I want to personally apologize to the Italian fellow and the Belgian brother for what happened to them, the conditions they were made to live in, and all of the threats they were subjected to. I say this as someone who supports the Syrian Revolution. I also want to reassure that the majority of the people struggling for freedom in Syria and elsewhere would never betray someone entrusted to them, let alone a Western foreigner. However, there are bad elements in any society that are willing to take advantage of situations for their own benefit. It is for the good elements to not tolerate this sort of abuse and to make every effort to liberate such persons who are held in this manner.
'The KGB kidnapped a man they knew to be a close relative of a prominent Hezbollah leader. They then castrated him and sent the severed organs to the Hezbollah official, before dispatching the unfortunate kinsman with a bullet in the brain...the KGB...knew the indentities of other close relatives of his, and that he could expect more such packages if the three Soviet diplomats were not freed immediately. Soon thereafter, the surviving three hostages were dropped off by the Soviet embassy "from a late-model BMW that couldn't drive away fast enough" and never again was a Soviet (diplomat or otherwise) kidnapped in Lebanon.'
The Italian intelligence set up an email they both logged into, communicated that way. Simple but genius. I love getting insight into how they these organizations operate. The other day I was reading about a Mossad agent who was observed slicing the bottoms of his garbage bags so nobody could quickly yank it out of the garbage can, and randomly pulling over to the side of the road and waiting exactly four minutes, to throw off anybody following him.
i don't think that lady did it from a bad place. she was nearly crying with happiness just thinking about it. I kinda feel like the reporters said, you can talk about it openly because we have all of these documents that prove it, you might as well kind of thing. Probably nice to get it off your chest
It's stupid of Al Jazeera to do this piece. They are just showing these pigs that if you kidnap someone their government will pay. It's like promoting kidnappings
I have to say, even though I think this is an excellent investigation into the topic - I think the governments are doing right by paying the ransom amounts. I think human life is more important/valuable than maintaining a diplomatic stance. And what's with the US government rep never mentioning, not even once, the fact that negotiating these cases out does save lives?? That's denial, just putting their heads in the sand.
By paying ransom, all they're doing is creating a bigger kidnapping business. I'd bet money that in the last 5 years since this aired, more Italians than Americans have been kidnapped...because they know Italy will pay. See how that works? Don't ever reward bad behavior.
@@mboyer68can you show data that’s the case? Intuitively I’d be inclined to agree but it seems like it doesn’t stop Americans being taken hostage - just guarantees their execution. America is willing to sell arms to Qatar who fund the group mentioned but unwilling for the Qataris to negotiate their release. Their policies seem very inconsistent and don’t make sense. Besides, think of all the terrorist groups the US have funded like the contras and mujahideen. They don’t know how to pick “the good guys” so why not just focus on getting their citizens home even if they officially deny it?
Why are security things like this made public? Italy might seem like it is encouraging terrorism by paying the ransoms but the country had saved 100s of hostages. This should have been kept quiet and not exposed. When it is a family member that's held hostage you will be crying for someone to help. This is seriously bull and infuriating. So much for being thankful and appreciative instead of skeptical and speculative.
I imagine so there’s a push to end this policy of no negotiation. America’s military complex launches its own policy of terror - promoting negotiation and diplomacy with these groups is much more gray than the US foreign policy indicates. Besides, the US govt has the money they’d just rather spend it on the guerrilla factions that are aligned with them.
Mark Mitchell said "freeing American hostages isn't always the first priority" and they didn't air what he said next, which was "slaughtering kidnappers of Americans is always the first priority of the government of the United States of America."
I was made hostage on time and I felt totally hopeless, I had my mouth wrapped in adhesive tape, my hands too on my back and my feet wrapped too, lying facing the floor, the only thing I could move was my head from side to side. Standing there totally paralysed and hearing the kidnappers threats . How can you not try to help someone on a situation like that ?
that would be an easy fix: pay whatever they asking for plus tip and signing bonus, then invade the country and recover every red cent and more. but i dont even think it would get to that. theyd simply tell the leader or leadership to fix the mess or they will be history .
@@altheboss5722 basically, they would just invite the obvious leader for a meeting and it would be resolved under a late night party. *obvious as in everybody kinda knows, but nobody is going to admit it, they'll just pretend it's just another political figure/business person.
