The story behind recent releases of Americans held in foreign countries

Published: Aug. 24, 2023, 11:48 a.m.

Two young State Department foreign affairs officers helped secure recent releases of Americans held in by foreign countries. That fact has landed them as finalists in this year's Service to America Medals program, aka "the Sammies." Fletcher Schoen developed the negotiation strategy for basketball player Brittney Griner, among others. And Jennifer Harkins was instrumental in the 2022 release of\xa0nine Americans held by Venezuela. Both them spoke with Federal Drive Host Tom Temin.\nLearn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices