Obama Announces Changes to US Hostage Policy
In-Depth Coverage
by VOA News June 24, 2015
President Barack Obama on Wednesday unveiled an extensive reform of U.S. policies for dealing with hostage-takers, in which he pledged to use 'all instruments of national power' to recover Americans held by terrorists abroad.
In a lengthy policy directive released shortly before the president's White House meeting with former hostages and their families, Obama said the government could and would 'assist private efforts to communicate with hostage-takers ... through public or private intermediaries.'
Unlike some European allies, the United States does not make concessions to hostage-takers and has a strict no-payments strategy, saying ransoms only encourage further kidnappings and put funds in the hands of militants.
Wednesday's action was prompted by sharp criticism of the government's handling of hostage incidents by victims' relatives who said they had been threatened with prosecution if they paid, or tried to pay, any ransom.
The government, Obama said, will no longer threaten to prosecute families who try to negotiate with kidnappers or choose to pay ransom to win their relatives' release.
'These families have already suffered enough, and they should never feel ignored or victimized by their own government,' he said.
Abiding by results of a six-month policy guidelines review for dealing with hostage situations, Obama said the government would maintain its rule of making 'no concessions' to hostage-takers, and still opposed the payment of ransoms.
'I firmly believe that the United States government paying ransom to terrorists risks endangering more Americans and funding the very terrorism that we're trying to stop, and so I firmly believe that our policy ultimately puts fewer Americans at risk,' he said. 'At the same time, we are clarifying that our policy does not prevent communication with hostage-takers — by our government, the families of hostages, or third parties who help these families.
'When appropriate, our government may assist these families and private efforts in those communications — in part, to ensure the safety of family members and to make sure that they're not defrauded,' he said. 'So my message to these families is simple: We're not going to abandon you. We will stand by you.'
As part of the new policy, a central hub called the Hostage Recovery Fusion Cell is being created at the FBI that will bring together experts from across government to locate and rescue hostages, and that will work closely with families, helping to facilitate communication with kidnappers.
Obama also said he would soon appoint 'a senior diplomat as my special presidential envoy for hostage affairs, who will be focused solely on leading our diplomatic efforts with other countries to bring our people home.'
The president ended his remarks on this note: "Today, my message to anyone who harms Americans is that we do not forget. Our reach is long. Justice will be done."
The New York-based Committee to Protect Journalists — a group representing a profession whose members are especially vulnerable to terrorism — said it supported the policy changes.
Executive Director Joel Simon said Wednesday that the new policy 'should lessen the anguish of the families and improve the likelihood of a successful outcome. ... Each kidnapping is different, so successful resolution depends on maintaining a flexible, pragmatic approach.'
Several U.S. hostages have been killed in the past year in the Middle East, including some beheaded in videos released by Islamic State militants.
Last year, U.S. officials exchanged five Taliban detainees held at the naval base at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, to secure the release of U.S. Army Sergeant Bowe Bergdahl, who had been held five years by Taliban forces in Afghanistan.
White House Homeland Security Adviser Lisa Monaco told reporters that more than 30 Americans were now being held outside the United States.
VOA's Aru Pande contributed to this report from the White House. Some information for this report came from Reuters.
http://www.globalsecurity.org/security/library/news/2015/06/sec-150624-voa01.htm?_m=3n%2e002a%2e1452%2eqx0ao0791x%2e1bzu
In-Depth Coverage
by VOA News June 24, 2015
President Barack Obama on Wednesday unveiled an extensive reform of U.S. policies for dealing with hostage-takers, in which he pledged to use 'all instruments of national power' to recover Americans held by terrorists abroad.
In a lengthy policy directive released shortly before the president's White House meeting with former hostages and their families, Obama said the government could and would 'assist private efforts to communicate with hostage-takers ... through public or private intermediaries.'
Unlike some European allies, the United States does not make concessions to hostage-takers and has a strict no-payments strategy, saying ransoms only encourage further kidnappings and put funds in the hands of militants.
Wednesday's action was prompted by sharp criticism of the government's handling of hostage incidents by victims' relatives who said they had been threatened with prosecution if they paid, or tried to pay, any ransom.
The government, Obama said, will no longer threaten to prosecute families who try to negotiate with kidnappers or choose to pay ransom to win their relatives' release.
'These families have already suffered enough, and they should never feel ignored or victimized by their own government,' he said.
Abiding by results of a six-month policy guidelines review for dealing with hostage situations, Obama said the government would maintain its rule of making 'no concessions' to hostage-takers, and still opposed the payment of ransoms.