As much as families may be concerned for their loved ones, there's a very good reason why governments don't negotiate with terrorists, payments encourage repeat offences.
Well the issue is it is typically in ones best interest. Think about it this way. If a container ship is taken with the crew. It is in the companies best interest to simply pay to get there stuff back.
@@WJWeber I think you have a flaw in your line of thinking. What's going to happen with the ransom money in your opinion? They will use it to expand their kidnapping operation, buy more weapons, hire more people and kidnap more foreigners. It's just putting fuel in the oven. When generally absolutely no money gets paid - never - there is 0 incentive for kidnapping.
@@Snprwlf that’s exactly my point though. Paying a ransom for a family member is in MY best interest. A company paying to get there 100m cargo back with their crew is in their best interest. Not in the best interest as a whole I agree. I personally would do everything to get a loved one back including paying a ransom. Search polymatter economics of Somali pirates. It explains my argument far more clearly. Does that make sense? What would you be okay with for those you love?
This show just left the viewer an impression that the government should be condemned for paying the ransom for its citizens.I am sure there were people encouraged to conduct hostage business after watching this show as they could earn big money and free from any moral pressure.
im a somali hostage taker but i've never taken a hostage cos i thought western government won't pay, but thanks to this programme i might just take a italian hostage, thanks to al jazeera (not really) but this programme is what makes travel very dangerous for us its an invitation .
Paying a ransom encourages more kidnapping. After they realize no ransom will be paid by anyone the kidnappings for money will stop. A few deaths instead of many.
+Ann Bell sometimes it's easier said than done but when it's your loved one who got kidnapped, no choice but to do whatever it takes to free them. I think that if you are prone for kidnapping, just don't go in those places.
+SuperAdmirerOf OmKalthoum I agree, stay away from dangerous places, however if you go to these places prepare to die. I've informed my son to never even consider paying a ransom for me, regardless. If it were my son, I would sell my soul to try to free him.
There is not a mother anywhere that would not give they're life for a child. It's that simple. It would be terrible PR to jail a family for trying to save a son or daughter.
After watching this video one pirate to another.... Pirate 1 : Hey pirate kidnapper mate, haven't you saw the Al Jazeera's video on TH-cam, we were wrong thinking foreign Govts wont pay ransom and all, but the goverments....do pay ransom for every people we kidnap yo, so it seems that we are not out of business yet. Pirate 2 : Oh my...then what are we waiting for?! lets kidnap some foreigners!!!! Pirate 1 : Already kidnapped 5 Italians :D Pirate 2 : My man.
They knew the dangers but they were aid workers and journalist who saw there work as more important then there safety it's not like they were going on a holiday
Efforts should be made to trace the mobile signal, drop in a rescue squad and leave a care package.. If only that easy ? Paying the ransomes encourages other kidnaps Grrrrrr
That is a lot of money to pay for tourists. Good on the Italians but bad that freed hostages would even discuss it. They are the few lucky ones that got spared. Unfortunately ISIL didn't negotiate. They murdered.
I'm proud to have Italian roots... We were raised to respect life at any cost. Sad that I live in America and really Burns me to see Obama say he would rather let our people die slow deaths or beheadings. That's why Trump the bipolar opposite is in office now.
What is the point of this piece? It's clear that if you make it public that governments are prepared to pay you will encourage more bandits to venture into this despicable business. I seriously don't see who benefits from this piece.
if you go 2 a danger zone at your on risk why should the government pay? you know the risk. if you get picked up working there for the government oke they should pay. but if you work for the bbc/Al Jazeera the bbc/Al Jazeera should pay no?
That's an interesting question, perhaps worthy of its own exploration. Are there insurance policies such companies have in place? What are their safety policies, how does that work? Perhaps not smart to reveal all of such detail, but it would be really interesting to know how all of that works.
lars mertens most journalists nowadays in war zones are freelance, so don’t actually work for the news corporations. They may have long term working relationships, but they basically go and produce content which they sell to the news corps, so technically aren’t employees, more like subcontractors.
Lol, I bet their views on the peaceful Nice and kind Syrian "rebels" have changed. They can only blame themselves. Dont sit and moun About it on a Qatari tv channel. Makes it Even more stupid.
The Italian intelligence set up an email they both logged into, communicated that way. Simple but genius. I love getting insight into how they these organizations operate. The other day I was reading about a Mossad agent who was observed slicing the bottoms of his garbage bags so nobody could quickly yank it out of the garbage can, and randomly pulling over to the side of the road and waiting exactly four minutes, to throw off anybody following him.
