[spetznaz]

I have only my instinct to tell me this, but my guess is that the captors are a probably a bunch of rowdy and unsophisticated local boys who thought they would aid the cause and threaten to kill their hostages, then when their bluff was called, they didn't actually have the guts to follow through. Now they're pretending to come to a diplomatic end in order to save face.

It is not a 'guts' issue ....this is the scum that ambushed those other contractors and mutilated their bodies, and they seem to have no qualms shooting at our soldiers. Killing a hapless hostage does not require guts for a murderous oaf!

The reason behind the hostage ping-pong is based on some clerics (on our side) issuing a Fatwa on hostage taking, essentially banning it, and other clerics (those against us) saying it is fair game. Hence you see some groups capturing hostages and then setting them free. There is probably some power play between the older clerics who want to remain in power, and the younger firebrands (like Sadr) who want to take power in a more overt way. If the Fatwa takes hold then the hostages will be released. In the case of the Japanese hostages it seemed they were due to be killed, then they were supposed to be released, and now no word on what is to happen.

The best thing is to pray for Mr Hamill and the other hostages. Until they set foot on American soil (here or in Iraq) they need prayer.

[tdadams]

You don't know any more than I do what's at the root of their hesitance to kill the hostages. At least I'm honest enough to say it's only my opinion. You give us your version like you're some CIA operative on the ground in Fallujah.

As much as you and I may despise radical Muslim terrorists, I'm not so inclined to paint everyone with a broad brush. I believe there are reluctant and easily manipulated participants who are unwitting pawns in the hands of older, more cowardly manipulators. Think about the 14 year old Palestinian boy who was sent to blow up Israeli soldiers at a border checkpoint. He didn't want to kill anyone and he didn't want to die for "the cause". He was a half-wit who got roped into sacrificing himself for the benefit of jihadi leaders who were too cowardly to carry it out themselves.

I stand by what I said. As much as we see the radical, violent Muslims intent on killing westerners, I believe there are also moderate Muslims who wish to live in peace. And then there are young, gullible pawns who simply want to feel like they're part of something. It's not inconceivable, is it, that these hostage takers got caught up in doing something for "the cause" and ended up in over their heads, only to realize they didn't have the will to carry out their threats?

I offered my opinion, nothing more and nothing less. Don't be such a know it all. Even the Pentagon and CIA is guessing at a lot of what's going on. Why on earth should I give your analysis any credibilty?

[gracex7]

Sounds plausible. I agree that we need to keep them in prayer, also Kellie Hamill, who having undergone open-heart surgery, certainly doesn't need this added stress in her recovery.

[monkeywrench]

Bttt! Good answer!

[fly_so_free]

"They need prayer"

Yes, prayers for them for their safe return, in the Name of our Lord Jesus, Amen