Actually the only sane policy is never to pay ransom to kidnapping terrorists, because it only encourages them to do more of it.
This would be true even if they kidnapped some completely admirable and innocent Americans, or even if they kidnapped one of our troops or a diplomat. You can't bargain with terrorists.
Of course in this case their demands are insanely over the top, and the victims are not really innocent. They went over there to make trouble for our country and our troops, however naively. We should certainly try to rescue them if we can, but we cannot pay blackmail or ransom.
I completely agree. I will say that I think they're puddin' heads, but I'm not convinced they're doing this to hurt our nation. Yes, they'll be propaganda fodder for sure, but I think they're woefully ignorant lemings. If they had a lick of sense, they would have avoided what has taken place.
NO! You do not pay ransom. Sorry folks. You stuck your neck out and unfortunately for you, someone took you up on it.
Right on!