I wonder what it cost us.
CNN is saying this:
“The United States was not involved in negotiations for his release, but was aware of private efforts to secure the release, two U.S. law enforcement officials said. It’s not known whether any ransom was paid, the officials said.”
http://www.cnn.com/2014/08/24/world/meast/american-released-syria/index.html?c=homepage-t