Taliban releases South Korean Hostages

[peterloo]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/6968179.stm

Taliban finally promised to release the hostages in exchange of the termination on missionaries spreading Christianity in Afghanistan as well as the withdrawal of troops in Afghanistan. :p

Some people, especially the relatives of the kidnapped, agreed with this, claiming that human life in much more important than others. It is a grace to see the remaining hostages coming back to their home country safety, isn't it? (except the two who were executed by Taliban, I feel very sorry to both of them)

Others disagreed (I don't think George Bush will be happy about this ), arguing that this act is equivalent to a surrender to the "rebels and terrorists", and these "insurgents" may kidnap more in order to add pressure to the White House, forcing them to withdraw troops, or give them other benefits, which may eventually cripple Bush and his party. (You know, Bush's prestige... , and his new competitors)

I've already finished my naggy introduction. It's high time for YOU to express you points of view towards the release. Do you AGREE, or NOT? Why?

[JALU3]

The question is, based on appeasement . . . when will this stop? Or does appeasement only bread continuation of acts such as this . . . or a growth in the magnitude of these acts?

[Skybird]

Media said the Taleban claim to have earned 20 million dollars, and that they show off and say they want to spend the money on improving their communication and buy more weapons and additional vehicles for terror attacks.

I personally am convinced that the Koreans payed money. Else it does not make sense for me.

They arranged the release of their hostages at the cost of dozens and hundreds killed in the near future. Hope they can sleep well with that knoweldge.

The hostages were no governmental aid-workers, but represented a christian missionary organization. I have a tick about missonaries anyway, but if they go willingly into a country where they knwo they are not wanted with their missionary projects, than I think they should deal with their fates themselves when they get into trouble. I do not see why states and governments are responsible to act when their citizens behave intentionally stupid.

If I would be in charge and somebody kidnapps people and sends a contactman to negotiate the price for releasing them, all they would get from me is that man's head as the only comment ever. Missionaries would need to take that into account before going into a place where they are not welcomed.

[JALU3]

Originally Posted by Skybird

The hostages were no governmental aid-workers, but represented a christian missionary organization. I have a tick about missonaries anyway, but if they go willingly into a country where they knwo they are not wanted with their missionary projects, than I think they should deal with their fates themselves when they get into trouble.

They could always have died as Christian Martyers . . . but that seems to only be in fasion for Islamist who like to kill themselves amoungst "infidels" in large crowds.

[The Avon Lady]

So predictable!

[The Avon Lady]

For what it's worth.

[The Avon Lady]

Getting what you pay for.

Originally Posted by The Avon Lady

So predictable!

I found this...interesting:

A senior Taliban commander said on condition of anonymity at the weekend that the deal also included a ransom payment of more than $US20 million ($24.32 million), which would be used to buy weapons and fund suicide attacks.

Thank you, South Korea, for insuring a continuation of killing by The Taliban, Inc. They couldn't have done it without your financial assistance, rolling-over, and playing dead for people who you know will kill, and kill, and kill again.

Doesn't anyone there realize that if you GIVE them what they want, they'll learn that by doing it again and again, that you'll give them what they want, again, and again?

Where's the child psychologist when you need him?