You gotta use the Ronald Reagan Plan, stupid!"
I keep wondering what all the fuss is about with the hostages in Iraq. I mean, I'm very sorry that when you send people into a place that GW says "we're welcome" to be, that undoubtedly you'll end up with some friendly "hostages". When it's a person from our armed forces, my heart breaks. When it's a "contractor" I feel a bit better, hey you were the one trying to cash in on this thing, it's your life, throw it away anyway you want (maybe you could have stayed home and fought this terrible administration?). I supposed we'll NEVER know the full story, and who or what is behind each situation.
So I noticed this article on the Philippines and their "hostage negotiations". You guys got it almost right. You need to do what Reagan did: talk tough, tough, tough...Then behind the scenes, you cut a backroom deal to release the hostages. I'm guessing thats what's throwing off the captors. You just don't ever say "yes". You say no, no no. We'll NEVER give you what you want, you thugs. Then- of course...You give them exactly what they want, when it can be of political benefit....Yeah...Just like in Iran....