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PBS NewsHourNov 27, 2022
Syria Denies Holding American Journalist Austin Tice
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Image copyright: Joseph Eid/AFP via Getty Images [via NBC News]
The Facts
On Wed., the Syrian government denied holding American journalist and former Marine Austin Tice, days after Biden accused Damascus of detaining him.
The Syrian Foreign Ministry said that the accusation is "baseless" and that Damascus "denies it had kidnapped or is holding any American citizen on its territories."
The Spin
Narrative A
Though the US claims to have worked hard to secure Austin Tice's release, little progress has been made. Due to a lack of diplomatic ties with Syria, the US has had to rely on back channels and intermediaries, and Tice and his family are paying the price. Biden's words have yet to translate into action; more must be done to free him.
Narrative B
In addition to using back channels and intermediaries, the US has engaged directly with Syria in an effort to bring Tice home. Unfortunately, the US is dealing with a unique situation as Damascus has yet to even admit to holding Tice.
Establishment-critical narrative
The Syrian government simply isn't holding Austin Tice, and even if it were, it would have every right to do so, as he entered the country illegally, at the encouragement of the US. If Washington really wants to seek dialogue or official communication with Syria, it should start by respecting Syria's sovereignty and withdrawing its forces from the country.
Cynical narrative
Hostage taking is becoming a grim commonality among hostile foreign governments. More Americans are being held by national governments than by militant groups, and if the US doesn't act accordingly, this problem will only get worse.
