As others have said, it is the person(s) that decide to go into dangerous regions (middle east, most of Africa, for example) that are responsible for their own outcome. Not the US government, and not the UN or military. Yes, these kidnappers are evil beings, as are many of their governments. But if you go to a dangerous place, it is you that are going to face the consequences. Not the government, not an agency, not a seal team, and not the tax payers.
Too many young people romanticize about the rest of the world. Especially areas of hostility. Well, it's not romantic to be be-headed, raped, tortured, or ransomed. Don't do it, but if you do that's because you have the freedom to make huge mistakes, and did.
Too many young people romanticize about the rest of the world. Especially areas of hostility. Well, it's not romantic to be be-headed, raped, tortured, or ransomed. Don't do it, but if you do that's because you have the freedom to make huge mistakes, and did.
6
This game is old, tiring and deadly.
No one in their right mind thinks the action of a few stupid and ignorant men who threaten and kill the defenseless is acceptable.
No people should be forced to put up with this madness.
The government of Afghanistan, can and should put a stop to this and no reasonable people would be "providing billions of dollars in aid" to any nation which takes our citizens hostage.
How about some real world in exchange for realpolitik?
No one in their right mind thinks the action of a few stupid and ignorant men who threaten and kill the defenseless is acceptable.
No people should be forced to put up with this madness.
The government of Afghanistan, can and should put a stop to this and no reasonable people would be "providing billions of dollars in aid" to any nation which takes our citizens hostage.
How about some real world in exchange for realpolitik?
I travel frequently to what are statistically dangerous countries, e,g,. El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and México. When I was 19 I travelled overland from Cairo to Bombay, around 5,000 hard land miles in public transportation.
We could have been killed/kidapped at anytime and I have no expectation that the US government (taxpayers) owe me a rescue or ransom. We need to take personal responsibility for our decisions.
Precisely one year ago i, and two Salvadorans were carjacked-kidnapped by gunmen in broad daylight on a modern highway leading into Guatemala City. After we lost the struggle for the car with three men with pistols, we were driven to the middle of a cornfield where I fully expected to be executed.
That we were not killed is still a mystery to me but survived through courage and smarts, and the nature of the kidnappers.
When I "safely" got back to El Salvador, I contacted the US Embassy in Guatemala City for the sole purpose of warning that this was a set piece that would get some of our countrymen killed and the response was a complete lack of interest.
Reading about the other kidnappings, its clear that the US government will not protect its citizens abroad (I never expected it) unless there is political points to be made (e,g., the foolish American woman who went to Syria, was grabbed and ultimately killed--a political message to be exploited).
Neither expect nor request help--it's your choice, take responsibility.
We could have been killed/kidapped at anytime and I have no expectation that the US government (taxpayers) owe me a rescue or ransom. We need to take personal responsibility for our decisions.
Precisely one year ago i, and two Salvadorans were carjacked-kidnapped by gunmen in broad daylight on a modern highway leading into Guatemala City. After we lost the struggle for the car with three men with pistols, we were driven to the middle of a cornfield where I fully expected to be executed.
That we were not killed is still a mystery to me but survived through courage and smarts, and the nature of the kidnappers.
When I "safely" got back to El Salvador, I contacted the US Embassy in Guatemala City for the sole purpose of warning that this was a set piece that would get some of our countrymen killed and the response was a complete lack of interest.
Reading about the other kidnappings, its clear that the US government will not protect its citizens abroad (I never expected it) unless there is political points to be made (e,g., the foolish American woman who went to Syria, was grabbed and ultimately killed--a political message to be exploited).
Neither expect nor request help--it's your choice, take responsibility.
9
I'm sure you're right. But I do expect the US government to protect its citizens abroad. It's disgraceful that it doesn't and incredible that you don't expect it
2
This entire topic has a disgusting edge to it. The might American empire cares more for its rights than for its citizens. When in doubt the empire always chooses death over life. Why would we not pay ransom? Why would we not give concessions to free our citizens (and any innocent hostage)? I don't understand. Yes, it may encourage additional kidnapping, but I imagine we have droned, bombed, and extracted our revenge from these terrorists and their families in the long run for the kidnappings. Let's choose life over death. Let's choose mercy over empire.