Italy is a real country with real feelings
We belong to the Pope
im sure the hundreds or thousands murdered by the mafia wouldn't agree?i
Italy sure is a real country.
I want to personally apologize to the Italian fellow and the Belgian brother for what happened to them, the conditions they were made to live in, and all of the threats they were subjected to. I say this as someone who supports the Syrian Revolution. I also want to reassure that the majority of the people struggling for freedom in Syria and elsewhere would never betray someone entrusted to them, let alone a Western foreigner. However, there are bad elements in any society that are willing to take advantage of situations for their own benefit. It is for the good elements to not tolerate this sort of abuse and to make every effort to liberate such persons who are held in this manner.
Actually, we're learning A LOT about who, exactly, is fighting the Syrian government.
'The KGB kidnapped a man they knew to be a close relative of a prominent Hezbollah leader. They then castrated him and sent the severed organs to the Hezbollah official, before dispatching the unfortunate kinsman with a bullet in the brain...the KGB...knew the indentities of other close relatives of his, and that he could expect more such packages if the three Soviet diplomats were not freed immediately.
Soon thereafter, the surviving three hostages were dropped off by the Soviet embassy "from a late-model BMW that couldn't drive away fast enough" and never again was a Soviet (diplomat or otherwise) kidnapped in Lebanon.'
Source?
Care to elaborate with citations ?
@@timdunk7278 1985 hostage crisis Lebanon Alpha
group
The Italian intelligence set up an email they both logged into, communicated that way. Simple but genius. I love getting insight into how they these organizations operate. The other day I was reading about a Mossad agent who was observed slicing the bottoms of his garbage bags so nobody could quickly yank it out of the garbage can, and randomly pulling over to the side of the road and waiting exactly four minutes, to throw off anybody following him.
i bit ungrateful of these people if the government paid their ransom and told them not to disclose it.
I thought the same thing and i also thought it was super weird Aljazeera was disclosing this aswell.
i don't think that lady did it from a bad place. she was nearly crying with happiness just thinking about it. I kinda feel like the reporters said, you can talk about it openly because we have all of these documents that prove it, you might as well kind of thing. Probably nice to get it off your chest
It's stupid of Al Jazeera to do this piece. They are just showing these pigs that if you kidnap someone their government will pay. It's like promoting kidnappings
I have to say, even though I think this is an excellent investigation into the topic - I think the governments are doing right by paying the ransom amounts. I think human life is more important/valuable than maintaining a diplomatic stance.
And what's with the US government rep never mentioning, not even once, the fact that negotiating these cases out does save lives?? That's denial, just putting their heads in the sand.
By paying ransom, all they're doing is creating a bigger kidnapping business. I'd bet money that in the last 5 years since this aired, more Italians than Americans have been kidnapped...because they know Italy will pay. See how that works? Don't ever reward bad behavior.
@@mboyer68can you show data that’s the case? Intuitively I’d be inclined to agree but it seems like it doesn’t stop Americans being taken hostage - just guarantees their execution. America is willing to sell arms to Qatar who fund the group mentioned but unwilling for the Qataris to negotiate their release. Their policies seem very inconsistent and don’t make sense. Besides, think of all the terrorist groups the US have funded like the contras and mujahideen. They don’t know how to pick “the good guys” so why not just focus on getting their citizens home even if they officially deny it?
You are putting your head in the sand by ignoring the fact you just encourage more kidnappings by paying.
Why are security things like this made public? Italy might seem like it is encouraging terrorism by paying the ransoms but the country had saved 100s of hostages. This should have been kept quiet and not exposed. When it is a family member that's held hostage you will be crying for someone to help. This is seriously bull and infuriating. So much for being thankful and appreciative instead of skeptical and speculative.
I agree not needed, investigate the banking system not this. This saves life's!
I imagine so there’s a push to end this policy of no negotiation. America’s military complex launches its own policy of terror - promoting negotiation and diplomacy with these groups is much more gray than the US foreign policy indicates. Besides, the US govt has the money they’d just rather spend it on the guerrilla factions that are aligned with them.
another great investigative video.Great work.
