Families Feel Sidelined As U.S. Reviews Hostage Policy/ Madeline Boreham 4th period

 The Americans James Foley, Steven Scotloff, and Abdul Rahman Kassig were all murdered by the self proclaimed group  the Islamic State.  After all three of there deaths the U.S. announced that it will review its  hostage policy. Now one thing is for sure, the U.S. will not pay any ransoms.  What is up for discussion is how the government conducts itself in hostage situations and how the families of the victims are informed
Many of the families who lost loved ones to hostage situations, are never even contacted by the government. James Foley's family found out about his death through a journalist. There was no confirmation or any statement for the Foleys from the government.  The family even considered raising their own money for his return.  
The government had no interaction what so ever. It is now being said that maybe a little interaction can be of good use.   But at this time the White House will not speak further on the subject. 

The White House needs to organize a plan for communication with families of the hostages.  To know that these people were never contacted on their sons condition and they had to find out with the rest of the world what had happen to him upsets me. The families had a right to be informed by their government and not be kept in the dark. These are our citizens overs seas and people have the right to know what is going on. 
I understand and agree with the U.S. not paying ransom for it only gives more power to the terrorists. There is a false hope in that these families can bring their loved one back with a large sum of money. That is why it is so important that they are kept up to date on what is happening.  Even though the family doesn't make the decisions, they should still be aware of what is happening. If not to bring hope, but to bring closure. 

http://www.npr.org/2014/11/23/365995990/families-feel-sidelined-as-u-s-reviews-hostage-policy