I am all for the humanist shift, but why can't the wars end taking away the major cause for all these kidnappings in the fist place ?
I know , I know . That would take a vote from a republican controlled congress where we would see who was in favor of all this terror. ( but we know who they are )
Cowards.
I know , I know . That would take a vote from a republican controlled congress where we would see who was in favor of all this terror. ( but we know who they are )
Cowards.
3
Joshua Boyle and Caitlin Coleman are a fascinating case. Apparently backpacking in Eastern Afghanistan is not as crazy or unusual as it sounds, but these two seem to have been especially reckless in their wanderlust. He also has an intriguing backstory, having been married to the sister of a Guantanamo detainee.
This travel blog by an English backpacker who crossed their path might be the last account of them before they were kidnapped. It's also a good read in general:
http://whereiscronin.blogspot.ca/2012/11/afghanistan-24th-september29th-...
This travel blog by an English backpacker who crossed their path might be the last account of them before they were kidnapped. It's also a good read in general:
http://whereiscronin.blogspot.ca/2012/11/afghanistan-24th-september29th-...
2
"The couple were backpacking in Wardak Province, an insurgent stronghold near Kabul, in late 2012 when they were kidnapped. Ms. Coleman was pregnant with her first child at the time, officials said, and she later gave birth to a second child."
I cannot be more strongly unsympathetic. In the U.S. many poor mothers are locked up for leaving their toddlers alone to run to the corner store. Here we have two "parents" who knowingly took their unborn child into a war zone for no apparent reason except "adventure". And then procreated another. Where are the unfit parent people who would lock up the poor U.S. mother but scream to help these parents?
I cannot be more strongly unsympathetic. In the U.S. many poor mothers are locked up for leaving their toddlers alone to run to the corner store. Here we have two "parents" who knowingly took their unborn child into a war zone for no apparent reason except "adventure". And then procreated another. Where are the unfit parent people who would lock up the poor U.S. mother but scream to help these parents?
18
As tragic as it is, I would not assume the second child was conceived voluntarily. She may have been raped. There may be other circumstances about which we are unaware.
I completely agree that they should not have taken such a terrible risk for themselves and their unborn child. But not entirely sure they chose to have another child while held hostage. It may be that she was raped.
I completely agree that they should not have taken such a terrible risk for themselves and their unborn child. But not entirely sure they chose to have another child while held hostage. It may be that she was raped.
5
people who voluntarily put themselves in danger should NOT expect others to risk their lives saving them, not to mention th cost involved
there is one SURE way to not be taken hostage in th mideast
STAY HOME
6
Backpacking in Afghanistan? This young couple obviously did not heed the State Dept. warnings of travel into this region. As awful as their situation has become, the US gov't is not entirely responsible for their choices. I question travelers motivations who go to dangerous areas of the world. Why put one's self in such potential extreme peril? And then expect the gov't to help them out.
14
Hostage taking is a no-win situation for the government. The family of he hostages, naturally, want their relatives freed, no matter what means are used: force, diplomatic negotiations, exchange of prisoners and even ransom. The first may backfire and make things worse, the second takes a long time to give results, the third may require giving up a valuable element for the safety of the hostage, the last may be effective but opens the door to taking hostages for profit. Meanwhile, as the families get more and more desperate, they complain of lack of empathy and attention on the part of the government. There are persons who in the performance of their official duties are exposed to the danger of being taken hostages, under these conditions the government properly is expected to try everything to release them. However, not always is possible to have success.
2
Though negotiating hostage release is really a difficult task, specially for the US due to the wider presence of its nationals in different war zones spread across the globe and a common anti-American sentiment in large parts of the world, yet the changed policy stance of the Obama administration about averting foreign military presence, and a more humane and pragmatic approach to the hostage issue should help deal the problem amicably.