'I firmly believe that the United States government paying ransom to terrorists risks endangering more Americans and funding the very terrorism that we're trying to stop, and so I firmly believe that our policy ultimately puts fewer Americans at risk,' he said. 'At the same time, we are clarifying that our policy does not prevent communication with hostage-takers — by our government, the families of hostages, or third parties who help these families.
'When appropriate, our government may assist these families and private efforts in those communications — in part, to ensure the safety of family members and to make sure that they're not defrauded,' he said. 'So my message to these families is simple: We're not going to abandon you. We will stand by you.'
As part of the new policy, a central hub called the Hostage Recovery Fusion Cell is being created at the FBI that will bring together experts from across government to locate and rescue hostages, and that will work closely with families, helping to facilitate communication with kidnappers.
Obama also said he would soon appoint 'a senior diplomat as my special presidential envoy for hostage affairs, who will be focused solely on leading our diplomatic efforts with other countries to bring our people home.'
The president ended his remarks on this note: "Today, my message to anyone who harms Americans is that we do not forget. Our reach is long. Justice will be done."
The New York-based Committee to Protect Journalists — a group representing a profession whose members are especially vulnerable to terrorism — said it supported the policy changes.
Executive Director Joel Simon said Wednesday that the new policy 'should lessen the anguish of the families and improve the likelihood of a successful outcome. ... Each kidnapping is different, so successful resolution depends on maintaining a flexible, pragmatic approach.'
Several U.S. hostages have been killed in the past year in the Middle East, including some beheaded in videos released by Islamic State militants.
Last year, U.S. officials exchanged five Taliban detainees held at the naval base at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, to secure the release of U.S. Army Sergeant Bowe Bergdahl, who had been held five years by Taliban forces in Afghanistan.
White House Homeland Security Adviser Lisa Monaco told reporters that more than 30 Americans were now being held outside the United States.
VOA's Aru Pande contributed to this report from the White House. Some information for this report came from Reuters.
http://www.globalsecurity.org/security/library/news/2015/06/sec-150624-voa01.htm?_m=3n%2e002a%2e1452%2eqx0ao0791x%2e1bzu
Today at 10:54 am by Rocky
» Al-Ardawi: The Sudanese government seeks to liberalize the Iraqi dinar and stabilize the economy
Today at 10:43 am by wciappetta
» utube 4/18/24 Iraq: Over 14 Agreements Signed Between Iraq and US BREAKING NEWS from Congress.
Today at 7:04 am by Rocky
» utube MM&C 4/16/24 IQD Update - Iraq Dinar - America - Activate - Massive Economic Deals -
Today at 7:02 am by Rocky
» utube MM&c 4/19/24 Iraqi Dinar - Private Sector - Economic Stability - Financial Reform - Al Sudan
Today at 7:01 am by Rocky
» Iraq officially signs the “Singapore” agreement to resolve trade disputes
Today at 6:59 am by Rocky
» Parliament Finance advises raising exchange rates again... What about oil revenues?
Today at 6:55 am by Rocky
» Al-Sudani: Iraq is in the process of recovery and has taken its leading position that attracts work
Today at 6:54 am by Rocky
» Al-Araji: Iraq is prepared to deal with all circumstances and seeks partnership with the United Stat
Today at 6:52 am by Rocky
» Sudanese from Michigan: The government represents all components and is keen to take care of the aff
Today at 6:50 am by Rocky
» Democratic Party: The "new generation" is the most corrupt and has dozens of cases in court
Today at 6:47 am by Rocky
» What is the benefit of Iraq establishing a petrochemical plant in Egypt?!.. An oil expert explains
Today at 6:46 am by Rocky
» A judicial delegation participates in the Permanent International Forum for Commercial Courts in Qat
Today at 6:43 am by Rocky
» Al-Sudani: The government follows a balanced policy that makes Iraq a station for security
Today at 6:42 am by Rocky
» Deduction of 160 million dinars from the salaries of MPs absent from Parliament sessions
Today at 6:40 am by Rocky
» Central Bank: Washington praised Iraq's measures to resolve 80% of the financial transfer file
Today at 5:13 am by Rocky
» Voices of Resilience: Al-Sudani’s frankness embarrasses the White House
Today at 5:12 am by Rocky
» Al-Alaq confirms the formation of a committee between Baghdad and Washington regarding sanctions on
