Any person that has a problem with us NOT negotiating with terrorists, does not understand our policy in this regard.
WE DO NOT pay blood money to despots, murderers, and terrorists!
Doing so would not only set a horrible precedent but it would only embolden the other “evil” leaders that seek ill-gotten rewards.
Saddam was using extortion.
What would Saddam do with 1 billion dollars?
Saddam & sons could stir more Arab outrage living in exile with saber rattling.