HISTORICAL FACTS: 3 - Caught on Camera

Assad blames Erdogan for violence in Syria and insists on a pullout of Turkish troops

Syrian President Bashar Assad has slammed Turkey and blamed Ankara for the uptick in violence in his war-torn country

The Independent UK · Aug 9, 2023

US says it will not normalise relations with Syria’s Assad

Washington ‘does not support’ push to normalise ties to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s gov’t, State Department says.

Al Jazeera · May 5, 2023

Blinken says US engaged with Syria on case of missing American journalist Austin Tice

The United States is extensively engaged on the case of a U.S. journalist who disappeared a decade ago, including with Syria and other countries, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on Wednesday.

Reuters · May 3, 2023

‘They say I’m ancient’: Biden speech to White House media proves to be one for the ages

The 80-year-old US president chooses annual address to have some fun with a crucial voter concern, mixed with digs at Don Lemon and Fox News

The Guardian - US · Apr 30, 2023

Joe Biden hails ‘absolute courage’ of detained journalist Evan Gershkovich

US president says he is ‘working like hell’ to secure release of Wall Street Journal reporter held in Russia on espionage charges

The Guardian - AU · Apr 30, 2023

Top Lebanese intel chief, mediator with Syria steps down

A Lebanese intelligence chief who has mediated the release of Westerners held in Syria and also acted as a mediator within Lebanon has stepped down after attempts to extend his term failed

The Independent UK · Mar 1, 2023

With Biden and US officials making deals, could other Texans detained abroad be home soon?

WASHINGTON — After the White House secured the release of WNBA star and Houston native Brittney Griner from Russian prison in early December — the U.S.’s second prisoner swap of the year with Russia — it committed to bringing home all other Americans wrongfully detained abroad.

Tribune News Service · Dec 28, 2022

US hostage envoy told Paul Whelan to ‘keep the faith’ on release from Russia

The U.S. special envoy who helped secure WNBA star Brittney Griner’s release from Russian custody said he spoke to detained American Paul Whelan and assured him “we’re coming to get you.”

Tribune News Service · Dec 11, 2022

Mac Engel: Brittney Griner owes the United States of America because she could have been Austin Tice

FORT WORTH, Texas — Trading a person whose crime is possessing a tiny amount of hash for someone who is convicted of dealing military grade firearms, many to the Taliban and Al Qaeda, doesn’t feel fair, or right.

Tribune News Service · Dec 11, 2022

Ten years after kidnapping, Texas native Austin Tice is still imprisoned in Syria

The high-level prisoner swap that freed WNBA star Brittney Griner this week has placed a spotlight on another Texan imprisoned abroad, journalist Austin Tice.

Tribune News Service · Dec 10, 2022