Western couple held captive in Afghanistan. Should the US/Canadian government ransom?

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 04 Jun 2014 15:19:23 -0400

This couple was voluntarily traveling to Afghanistan. They are now held by the Taliban. Should they be rescued/ransomed?

http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/ap-exclusive-videos-of-couple-held-in-afghanistan/2014/06/04/2a250e02-ec0b-11e3-b10e-5090cf3b5958_story.html

Response by SGT Ben Keen made Jun 4 at 2014 3:56 PM

SGT Ben Keen — Wed, 04 Jun 2014 15:56:54 -0400

Wouldn't any sort of discussion be classified as negotiating with terrorists??

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 4 at 2014 4:08 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 04 Jun 2014 16:08:06 -0400

There's a clear difference here - SGT Bergdahl is an active duty soldier, the others are civilians. Like it or not, there's two very different directives. There is no "we shall leave no civilian behind" motto.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 4 at 2014 4:19 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 04 Jun 2014 16:19:51 -0400

Wait, wait, wait.

What in the world were they doing in Afghanistan? They had to sneak over there. I thought that place was off limits to US citizens.
The difference is they went on their own free will over there probably snuck into the country. SGT B was ordered over there to do a job for this country.
If im the POTUS I look into it but Im not giving up nothing to get them back.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 5 at 2014 7:54 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 05 Aug 2014 19:54:16 -0400

They were there of their own free will. Unless they've lived off in the Canadian tundra with no power or tv for the last 10 or 15 years, it's their stupidity that got them where they are now. The same goes for anyone that decides to go to any uncivilized, third world cesspit for vacation.