I lv aljazeera news
Mark Mitchell said "freeing American hostages isn't always the first priority" and they didn't air what he said next, which was "slaughtering kidnappers of Americans is always the first priority of the government of the United States of America."
I was made hostage on time and I felt totally hopeless, I had my mouth wrapped in adhesive tape, my hands too on my back and my feet wrapped too, lying facing the floor, the only thing I could move was my head from side to side. Standing there totally paralysed and hearing the kidnappers threats . How can you not try to help someone on a situation like that ?
More details dude
I wonder what would happen if were it David Cameron's or Barack Obama's children being held hostage?
+Jacqui Short Exactly! Let's not debate within the real world! That's too hard. Much easier to come up with a fantasy to whine about.
M.F. Luder o
that would be an easy fix: pay whatever they asking for plus tip and signing bonus, then invade the country and recover every red cent and more. but i dont even think it would get to that. theyd simply tell the leader or leadership to fix the mess or they will be history .
@@altheboss5722 basically, they would just invite the obvious leader for a meeting and it would be resolved under a late night party.
*obvious as in everybody kinda knows, but nobody is going to admit it, they'll just pretend it's just another political figure/business person.
God bless Italy
As much as families may be concerned for their loved ones, there's a very good reason why governments don't negotiate with terrorists, payments encourage repeat offences.
But what were they doing in the Somali cost alone sailing?
Stealing
You were told never to disclose but a grown adult is busy giggling disclosing
When you take into account what that money will be used for, paying a ransom is just not right.
Well the issue is it is typically in ones best interest. Think about it this way. If a container ship is taken with the crew. It is in the companies best interest to simply pay to get there stuff back.
@@WJWeber I think you have a flaw in your line of thinking. What's going to happen with the ransom money in your opinion? They will use it to expand their kidnapping operation, buy more weapons, hire more people and kidnap more foreigners. It's just putting fuel in the oven.
When generally absolutely no money gets paid - never - there is 0 incentive for kidnapping.
@@Snprwlf that’s exactly my point though. Paying a ransom for a family member is in MY best interest. A company paying to get there 100m cargo back with their crew is in their best interest. Not in the best interest as a whole I agree. I personally would do everything to get a loved one back including paying a ransom. Search polymatter economics of Somali pirates. It explains my argument far more clearly. Does that make sense? What would you be okay with for those you love?
This show just left the viewer an impression that the government should be condemned for paying the ransom for its citizens.I am sure there were people encouraged to conduct hostage business after watching this show as they could earn big money and free from any moral pressure.
im a somali hostage taker but i've never taken a hostage cos i thought western government won't pay, but thanks to this programme i might just take a italian hostage, thanks to al jazeera (not really) but this programme is what makes travel very dangerous for us its an invitation .
logan 😂😂😂😂😂
Paying a ransom encourages more kidnapping. After they realize no ransom will be paid by anyone the kidnappings for money will stop. A few deaths instead of many.
+Ann Bell sometimes it's easier said than done but when it's your loved one who got kidnapped, no choice but to do whatever it takes to free them. I think that if you are prone for kidnapping, just don't go in those places.
+SuperAdmirerOf OmKalthoum I agree, stay away from dangerous places, however if you go to these places prepare to die. I've informed my son to never even consider paying a ransom for me, regardless. If it were my son, I would sell my soul to try to free him.
Life is just that simple to you
Well, we did give a handful of high value detainees from Guantanamo for a deserter- Bowe Behgdal
You would sing a different song if your life was on the line. Easy to write on youtube...
There is not a mother anywhere that would not give they're life for a child. It's that simple. It would be terrible PR to jail a family for trying to save a son or daughter.
You are welcome, marco
What is the purpose of this documentary. By showing this it putting many at risk
how do we know the money is not fake?, they couldhve gave fake ones mixed with real
Funny right. We invent bill codes for every paper money, but we can't trace it back.
People go to war zones thinking it's a game...
I think the government should ban people from going into certain areas of the world.
Journalists do work with intelligence agencies on the side. It's well known and has been occurring for decades.
That is what Navy Seals and other special forces are used for in the movies. Well, among other things. Not sure if it is the reality.
IN SHAH ALLAH isn't a small but instead a big wird
Welp they just F it up for anyone else that would have been secretly aided by a citizen's country...
After watching this video one pirate to another....
