Reporters and Aid Workers

[Bob Wells]

I realize this may set off a few alarms and just looking for some discussion.
If you travel overseas to a war zone for reasons other than being a terrorist and you are kidnapped and held for ransom or murdered/ executed, are you not aware of those consequences before going? This is the part that may upset some. Why do some people feel as though it is the responsibility of the government to get you out? The military sends in the special ops guys to attempt these rescues at the potential loss of life and yes at expense. Folks at home push to have exchanges done to get their loved one homes. I like the idea we don't negotiate. I know this sounds harsh and I have really struggled with it. We have folks that already accuse us as a nation as being weak, but I don't have to give weapons to terrorist, or finance them by paying a ransom, only to have them used against us in the future. I remember Iran/ Contra and we see how that has worked for us, money flowed into Afghanistan while the Russian were there and looked what we helped create. Friends we have made in countries like Iran, Panama, Cuba, Nicaragua and the like because we wanted friends, even bad friends. Personally nation building hasn't been a strong suit since the end of World War II and all we really did then is rehab work then. I know I am off topic but in my mind it all fits together. Maybe it's time we stay home, do what we need to do to protect our home. If you want to travel to war zones be aware of the consequences and know we may not come to get you. Thanks for letting me share. Moderators if this is too much please you have my permission to delete.

 

[Andy A]

One man's opinion. It is not too much as it is a simple, yet complicated answer. The simple answer is they are American citizens and we have always attempted to rescue our own, especially the military. The more complex answer is, the nation building part. I think many confuse nation building with our answer to treaties of the past and our assistance as deliniated in those treaties. You are right when you say it is time for us to remain at home but I'm not sure of your reason why. I have my reason. Not since WW II have we won a war. More importantly, we don't know how to win a war or else we don't have the gumption to do so. Let me modify slightly. Our leaders have not known how to win a war. The military certainly has but not been allowed to do so because of "collateral damage". If you are really fighting to win a war, "collateral damage" is necessary. I cite the defeat of Japan, at the saving of many American lives, as an example. It is an interesting subject you bring forth, Bob.

 

[Zebraspots]

Unfortunately there are too many dangerous places in the world for Americans to realistically avoid all of them and while people take precautions, stuff happens. The number of people kidnapped compared to the number working abroad for NGOs and media outlets is actually rather small.

IMO, one of the great things about being an American citizen is that we try to rescue you. Now if we have to rescue you a second time.....

 

[Bob Wells]

Unfortunately there are too many dangerous places in the world for Americans to realistically avoid all of them and while people take precautions, stuff happens. The number of people kidnapped compared to the number working abroad for NGOs and media outlets is actually rather small.

IMO, one of the great things about being an American citizen is that we try to rescue you. Now if we have to rescue you a second time.....

Don't think we should rescue them in the first place, they knew what they were getting themselves into when they went. If I am arrested in another country where diplomatic relations are, I can see assisting but I also know if I break the laws here or somewhere else it benefits me to know what is acceptable and unacceptable behavior so that I can avoid being arrested.

Andy my reasons for "staying home" are quite simple, I am tired of seeing my country attempting to change the way another country acts towards their own people. I am tired of the friends we make and prop up with billions of dollars who are evil and we should be ashamed of ourselves for being consorting with them. I am tired that the world sees us as the policeman ready to dive in head first into the fray with the blood of our military. I tired of my country carrying the lions share of the cost for these things. Folks out there think President Obama is the problem, I don't blame him any differently than I blame every President since Truman, post WWII. They have all played apart in where we are today. I don't want anyone to mistake what I am saying, protecting National interest, ok, preempting a terror attack, fine. Here is all I will say about our current battle with regards to ISIS, take no regard for collateral damage and unleash the military without ROE and pound their asses into the ground, then come home. Leave Iraq, Syria, Afghanistan Iran and the like alone. Folks that are worried about Iran and nukes, not saying I care for them having them but hey don't like the North Koreans having them either. The US is the only country that has used them in anger and really I don't see that changing. That is my take... Have an awesome day.

 

[Andy A]

I agree with what you say completely! A word about "Rule of Engagement". Ground troops and pilots as well, had their hands tied in many cases. They had to be shot at first before they could return fire. The Rules of Engagement laid down by our leaders are ludicrous.