*Ø* Ransom Payments Seen to Fuel Hostage Crisis

"BAGHDAD (Reuters) - The release of two Italian aid workers in Iraq has raised hopes other hostages may soon be freed, but reports that a large ransom was paid may only feed the burgeoning hostage crisis...

"Gustavo Selva, an Italian lawmaker, told French radio a ransom of around $1 million -- a sum already mentioned in Arabic media reports in recent days -- had been handed over." Full text

How do you feel about the paying of ransoms? Or giving in to the demands of hostage-takers? Please, feel free to comment below!