Rescuing James Foley: your proposal?

James Foley's mother spoke on CNN regarding her failed rescue efforts. The government insisted that she trusts it, which obviously failed.

She was threatened with prosecution when she tried to raise money to pay ransom, a move that can potentially compromise national security.

What is your proposal for such tricky situations? How would you react in a role of family member with your child captured? How about as a government agent?