To discuss the future of American hostage policy, New America welcomes Rachel Briggs OBE, Executive Director of Hostage US, a non-profit that supports hostages and their families, and a distinguished researcher and writer on issues of national security; Diane Foley, the founder and president of the James W. Foley Legacy Foundation, which promotes the legacy of her son James Foley, who was taken hostage and murdered by ISIS, and promotes the safe return of Americans taken hostage abroad; Chris Mellon, a researcher with New America and co-author of New America’s report To Pay Ransom or not to Pay Ransom; Theo Padnos, a freelance journalist who was held hostage for nearly two years by the Nusra Front in Syria; and Aretae Wyler, the Chief Administrative Officer and General Counsel of Atlantic Media, who has worked to secure the safe return of American hostages.
Follow the discussion online using #HostagePolicy and following @NewAmericaISP.
PARTICIPANTS
Rachel Briggs @RachelBriggsUK
OBE Executive Director, HostageUS
Diane Foley @dmfaprn
Founder and President, James W. Foley Legacy Foundation
Chris Mellon
Researcher, New America Co-Author, To Pay Ransom or not to Pay Ransom?
Theo Padnos @TheoPadnos
Freelance journalist and former hostage
Aretae Wyler
Chief Administrative Officer and General Counsel, Atlantic Media
MODERATOR
Peter Bergen @PeterBergenCNN
Vice President, New America