The families of hostages who have been killed by ISIS, including the family of Indianapolis-native Peter Kassig, say they are grateful the U.S. is making changes to its hostage policy, giving families of hostages more freedom to negotiate for their loved ones’ release.
The White House today announced a significant shift in its decades-old hostage policy, removing the threat of prosecution for families who try to negotiated with captors or pay ransom.
The decision comes several months after President Obama ordered a comprehensive review of U.S. hostage policy that was prompted by criticism from families of hostages who were killed at the hands of the so-called Islamic State.
Among them was Indianapolis native Peter Kassig, who was murdered in November.
Kassig’s parents repeatedly reached out to his captors on Twitter, asking what they could do to secure his release.
In a statement, the families of Kayla Mueller, Peter, also known as Abdul Rahman, Kassig and Steven Sotloff said they appreciate that the government gave them the opportunity to voice their concerns during the review process.
“We have faith that the changes announced today will lead to increased success in bringing our citizens home. When we see evidence of this occurring, it will further our healing,” the joint statement read.
Director of Indiana University’s Center on Congress Lee Hamilton agrees the revised policy is a step forward.
“I think the policy we’ve had for many years has ignored the interests, just totally ignored the interests, of the family of the hostage,” Hamilton says. “This policy does strike a better balance.”
President Obama says families of hostages suffer enough and shouldn’t feel victimized by their own government.