Steven Sotloff

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

Conflict

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.

Coffins of US military personnel are prepared to be offloaded at Dover Air Force Base in Dover, Delaware in this undated photo. From 1991 to 2009, the government did not permit photographing the return of servicemembers killed in action.

Graphic images of war are hard to stomach — but some say they’re necessary

Media