Pirate 1 : Hey pirate kidnapper mate, haven't you saw the Al Jazeera's video on TH-cam, we were wrong thinking foreign Govts wont pay ransom and all, but the goverments....do pay ransom for every people we kidnap yo, so it seems that we are not out of business yet.
Pirate 2 : Oh my...then what are we waiting for?! lets kidnap some foreigners!!!!
Pirate 1 : Already kidnapped 5 Italians :D
Pirate 2 : My man.
nice contents, thanks
This might come out as cold but if you knew the dangers going in, that is on you. Why should taxpayers money be used on your ill-advised endeavors??
Because we're human and we make mistakes. Willing to bet that neither will be going back.
They knew the dangers but they were aid workers and journalist who saw there work as more important then there safety it's not like they were going on a holiday
Efforts should be made to trace the mobile signal, drop in a rescue squad and leave a care package.. If only that easy ?
Paying the ransomes encourages other kidnaps Grrrrrr
SAS
That is a lot of money to pay for tourists. Good on the Italians but bad that freed hostages would even discuss it. They are the few lucky ones that got spared. Unfortunately ISIL didn't negotiate. They murdered.
Israel, mossad needs investigating and charge in international criminal courts!
We all know usa gives hostage money at least when it comes to oil boats
Why not pay and save the people's lives and then try to find the perps later?
Imagine all the families who don't have money for ransom. What happens to there loved ones?
Hopefully they wont be kidnapped to begin with
Check your interpolation please.
What good is this to tell pirate some citizens are worth money
So whats important the fact that these people life saved or they money paid to people dont hide them
Italy and Qatari government 👍😍
Your lucky to born such countries that save life their citizean they value their citizean but if u born south asia they do not care
Why do I keep getting this as an ad? Who watches a 47 minute video as an ad? Seriously?
I'm proud to have Italian roots... We were raised to respect life at any cost. Sad that I live in America and really Burns me to see Obama say he would rather let our people die slow deaths or beheadings. That's why Trump the bipolar opposite is in office now.
@Phantom1 I bet you score real high on tests. . 🥺
.... Playing Both Side's Again MMmmmmm 🤔🏴🥂
Do as DW , no one reads translation
...he managed to hide a lighter?
Your not exactly dealing with rocket scientists lol
What is the point of this piece? It's clear that if you make it public that governments are prepared to pay you will encourage more bandits to venture into this despicable business. I seriously don't see who benefits from this piece.
People that get in that situation is their fault they know the dangers why someone would go to those places not even me if i had the money
So what the problem with that paying money to save lifes
Who the hell are "The Cutters"?
+Joe Schmoe hahaha Qataris from Qatar.
Terrible Business
Disgustingly unethical to reveal this information.
Melissa OQuinn now they'll kill them 😂😂
Send in the SAS. sorted.
I never threatened the families. hahahahahahahaahahahaahahahaa
if you go 2 a danger zone at your on risk why should the government pay? you know the risk. if you get picked up working there for the government oke they should pay. but if you work for the bbc/Al Jazeera the bbc/Al Jazeera should pay no?
That's an interesting question, perhaps worthy of its own exploration. Are there insurance policies such companies have in place? What are their safety policies, how does that work? Perhaps not smart to reveal all of such detail, but it would be really interesting to know how all of that works.
lars mertens most journalists nowadays in war zones are freelance, so don’t actually work for the news corporations. They may have long term working relationships, but they basically go and produce content which they sell to the news corps, so technically aren’t employees, more like subcontractors.
Wish could be Italian
If you had a enough money it seems you might be able to hire some individuals to extract your people.
Why even think of going there. They are barbaric
Lol, I bet their views on the peaceful Nice and kind Syrian "rebels" have changed. They can only blame themselves. Dont sit and moun About it on a Qatari tv channel. Makes it Even more stupid.
Yhth
Hands down the worst content from aljazeera. Et Tu Brutes !?
The forgetful foxglove behaviorally drag because fine expectably advise of a typical hardhat. brave, graceful mind
***Propaganda news channel *** with blessings from Qatar royal family.
The Italian intelligence set up an email they both logged into, communicated that way. Simple but genius. I love getting insight into how they these organizations operate. The other day I was reading about a Mossad agent who was observed slicing the bottoms of his garbage bags so nobody could quickly yank it out of the garbage can, and randomly pulling over to the side of the road and waiting exactly four minutes, to throw off anybody following him.