South Africa blocks Putin from G20 summit amid international arrest warrant

In 2012, Austin Tice, a journalist from the United States, disappeared in Syria while covering the civil war. His mother, Debra Tice, has been tirelessly advocating for his safe return. In a recent letter, she reached out to Russian President Vladimir Putin, asking for assistance due to his connections with the Syrian government. Debra expressed hope in light of recent political changes in Syria, particularly following the downfall of Bashar al-Assad, although Tice has yet to be located despite reports of former prisoners seeing him alive in mid-2022. Debra's letter emphasized the urgency of very personal circumstances and the need for collaboration among powerful entities for his safe return. She highlighted Russia's long-standing involvement in Syria and expressed willingness to travel anywhere in pursuit of her son. The Tice family's plight has drawn attention against the backdrop of a challenging civil war narrative, where many others have also faced similar disappearances under the Assad regime. Despite her relentless efforts, there remains a lack of concrete information about Tice's whereabouts. The situation has been complicated by the geopolitical dynamics in the region, particularly the recent changes following the ousting of Assad. Debra hopes that with the assistance of Russia, there may be new avenues for locating her son. This case highlights not only the personal grief of a mother but also the broader issues surrounding human rights abuses and the plight of political prisoners in Syria. The ongoing turmoil in the region, combined with the political maneuvering between world powers, adds to the urgency of securing potentially critical assistance in the search for Austin Tice.