Today at 5:10 am by Rocky
» Former MP: The Democrat will not hand over power after the regional elections
Today at 5:07 am by Rocky
» Document/allocation of 20% of the lands of Al-Jawahiri Complex to employees of the Ministry of Defen
Today at 5:06 am by Rocky
» Al-Hakim: Al-Sudani’s visit to Washington was a protocol and missed the two most important files
Today at 5:05 am by Rocky
» Parliamentary Security: The National Security Service law will be voted on by Parliament soon
Today at 5:04 am by Rocky
» Reconstruction and Housing: Zarbatieh residential project completed by 82%
Today at 5:01 am by Rocky
» Al-Sudani reveals an intention to establish Al-Faw refinery with a capacity of 300 thousand barrels
Today at 5:00 am by Rocky
» Government readiness to move the Doura refinery to an alternative location.. What are the conditions
Today at 4:59 am by Rocky
» Al-Sudani’s visit to Washington.. Implications and results
Today at 4:56 am by Rocky
» Association of Iraqi Private Banks: The suspension of some electronic payment services yesterday was
Today at 4:55 am by Rocky
» Parliamentary memorandum.. Two solutions were before the Federal Court instead of removing the compo
Today at 4:53 am by Rocky
» Blue fuel... Iraqi steps towards inexhaustible wealth for a century
Today at 4:51 am by Rocky
» For fear of being "upset"... MPs "evade" signing to host Al-Sudani in Parliament
Today at 4:50 am by Rocky
» Al-Sudani’s statement to convert 40% of Iraq’s exports into derivatives.. What does it have to do wi
Today at 4:48 am by Rocky
» An Iraqi-American partnership to benefit from oil field gas
Today at 4:46 am by Rocky
» The Minister of Commerce announces the distribution of the first payments of farmers’ dues for the 2
Today at 4:45 am by Rocky
» Sudanese to members of the Iraqi community in the American city of Houston: Iraq has regained its he
Today at 4:43 am by Rocky
» Romanski announces loans worth $50 million to support the Iraqi private sector
Today at 4:42 am by Rocky
» Prime Minister: We plan to invest production capacities for export
Today at 4:41 am by Rocky
» “Something happened” in Iran and no one is talking about Iraq and Syria. This is what we have so far
Today at 4:38 am by Rocky
» Al-Sudani asks the American Baker Institute for assistance in preparing studies related to the oil m
Today at 4:36 am by Rocky
» The Interior Ministry denies the occurrence of explosions inside Iraqi territory and diagnoses “the
Today at 4:35 am by Rocky
» Tensions between Najaf and Baghdad over the airport... the rule of law over “military force” and the
Today at 4:34 am by Rocky
» Al-Sudani from Washington: We agreed with Abu Dhabi on joint management of Al-Faw Port
Today at 4:33 am by Rocky
» "Al-Party" talks about the region's elections and reveals the reason for refusing to pay salaries di
Today at 4:31 am by Rocky
» Russia's oil is taking more of the Middle East's shares in the Indian market.. How much has Iraq los
Today at 4:29 am by Rocky
» Early next month.. Traffic confirms that the electronic payment system is working only
Today at 4:27 am by Rocky
» The Service Council accuses state departments of refraining from disbursing bonuses because of the m
Today at 4:25 am by Rocky
» Electricity: The Baghdad street lighting campaign will be completed before the middle of this year
Today at 4:24 am by Rocky
» Oil poses two conditions for moving the Doura refinery to an alternative location
Today at 4:23 am by Rocky
» The Foreign Minister reveals the truth about his resignation and the reason for his departure to Erb
Today at 4:22 am by Rocky
» Progress: Al-Halbousi’s acquittal has become conclusive, and his return to the presidency of Parliam
Today at 4:20 am by Rocky
» Disagreements strike Al-Maliki's coalition over choosing the governor of Diyala
Today at 4:19 am by Rocky
» The Union accuses Türkiye of exploiting the political situation for a ground incursion into Iraq
Today at 4:18 am by Rocky
» The Democratic Party: Barzani is eagerly awaiting the results of Al-Sudani’s visit to Washington
Today at 4:17 am by Rocky
» Frame: Al-Halbousi in the news and his return has become a pipe dream
Today at 4:16 am by Rocky
» A parliamentary request to capitalize on Erdogan’s visit to Baghdad to end the water crisis
Today at 4:15 am by Rocky
» Al-Sudani urges the US corporation Honeywell to help finish the Basra refinery
Yesterday at 2:48 pm by Rocky
» Al-Sudani Meets with Representatives of Western Media Outlets in Washington
Yesterday at 2:46 pm by Rocky
» Chairman of the Investment Authority signs the United Nations Convention on International Mediation
Yesterday at 2:44 pm by Rocky
