Biden Says US Still Believes It Can Retrieve Austin Tice

President Joe Biden reaffirms the U.S. belief that journalist Austin Tice is alive in Syria, but challenges remain in securing his release.

At a Glance

Austin Tice, an American journalist, disappeared in Syria in August 2012.
President Biden and Tice’s family believe he will be brought home, despite no direct evidence of whether he is alive..
The U.S. government continues efforts to secure Tice’s release.
Syria has publicly denied holding Tice.
The Tice family urges direct engagement with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.

Biden’s Steadfast Belief in Tice’s Survival

President Joe Biden has once again expressed the U.S. government’s belief that Austin Tice, an American journalist who vanished in Syria nearly 12 years ago, is still alive. Tice, a Marine Corps veteran, disappeared near Damascus in August 2012 while working as a freelance journalist covering the Syrian civil war. Despite the passage of time and lack of direct evidence, the U.S. government maintains its commitment to bringing Tice home.

Biden’s statement underscores the ongoing efforts to secure Tice’s release, even as the situation remains complex and challenging. The president’s words echo the sentiments of Tice’s family, who have been tirelessly advocating for his return.

President Joe Biden says the U.S. government believes missing American journalist Austin Tice, who disappeared 12 years ago near the Syrian capital, is alive and Washington is committed to bringing him home after Bashar Assad’s ouster from power. https://t.co/AyWaxRCRmx

— NBC Bay Area (@nbcbayarea) December 9, 2024

The Family’s Unwavering Hope

The Tice family has been at the forefront of efforts to bring Austin home. They recently met with officials at the State Department and the White House, renewing their push for action. Debra Tice, Austin’s mother, has been particularly vocal about her son’s situation, drawing on information from what she describes as a “significant source.”

“He is being cared for and he is well — we do know that,” Debra Tice stated, offering a glimmer of hope in an otherwise uncertain situation.

The family’s determination has not wavered, despite the challenges they face. They continue to urge the Biden administration to take more direct action, including calling for President Biden to engage personally with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.

Diplomatic Hurdles and Ongoing Efforts

The case of Austin Tice presents significant diplomatic challenges. Syria has publicly denied holding Tice, and there are currently no direct diplomatic contacts between the U.S. and Syrian governments. This lack of formal communication channels complicates efforts to negotiate Tice’s release.

Despite these obstacles, the U.S. government continues to operate under the assumption that Tice is alive. The president’s recent statements reaffirm this position, even as he acknowledges the lack of direct evidence.

A Call for Action

As the Tice family presses for more decisive action, they emphasize the urgency of the situation. The ongoing conflict in Syria adds another layer of complexity to the efforts to secure Austin’s release. However, the family believes that Austin is being held in a region separate from the current conflict zones.

As the search for Austin Tice continues, his case remains a poignant reminder of the risks journalists face in conflict zones and the enduring hope of families waiting for their loved ones to return home. The ongoing efforts to secure his release underscore the complexities of international diplomacy and the unwavering commitment of both the U.S. government and the Tice family to bring Austin back to American soil.