The politics of ransom paying: should governments give money to armed groups in exchange for hostages?
The taking of Western hostages in an attempt to extort money from Europe and the US has become a regular, if disturbing, feature of conflicts across the Middle East.
But while some governments are willing to pay to secure the release of their nationals - albeit secretly and through deniable back channels - others insist that the practice only encourages the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) and similar groups to kidnap more victims and perpetuate a trade that provides funds to extremists.
So what lies behind these different approaches? And when, if ever, is it right to pay for hostages' freedom? Reporter Jonathan Holmes went in search of answers.
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