Donate

Gary Noesner

American journalist James Foley arrives at the Rixos hotel in Tripoli after being released from capitivity by the Libyan government on May 18, 2011.

America’s policy on hostages may have cost the life of James Foley

December 29, 2014Conflict

A would-be defector from ISIS says he offered to help return hostage James Foley in exchange for asylum and cash long before Foley’s death. But the government reportedly refused to negotiate, highlighting what critics say is a confusing and counterproductive policy on captured Americans.

Latest Headlines

How ambulance tricycles are saving lives in rural Ghana
President Trump hints at compromise ahead of US-China trade talks
Portugal tells undocumented migrants to leave or be deported
‘Four Mothers’ examines motherhood across the globe
Out of Eden Walk: Record-breaking heat in Japan is hurting rice farms
How tequila crossed the Mexican border and won over Americans
How Pope Francis’ legacy will influence the selection of the next pope 
The tug-of-war over an anti-Nazi pastor’s legacy
Norwegian city turns pipes into rivers to adapt to climate change
A Soviet spacecraft is expected to make a crash landing on Earth this week. But nobody knows where — yet.
More stories

The World is a public radio program that crosses borders and time zones to bring home the stories that matter.

Produced by

Thanks to our sponsor

  1. Progressive Insurance logo

Major funding provided by

  1. Carnegie Corporation of New York
  2. MacArthur Foundation
  3. Ford Foundation
  4. Corporation for Public Broadcasting

  1. About
  2. Contact
  3. Donate
  4. Meet the Team
  5. Privacy
  6. Terms of use

©2025 The World from PRX

PRX is a 501(c)(3) organization recognized by the IRS: #263347402.