Ten years. An American, a veteran U.S. Marine, a person who turned a international correspondent in order that his fellow People would know what was occurring in Syria, has been lacking for 10 years.
President Joe Biden is aware of about Austin Tice. So did President Donald Trump and President Barack Obama. A few of them engaged; none of them with obvious outcomes.
Trump’s group mentioned it had proof Tice, who labored as a contract correspondent for McClatchy earlier than his seize, was alive and despatched its hostage envoy to Damascus to collect details about him.
Biden’s group — after some prodding — agreed to permit Austin’s dad and mom, Debra and Marc Tice, to fulfill with the president in early Could.
In that assembly, the Tices say, the president requested his group to get a gathering with the Syrians and discover out what they need and to work with them to get Austin launched. Three months later, and little has modified.
President Biden issued an announcement this week calling on Syria to deliver an finish to Austin’s captivity and to work together with his administration to deliver him dwelling.
“There isn't a increased precedence in my Administration than the restoration and return of People held hostage or wrongfully detained overseas,” the assertion learn. “We should identify them, preserve them in our hearts and minds, and make restoration and return a precedence.”
Statements like these are encouraging, however phrases don't quantity to motion. We have to see actions and outcomes.
If the U.S. authorities has proof of Austin’s whereabouts and circumstances, it's past time to tug out all of the stops to succeed in an answer. That begins with direct engagement with the Syrian authorities — not working by means of intermediaries or again channels.
For a decade, Austin Tice has been lacking from household gatherings, from holidays and celebrations — from moments huge and small. As a father and grandfather, my coronary heart breaks for Debra and Marc Tice. They deserve higher from their president, from this authorities.
To my colleagues within the press, don't let Austin Tice be forgotten. Maintain asking powerful questions and demanding solutions till the administration takes motion and makes his launch a precedence.
And to President Biden, step up and demand your group discover a pathway to Austin’s launch. Carry Austin Tice dwelling.
Tony Hunter is chairman and CEO of McClatchy, an area information firm that publishes in 30 communities throughout the USA.