» PM: We will sign a contract to establish the Al-Faw refinery with a Chinese company
Yesterday at 2:42 pm by Rocky
» PM arrives in Houston as part of his visit to USA
Yesterday at 2:41 pm by Rocky
» Militia Man & Crew 4/18/24 Bush signed it and all presidents implemented it. Iraq’s funds have been
Yesterday at 1:46 pm by Rocky
» Iraq is close to launching the electronic signature
Yesterday at 7:12 am by Rocky
» The Basra government discusses with an international oil company the implementation of social benefi
Yesterday at 7:11 am by Rocky
» The Prime Minister confirms to an American company: Gas projects in Iraq are a priority for the gove
Yesterday at 7:10 am by Rocky
» The Minister of Planning discusses with the World Bank mechanisms for scheduling external loans
Yesterday at 7:09 am by Rocky
» Oil sets the twenty-seventh of this month as the date for opening contracts for the fifth complement
Yesterday at 7:08 am by Rocky
» “Electronic begging”...professionalism and fabrication of stories” generates millions of dinars dail
Yesterday at 7:05 am by Rocky
» Al-Sudani calls on the American company Hanwell to contribute to the completion of the Basra refiner
Yesterday at 7:03 am by Rocky
» An American company expresses its willingness to establish LED lighting production lines in Iraq
Yesterday at 7:02 am by Rocky
» Including Iraq.. Iran announces the possibility of exporting 300 megawatts of “renewable electricity
Yesterday at 7:01 am by Rocky
» Political forces present two options to find an alternative to Al-Halbousi
Yesterday at 6:58 am by Rocky
» Parliament is awaiting the arrival of the budget schedules and the government is studying higher spe
Yesterday at 6:56 am by Rocky
» The International Monetary Fund adjusts its expectations for the development of the world’s economie
Yesterday at 6:54 am by Rocky
» A representative talks about the difficulty of finalizing the file of “electing the Speaker of Parli
Yesterday at 6:50 am by Rocky
» Work on preparing a law for diplomatic passports
Yesterday at 6:49 am by Rocky
» A female representative accuses the Ministry of Immigration of corruption
Yesterday at 6:47 am by Rocky
» Minister: Solving the Kurdistan salaries problem is the beginning of addressing other disputes betwe
Yesterday at 6:45 am by Rocky
» About 270 million dollars were sold by the Central Bank of Iraq in the currency auction
Yesterday at 6:42 am by Rocky
» The volume of trade exchange between Jordan and Iraq will exceed 800 million dinars in 2023
Yesterday at 6:41 am by Rocky
» Iraq signs memorandums of understanding with American companies in the fields of electricity, oil an
Yesterday at 5:31 am by Rocky
» The American company that manufactures the F16 expresses its readiness to implement the terms of con
Yesterday at 5:30 am by Rocky
» The volume of expected Qatari investments for the Iraq Fund for Development exceeds $3.5 billion
Yesterday at 5:29 am by Rocky
» Decrease in dollar prices in Baghdad and Erbil
Yesterday at 5:27 am by Rocky
» The President of the Region brings together the Kurdish parties to resolve the election file
Yesterday at 5:26 am by Rocky
» Al-Sudani receives in Washington the Chairman of JPMorgan
Yesterday at 5:25 am by Rocky
» Transport is starting to transform its ports into smart ones
Yesterday at 5:23 am by Rocky
» Sudanese reveals the volume of exchange with America
Yesterday at 5:22 am by Rocky
» "Al-Eqtisad News" publishes the memorandums of understanding signed between the Iraqi delegation and
Yesterday at 5:21 am by Rocky
» Al-Sudani urges an American company to contribute to establishing a chemical materials factory
Yesterday at 5:20 am by Rocky
» Iraq stresses the importance of Lockheed Martin's commitment to opening military aircraft maintenanc
Yesterday at 5:19 am by Rocky
» Iraq is on the verge of a “water disaster” by 2035
Yesterday at 5:18 am by Rocky
» Great satisfaction and optimism with the results of Sudanese’s visit to Washington
Yesterday at 5:16 am by Rocky
» Transport is beginning to adopt a plan to transform its ports into smart ones
Yesterday at 5:15 am by Rocky
» Completed 8,000 loan transactions at the Housing Bank
Yesterday at 5:14 am by Rocky
» Prime Minister: We plan to invest production capacities for export
Yesterday at 5:12 am by Rocky
» Transformation and partnership...a new horizon in Iraqi-American relations
Yesterday at 5:10 am by Rocky
» What is new in the economic dimension of the Washington visit?
Yesterday at 5:09 am by Rocky
» Two letters to the future
Yesterday at 5:08 am by Rocky
» National interests first
Yesterday at 5:06 am by Rocky
» Iraqi-American rapprochement...a national necessity
Yesterday at 5:05 am by Rocky