U.S. Refuses to Negotiate with Al-Qaeda for Hostage Release
A recent video of American hostage Warren Weinstein asked President Barack Obama to meet the terrorists' demands, but the U.S. is holding firm in its refusal to negotiate with al-Qaeda.
Top U.S. officials reiterated the American position of refusing to negotiate with al-Qaeda in hostage situations. White House spokesman Jay Carney said that authorities were still trying to coordinate Weinstein's release, but provided no details as to what efforts were in place. The video, which shows Weinstein being held against a white backdrop, was directed at U.S. President Barack Obama and Weinstein recites what sound like prepared remarks asking for the president to step in and give his captors what they want in return for his freedom.
It is believed that the al-Qaeda group holding Weinstein wants the release of specific prisoners in exchange for releasing Weinstein. Weinstein has been held by al-Qaeda since August, when he was kidnapped from the Pakistani city of Lahore. He was living there as an advisor and consultant for J.E. Austin Associates, a U.S. firm that works with various Pakistani government agencies and private corporations.
Although the video showed Weinstein in what appeared to be reasonable health, it's unclear exactly when the video was shot. He does note in the video that he has been given his required medication and that he has been cared for by his captors. The only realistic option on the table from the U.S. perspective is to try to establish back-channel communications with the al-Qaeda cell holding Weinstein and to try to quietly negotiate his release via alternative means. A rescue attempt would seem unlikely, unless Weinstein's location is determined to be outside of Pakistan.
It is believed that the al-Qaeda group holding Weinstein wants the release of specific prisoners in exchange for releasing Weinstein. Weinstein has been held by al-Qaeda since August, when he was kidnapped from the Pakistani city of Lahore. He was living there as an advisor and consultant for J.E. Austin Associates, a U.S. firm that works with various Pakistani government agencies and private corporations.
Although the video showed Weinstein in what appeared to be reasonable health, it's unclear exactly when the video was shot. He does note in the video that he has been given his required medication and that he has been cared for by his captors. The only realistic option on the table from the U.S. perspective is to try to establish back-channel communications with the al-Qaeda cell holding Weinstein and to try to quietly negotiate his release via alternative means. A rescue attempt would seem unlikely, unless Weinstein's location is determined to be outside of Pakistan.
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