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A local radio host brought up an interesting topic for debate this morning: Should the government stop you from paying ransom to a terrorist organization (Al Qaeda, et al) in order to get your child or loved one back?
Currently, the Federal government will not pay ransom to get a citizen back. Should this stop a parent from being able to do so? Under the full realization that those funds would then be turned around to use against our forces.
I'm interested to hear the different sides of the story. I know this is a potential hornet's nest, but lets discuss.
Currently, the Federal government will not pay ransom to get a citizen back. Should this stop a parent from being able to do so? Under the full realization that those funds would then be turned around to use against our forces.
I'm interested to hear the different sides of the story. I know this is a potential hornet's nest, but lets discuss.
Terrorism
Family
Treason
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 8
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LTC Stephen F.
Unfortunately, the answer most likely is yes. Negotiations by government officials with terrorists only help to legitimize their cause - in their own eyes, their supporters, and their enemies tend to loose faith and trust in the negotiating government.
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SSgt (Join to see)
Paying ransom only encourages more hostage taking and should remain outlawed.
I understand a family's dilemma and desire to do what it can to get a hostage freed, but paying a ransom is just not a good idea. As I stated, it encourages more hostage taking, and, as pointed out by others, provides funding to the hostage takers to continue to carry out their illegal activities.
I saw on the news the father who, when asked about the possibility of going to jail if he paid a ransom, stated "I would prefer to be in jail over here than my son to be in jail other there". While I certainly understand the sentiment and sympathize with him, it is still just not a good idea.
Paying ransom only encourages more hostage taking and should remain outlawed.
I understand a family's dilemma and desire to do what it can to get a hostage freed, but paying a ransom is just not a good idea. As I stated, it encourages more hostage taking, and, as pointed out by others, provides funding to the hostage takers to continue to carry out their illegal activities.
I saw on the news the father who, when asked about the possibility of going to jail if he paid a ransom, stated "I would prefer to be in jail over here than my son to be in jail other there". While I certainly understand the sentiment and sympathize with him, it is still just not a good idea.
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SSgt (Join to see)
Not only that, but the loved one, typically, volunteered to be in that area of the world in the first place. The people most talked about were aid workers that were taken prisoner.
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The same thing happened in the 2nd Punic War. After Hannibal's victories at Cannae, Lake Trasemine, and the Trebia, They had many aristocratic Roman's family members as hostages. The Senate forbade the citizenry from paying ransoms to get them back. A Hard choice, and many were slaughtered but it was a tough decision that helped earn Rome her Empire.
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