New Syrian leadership holds Assad accountable for Austin Tice’s family suffering during ongoing search

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Syria’s interim government holds ousted President Bashar al-Assad responsible for the pain inflicted on Austin Tice’s family as the search continues for the missing American journalist who disappeared in Syria over a decade ago. Tice went missing in 2012 while reporting on the Syrian civil war and video emerged showing him held at gunpoint, believed to be in the custody of the Syrian government. With Assad overthrown by rebel forces, Tice’s family has renewed hope of his return, with President Joe Biden offering a sliver of hope and the Biden administration open to talking to anyone with information. The administration is focused on locating Tice but did not elaborate on specific efforts. The new rebel coalition in Syria, led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, has emerged from an Al Qaeda affiliate, but the leader has renounced international extremism in recent years. Biden welcomed Assad’s ouster but expressed caution at the uncertainty of what comes next in Syria. Tice’s parents have received information suggesting he was being well cared for before the rebels ousted Assad’s regime, but they have no clarity on who is holding him captive. The family remains hopeful for Tice’s return and the administration is working to locate him.

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