I have to word this carefully: I have a great deal of sympathy for the victims and families of these kidnappings. At the same time, I recognize that, with the exception of active-duty military or civilian employees of the government, such victims are in these danger zones of their own volition for the purpose of financial enrichment or cultural experiences. That includes contractors, freelance reporters and backpackers. I'm glad the US government has become more sharing with the families about efforts to free the victims, but for the families to blame the US government for the extended captivity of their loved ones is not right. With the exceptions noted above, these kidnappings could have been avoided by staying out of known danger areas, including all of Afghanistan, all of Iraq and all of Syria. Most Americans I'm sure, including me, cannot understand why responsible adults would put themselves in such obvious danger.
49
Do keep in mind that a number of these captives were civilian relief workers in these war zones for humanitarian reasons, not "backpackers" or other tourists.
1
Do you believe they were hiking for recreation/leisure? Or is it possible that's a cover and they work for 'the government?' Hard to believe anyone would be in that territory for vacation.
2
You've already answered your last question -- financial enrichment or cultural experiences. You are of course correct that their families should not be blaming the government for where they find themselves, however, a family member of someone in that type of horrific situation may not be thinking entirely rationally.
2
I feel sympathy for the family of this couple. I feel sympathy for the children born in captivity-they are innocent victims their parents stupid and reckless actions. Who in their right mind would backpack into a war zone in Afghanistan? The father openly admitted they were in dangerous territory. Anyone in their right mind should have known something like this could happen.
19
Now that this administration believes in paying ransom we can expect the number of hostages to increase.
7
There is a downside to the Obama Administration's announcement that it will no longer bring criminal charges against families that pay ransom for the release of hostages.
We saw what happened after Somali fishermen saw easy profits in seizing ships in the Indian Ocean. Less obvious and more wearisome is the likelihood that all Americans abroad will be viewed as both rich and easy pickings. How will the U.S. government respond to the humiliation when dozens of families take to Facebook and other social media sites with pleas for donations to help pay those ransoms?
We saw what happened after Somali fishermen saw easy profits in seizing ships in the Indian Ocean. Less obvious and more wearisome is the likelihood that all Americans abroad will be viewed as both rich and easy pickings. How will the U.S. government respond to the humiliation when dozens of families take to Facebook and other social media sites with pleas for donations to help pay those ransoms?
8
What about the hostages from GWB's presidency that we have in Cuba? Have we contacted their families?
4
I have never been an Obama fan but he has tried to rescue hostages before this occasion. The woman who was recently murdered had been moved when the troops arrived to try to rescue her but her parents have been so nasty to Obama. When people choose to go to the middle east, they assume the risk of death as in any war zone. It is not Obama's fault when they are beheaded.
20
I am so proud of Obama for all the opposition he has to have endure he has done a remarkable job with hostages and getting them out and safely. I may not support Obama on a lot of things but with hostages he has been outstanding with getting the job done. Enjoy your last few months of your presidential term Mr. President.
10
If families that can afford to pay are allowed to pay ramsom then what about those who cannot? This policy is reversal is wrong.
8
Another important, late course adjustment by the Administration on a human issue, that matters to families and the nation. Badly needed but done without fanfare, may the President continue to have quiet success during the few remaining months of his term--and may American families see their interests and concerns guide his Administration's final steps of progress.
24
Seems like good news for the kidnap industry and for Western fools who walk into these traps knowing full well that it is dangerous and being kidnapped is a real possibility.
Absolutely the wrong approach, and nothing to applaud the Obama administration for. Hostages are taken because ransoms will be paid, ransoms which ultimately fund more terrorism and hostage taking.
They should rather fund a public awareness campaign that if you travel to a hot-bed area as an individual, you are firmly on your own. No one is coming to your rescue.
Contractors and journalists working in those areas for profit should demand better protections by their employers who are making money by sending them there.
The best, of course, would be a dramatic change in U.S. foreign policy, such that kidnapping would no longer be felt to be necessary.
Also, the U.S. and its allies need to learn how to carry on talks with guerilla forces that do not constitute sovereign nation-states instead of sending drones and wiping out entire families that had nothing to do with the guerillas.