ISIS & Kidnapping: Should Countries Pay Ransom for Kidnapped Hostages

One of the ways that ISIS funds its operations is through kidnappings and ransoms, primarily from western countries. However, not all countries, including the United States, negotiate with the terrorists and refuse to pay ransom for the hostages. ISIS has executed those hostages and publicized their deaths (often by beheading), through social media.





Should countries accede to terrorists' ransom demands, or allow innocent people to be killed, often in gruesome and public ways?


The Fate of 23 Hostages

Should Nations Just Pay ISIS Ransom?

Why Countries Should Think About Paying Ransoms

Should the US Pay Ransom for ISIS Hostages

Paying Ransoms, Europe Bankrolls Terrorism

After reading the above articles and watching the videos, write an editorial arguing either for or against countries paying ransom for hostages. Include specific reasons for your position.

Standard--Integration of Knowledge and Ideas:

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RH.11-12.7
Integrate and evaluate multiple sources of information presented in diverse formats and media (e.g., visually, quantitatively, as well as in words) in order to address a question or solve a problem.