Voice of America: Obama Announces Changes to US Hostage Policy
President Barack Obama has ordered an extensive reform of U.S. policies about dealing with hostage-takers, and he pledged the government will use "all instruments of national power" to recover Americans being held prisoner abroad by terrorists.
The government will no longer threaten to prosecute families who try to negotiate with kidnappers, or pay ransom to win their relatives' release, Obama said Wednesday at the White House.
WNU Editor: After opening the door with the negotiated release of Sgt. Bergdahl from his Taliban captors .... how could the White House then say no to these families.
More News On The U.S. Changing Its Hostage Policies
Obama allows US hostage families to pay ransoms -- BBC
Families negotiating ransom for U.S. hostages won't be prosecuted, Obama says -- AP
In new hostage policy, U.S. will not prosecute families for paying ransom -- Reuters
White House OKs discussions with terror groups holding U.S. hostages -- CNN
White House unveils hostage policy review, takes heat for opening door to terror ransoms -- FOX News
Lawmakers Blast Obama's Hostage Policy Reforms -- NBC