I wonder how many of them thought that if they just obeyed that things would turn out fine.
They likely wanted to believe that no one could be as evil as these terrorists. It is difficult to imagine anyone being as sick as those bastards.
Also frightening is the risk posed by our own left wing, as subversive operatives in the war on terror. There should be no question about the war, the targets, etc. The 'enlightened' left including Kerry seem to think that we can negotiate or reason with terrorists.
That's what terrorists count on.
That's also why normally special forces try to rescue the hostages within 24 to 36 hours. After that, Stockholm Syndrome clicks in, and people will not only do anything the terrorists want, they will even defend them against their rescuers.