Do we know where her family got the money from?
Their statements (Iran’s) have been very coy about that to date. Lot’s of speculation but so far that’s all it is. I’d imagine it’ll eventually leak out, what with al the interest.
If they’re paying more than 5%, they got ripped off.
Damn you runner pat, beaten to the punch.
But Jimmy’s dad lets him get kidnapped by terrorist regimes and held for ransom!
No fair! I wish I’d never been born!
Regards,
Shodan
In most places crossing a border by mistake isn’t a big deal. The U.S. catches a lot of people crossing from Mexico. They put them in a van and send them back. No big deal.
I’d imagine on the Canadian border they may simply walk a hiker back to where they belong. Before 9/11 there was practically no border enforcement. There are towns that straddle the Canadian border. 9/11 has caused a lot of headaches for people in those towns.
We certainly don’t lock people up for a year and put them on trial for a border crossing. Unless they are carrying drugs or other contraband.
I’ve heard Europe’s borders are even more relaxed.
These were not a couple of tweens out to pick flowers. These are adults who are social activists, who’ve been living in the Middle East, who were warned about the danger by the locals, and should have known better.
It would depend on whether I expected the child to be set free after the payment.
My answer would be ‘In a heartbeat if I could, if it were as presented, or in a ‘standard’ hostage situation like South America, where you pay, and the hostage is set free.’
If it was a random whacko in America, I would expect a dead child regardless, and I don’t know what I would do. I wouldn’t want to pay, but I would likely deal with the police and FBI and try to catch the individual.
Fucked up scenario. My child is not hypothetical, and I have tried these thought experiments before.
Can I have this for my sig? Please?
Doesn’t matter if it’s your own kid. Yes, it’s biased, but without bias the Earth wouldn’t have such a wide range of climates, and then where would we be? (Also, bowling would be very dull).
Yes. I’d kill you if necessary to save my kid (or if nothing good was on TV).
If you are serious, feel free. 
Regards,
Shodan
I don’t remember killing another poster as being one of the options in the OP. Make that up yourself, did you?
Well, I would crush a puppy with my jackboot heel if necessary, if we’re just making up options now.
In which case, can I trade them Rand Rover’s kid?
Indeed – thanks! (I would have linked to the post, but for some reason it wouldn’t allow it, even though it has before. And I had to cut out the space because it was too many lines)
I’m flattered!
Regards,
Shodan