Private Ransom

From USA Today:
"Obama to loosen restrictions on private ransoms for hostages"

 

The Obama administration plans to create a new office to work with the families of hostages kidnapped overseas, and adopt new rules that would make it easier for them to negotiate private ransom payments if possible, officials said Tuesday. The government itself will maintain its no-ransom policy, the officials said, saying that paying kidnappers will only encourage more kidnappings. Family members of hostages have protested the policy, and criticized the government over threats of prosecution if they tried to raise ransom money themselves. Among those protesting the policy: Diane Foley, the mother of the American journalist James Foley whose beheading last year was videotaped by the Islamic State.  President Obama ordered a review of U.S. hostage policy in December, and expected to announce the results on Wednesday. The administration planned to brief affected families on Tuesday, the officials said.

 

^ I can understand the US Government having a "no ransom for hostages" policy as it would only encourage more hostage-taking. As for the families involved it should be up to them whether they pay a private ransom for their loved-one or not. I can not say for sure what I would do in such a situation, but I do know the individual families know what is best for themselves and their held loved-one. ^

 

http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2015/06/23/obama-hostage-policy-james-foley-islamic-state/29156075/