An American journalist, having gone missing for over a decade in Syria by the name of Austin Tice is thought to be alive according to a US non-governmental organization. Symbol of hope alongside uncertainty for his family and supporters, Tice was kidnapped in 2012 while he was filming during the war. Despite silence from Tice’s family over the matter, they alongside the American government have not remained quiet on the matter of Tice’s disappearance. Due to a lack of evidence, solid proof regarding Tice’s location and whereabouts have been found, making the NGO’s and Tice’s family’s words true.
The NGO and the group of families spoke about the abduction of Tice and called out for efforts along with awareness to be made. The declaration made by the group draws new attention to the question about feeling safe while working in zones of conflict for the journalists. Being a conflict journalist operating in Syria is extremely dangerous, and Tice’s abduction painted this. The case of Austin Tice is particularly complex because of the uncertainty surrounding the conflict in Syria, which is still ongoing. Additionally, the divide within the country involving various groups with different interests further complicates matters. Notably, the relations that have existed between Syria and the US hindered any movement on getting him out. These have been strained for quite some years now.
Over the years, US forces put pressure on Syrian officials and other relevant parties with little success to help get a better idea of Austin's whereabouts. The media along with some human rights activists have continued to work towards agitating a strong case for him and help highlight the dangers that media persons face when they are working in a war-affected country like Syria. Even though the case made by the NGOs in their statement is recent and opens opportunities did assist who was advocating for Austin, it kept them in the dark as well according to them. It did raise some questions. Assuring the Tice’s family members that Austin is alive did offer some solace but the never-ending wait of truth continues to ache for them even more. There is a unified voice from across the globe which is pressuring other bodies to work towards getting Austin back.
