[20150213]IN10167_被伊斯兰国绑架的美国公民.pdf

CRS InsightsU.S. Citizens Kidnapped by the Islamic StateJohn W. Rollins, Specialist in Terrorism and National Security (jrollinscrs.loc.gov, 7-5529)Liana Rosen, Specialist in International Crime and Narcotics (lrosencrs.loc.gov, 7-6177)February 13, 2015 (IN10167)OverviewOn February 10, 2015, President Barack Obama acknowledged that U.S. citizen Kayla Mueller waskilled while held in captivity by the terrorist group known as the Islamic State (IS). This was the fourthdeath of an American taken hostage by the Islamic State: Abdul-Rahman Kassig (previously PeterKassig), James Foley, and Steven Sotloff were also killed. The death of Mueller and the graphic videosdepicting the deaths of the other three Americans have generated debate about the U.S. governmentsrole and capabilities for freeing hostages.In light of these deaths, some policymakers have called for a reevaluation of U.S. policy oninternational kidnapping responses. Questions include whether it is effective and properly coordinatedand implemented, should be abandoned or modified to allow for exceptions and flexibility, or couldbenefit from enhancements to improve global adherence.ScopeThe killing of U.S. citizens by the Islami