RISK FACTORS IN HOSTAGE SITUATIONS (original) (raw)
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Of targets and ransoms: a look at hostages and non-ransom policies in terrorist attacks.
The notion of not paying ransoms to release hostages taken by terrorist groups is one that is deeply ingrained within the terrorist discourse, without being properly explained or conceptualized even. It stems from traditionalised counter-terrorist policies that have no theoretical understanding of the basic set of ideas tied to behaviour during negotiations, on the part of the offender and on the part of the defender. Notions like empathy, understanding and patience are seen as steps towards reconciliation, as opposed to techniques of manipulation that can be used to undermine the action of terrorist groups (Dolnik and Fitzgerald, 2011). This discourse has emerged again, following the decidedly sudden appearance and unpredictably rapid expansion of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (heretofore referred to as ISIS) - the extension of what has come to be known as their caliphate, has implicated previously relatively peaceful areas of Northern Africa, interfering with the work of local development Non-Governmental Organisations. ISIS has started preying on aid workers, tourists and journalists as well, and the difference in ransom policies has become marked again between the US and UK and some European states like Italy, France and Germany. In spite of the well-known policies put forth by states that traditionally do not pay ransoms, the influx of US and UK travellers in the areas at risk has not stopped. On the contrary, when juxtaposed with the behaviour of mainland European states in a multiple hostage scenario, the divergence in rescue or ransom tactics is amplified. The fact that this marked difference in tactics (or lack of thereof) has resurfaced, provokes a discussion about the motivations behind the kidnappings of nationals for whom their states will not pay. At the same time, we need to analyse whether the work of local NGOs has somehow exacerbated the situation, by essentially providing active terrorist groups with a ‘hostage pool’. What this short essay will attempt to observe is the main practice in ransom policies, its ultimate usefulness and the interaction of NGOs with terrorist groups with the circumstances that are subsequently created. Ultimately, the above questions regard the principle of non-negotiation and if it is really as functional as policymakers think it to be. For the purpose of this essay negotiation will be defined as engagement in political discourse and as a practical procedure of bargaining between two opposing parties.
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