Steven Sotloff was an American journalist known for his reporting in the Middle East, particularly in Syria and Iraq. He worked for various media outlets, including Time and Foreign Policy, and was recognized for his in-depth coverage of the Syrian civil war. In 2013, Sotloff was kidnapped by militants while covering the conflict in Syria. His captivity drew international attention, and he was later executed by the Islamic State in 2014, which further highlighted the dangers faced by journalists in conflict zones.