Debra Tice, the mother of American journalist Austin Tice who was taken captive in Syria in 2012, expresses hope for his release following the recent upheaval in the country. She draws hope from the recent release of Travis Timmerman, who was misidentified as Tice on social media. Concerns for Tice's safety have risen due to Israeli airstrikes and power cuts in Syrian prisons. The US government has decided not to search for Tice on the ground in Syria, leaving the efforts to journalists and civilians. Tice, a former Marine, was one of the first US journalists to enter Syria during the civil war.