit of progress on the case.

Debra Tice’s recent visit to Syria has rekindled her hopes for her son’s return, fueled by perceived support from the new U.S. administration. While meeting with Syrian authorities, she expressed confidence that renewed leadership could lead to vital information about her son. Her journey highlights ongoing struggles in securing the safe return of missing Americans abroad, underscoring the importance of international diplomacy in such cases.

Original Source: www.nbcnews.com