WASHINGTON: Adam Boehler, the Special Envoy for Hostage Affairs appointed by former US President Donald Trump, visited Iraq last month to advocate for the release of Israeli-Russian researcher Elizabeth Tsurkov. Tsurkov, a Princeton University student, was kidnapped nearly two years ago during a research trip in Iraq, sources familiar with the matter revealed.
Boehler, who has intensified efforts to bring Tsurkov home since taking office, has made public appeals urging the Iraqi government to assist in her release. Tsurkov was abducted in March 2023 while conducting research in Iraq. Since then, the Trump administration has shown a significant commitment to her case, with family members of Tsurkov expressing gratitude for the efforts.
Speaking to Reuters, Emma Tsurkov, Elizabeth’s sister, praised the actions of Boehler, stating, “The Trump administration has done more in just a few weeks than the previous administration did in almost two years.” She expressed special thanks to Boehler for his direct engagement with Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani in Baghdad, emphasizing that the US holds the Iraqi government accountable for her sister’s release.
A senior Iraqi official, who requested anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the matter, confirmed Boehler’s visit to Iraq in February, where he discussed Tsurkov’s case with senior Iraqi officials. However, the official did not provide further details on the talks.
Israeli officials have confirmed that Tsurkov is being held captive by Kataib Hezbollah, a Shiite militia group aligned with Iran. According to sources, Boehler is working on a potential negotiation where Tsurkov’s release could be secured in exchange for six members of Hezbollah, the Lebanese militia that operates under Iran’s influence. The efforts are reportedly a coordinated whole-of-government initiative aimed at bringing Tsurkov back home.
A spokesperson for Boehler’s office, speaking on behalf of the US State Department, reaffirmed America’s position on hostage-taking. “The United States cannot tolerate hostage-taking of US nationals or those of our partners, such as Israel. We have and will continue to underscore with the Iraqi government the urgency of securing Elizabeth Tsurkov’s release,” the spokesperson said.
- In a February 5 post on the social media platform X, Boehler publicly called for Tsurkov’s release. He criticized the Iraqi government for failing to fulfill promises made to previous US administrations, stating, “Elizabeth Tsurkov is a Princeton student held hostage in Iraq! The @IraqiPMO consistently made false promises to the prior administration about releasing her. BUT NOW @realDonaldTrump IS ON TO YOU.”
Boehler further demanded action from the Iraqi government, stating that if Tsurkov was not released, the Iraqi Prime Minister’s office would be seen as either “incapable and should be FIRED or worse COMPLICIT. Bring Elizabeth home now!”
Under former President Joe Biden’s administration, Tsurkov’s family had faced difficulties in garnering significant support for her release. US officials at the time explained that their hands were tied because Tsurkov was not a US citizen.
As the two-year anniversary of Tsurkov’s kidnapping approaches on March 21, her family remains hopeful that she will not have to spend another year in captivity. “Hopefully, she will not endure March 21 in their custody,” Emma Tsurkov said.
Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio had a phone conversation with Iraqi Prime Minister Sudani on February 25. While a statement from the State Department did not mention Tsurkov, sources confirmed that Rubio pressed Sudani on the matter, emphasizing the need for action on her case.
The situation continues to develop, with the US government and Tsurkov’s family calling for the Iraqi authorities to take immediate steps to secure her safe return.
- Source: Arab News
