The Obama Administration and hostage policy

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Nov 19, 2014

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The Obama Administration and hostage policy

Yesterday the White House confirmed it was in talks to review its policy regarding citizens taken hostage.

EDGARTOWN, MA - AUGUST 20: (AFP OUT) U.S. President Barack Obama makes a statement about the execution of American journalist James Foley by ISIS terrorists in Iraq during a press briefing at the press filing center at the Edgartown School August 20, 2014 in Edgartown, Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts. A video released shows an ISIS militant beheading Foley in what is believed to be retaliation for U.S. airstrikes in Iraq. The militant then threatens the life of another American hostage, Steven Sotloff, who is also missing. (Photo by Rick Friedman-Pool/Getty Images)

Yesterday the White House confirmed it was in talks to review its policy regarding citizens taken hostage.

The Daily Beast first reported the change after they obtained a copy of a letter from the Obama Administration to California Congressman Duncan Hunter.

Officials would not confirm exact details, but did say that the ban on paying ransom would not change.

We talked about it with Brigitte Nacos, an adjunct professor of political science at Columbia University and author of the book, "Terrorism and Counterterrorism."