Do you negotiate with terrorists?

[Pasi Nurminen]

The hypothetical and therefore mostly useless scenario: terrorists have abducted your wife/girlfriend/mother/whatever, and threaten to kill him/her if their demands are not met within a timely fashion.

Would you want the terrorists to negotiate? Or would you tell them to go have intercourse with themselves?

For this scenario, assume that the terrorists' intentions of negotiation are genuine, and that if they are given what they want, or at least a reasonable compromise, they will release your loved one unharmed.

Poll coming.

 

[Narz]

Obviously I would negotiate with them to save loved ones. I'd rather kill them for threatening those I loved but if that were not an option, I'd give them anything (and then, once they were free, try to get it back... and then some).

 

[bhsup]

They're going to kill them anyway, that's what terrorists do. So wouldn't it be better to string them along and try to figure out a way to rescue the family members?

 

[Pasi Nurminen]

They're going to kill them anyway, that's what terrorists do. So wouldn't it be better to string them along and try to figure out a way to rescue the family members?

No. For this scenario, assume that the terrorists' intentions of negotiation are genuine, and that if they are given what they want, or at least a reasonable compromise, they will release your loved one unharmed.

 

[bhsup]

Hmm. Okay well on a personal level, I'd probably negotiate.

But, just like why a mother would never be allowed on the jury in a trial for her own child, we shouldn't let our personal feelings interfere with actual government policy. So if I'm just some farmer, yeah I'd pay money to get my family back. If I am the President, I just don't think I could betray my country like that and pull troops out or release prisoners. I don't know, though. Horrible call I just hope I'd never have to make.

 

[Tee Kay]

I would probably negotiate. These terrorists aren't wild alligators from Alpha Centauri, are they?

 

[Shylock]

As I become older I often find myself doing just that more and more often.

"Yes I filled out Form 519-91"
"I was going a bit under the speed limit"
"No I do not consent to a search"
"Yes I was absent that day"

 

[Perfection]

No. For this scenario, assume that the terrorists' intentions of negotiation are genuine, and that if they are given what they want, or at least a reasonable compromise, they will release your loved one unharmed.

How do I know that?

 

[Figaro]

It depends on what you consider negotiation. In the literal meaning of the word, it merely means discussion, though this poll seems to imply that it means giving in to their demands.

For example, offering the terrorists the chance to go free if they give up is negotiation, but it's not giving in to their demands.

 

[Ramius75]

of coz i will negotiate. they are the ppl closest to me.

 

[Jesus Civs]

Negotiating with terrorists is ok with me if it involves a member of my family (or extended family).

If it was for the security of my country, I wouldn't.

Family is more important that country.

 

[Tycoon101]

Never. Unless by "negotiation" you mean an execution-style murder in a wayward alley, I would never negotiate with terrorists.

 

[GinandTonic]

Depends. The only negoation to have with terrorists is about intergrating them into the political process. Negoation for the release of hostages is damaging in the long run - if the hostages are your family you shouldnt be allowed to make the decision.

 

[stormbind]

... on a daily basis. They include my girlfriend (emotional terrorist), professor (academic terrorist), my government (financial terrorist), and the general public (stupidity terrorist).

 

[Kennigit]

I'd give it a shot- not much I could lose. Besides, terrorists aren't exactly the brightest of the bunch, so if the hostages are released whats stopping a massive police sweep when its safe to do so?

 

[nc-1701]

I would defenitely negotiate. Of course I would deploy special forces at the same time, but basicaly you just keep as many options open as possible so you can choose at the latest possible time.

 

[AL_DA_GREAT]

depends on their demands.

 

[Atlas14]

I'd probably negotiate if I thought I could get what I want out of the situation.

 

[scy12]

The purpose here is saving back loved ones, the means are irrelevant. Sometimes Negotiation isn't the best method.

Regarding a country , the purpose here is not always saving those people with any cost.

 

[IglooDame]

Personally? Yeah, probably. Though even if I get her back safe, I'd very likely adopt a life's mission of revenge against them.