An American journalist missing in Syria: what happened?
Summary
This episode of The Sunday Story introduces a new NPR Embedded series by BBC journalists Josh Baker and Sarah Obadot, investigating the 14-year disappearance of American journalist Austin Tice in Syria. The story follows Tice’s mother, Deborah, as she campaigns for his release, while the journalists uncover secret documents and GPS coordinates from intelligence sources suggesting Tice may still be alive. As rebel forces topple the Assad regime, the team enters chaotic Syria to search for Tice at identified detention sites, revealing a complex web of power struggles and hidden truths.
Topics discussed
Introduction to the Austin Tice missing person case
12th anniversary event and Deborah Tice's plea
Deborah Tice shares Austin's personal history
The day Austin disappeared and the family's reaction
Josh Baker begins his investigation into the case
Sponsorship segments for RINSE and BetterHelp
Meeting Sarah Obadott in the English countryside
Interview with Salam, a defected Syrian soldier
Revealing potential location of Austin in Branch 235
Sponsorship segments for RINSE, Schwab, and Odoo
Rebel offensive and fall of the Assad regime
Tice family press conference and new evidence claims
US government response to the regime's collapse
Josh and Sarah enter Syria via the Lebanese border
Arrival in Damascus and receipt of secret GPS coordinates
Series promotion and production credits
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