WASHINGTON _ The mother of Austin Tice, the journalist held captive in Syria for more than seven years, said Monday that while she was "reasonably hopeful" her son might soon be released, she was frustrated by a senior administration official who has been an obstacle to progress.
Debra Tice said she is confident that President Donald Trump is fighting hard for her son's freedom.
"This administration is pressing it much more diligently than the previous administration," Tice told McClatchy in an interview. "There is a deliberate, concerted effort to make this happen."
