Assigning Blame

The Taliban are holding captive an American teacher whom they kidnapped. His health is poor and the Taliban are blaming the US for his condition because the US has failed to negotiate his release. It’s a lame publicity attempt to influence world opinion. The US has a rule that it won’t bargain with terrorists or pay ransom because if it does even once, the kidnappings will never end. The situation is hell for the captive and his family. It seems like his government has abandoned him. Yet, in principle and practice, the US is right in withholding money. It just looks bad.  There are times when perception goes against one who is doing the right thing. There is little one can do except to hope for a better understanding later on — eventual redemption. Meanwhile, the Taliban grab the headlines.