[tdadams]

whats the point of these terrorists to take hostages only to release them a few days later?

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.

[Eagle Eye]

Somebody may have reminded them that killing the hostage would really, really, really really, piss off the wrong people really, really really, really, badly.

[gieriscm]

I have no idea why the hostage is being let go, but I doubt it's because his captors are squeamish about killing. What hasn't been reported in the news is that the hostage was in a convoy of nine fuel trucks that was attacked. He jumped out of his burning truck and was captured. The other eight drivers died.

[plain talk]

they didn't actually have the guts to follow through

I don't think that is the case. The culture over there is pretty barbaric. Perhaps they believe he's worth more to them alive than dead.

[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.