Not surprisingly , the Times also found that of the 53 hostages known to have been taken by al Qaeda and its affiliates during the past five years , a third were French . James Foley , Peter Bergen : CNN wanted at least $ 125 million in ransom for Peter Bergen . Sometimes ransom works , but it can lead to more kidnapping , the writers say . Minus a rescue or escape , options grim for nations -- ransom or execution , they say .
James Foley , Peter Bergen : CNN wanted at least $ 125 million in ransom for Peter Bergen . Sometimes ransom works , but it can lead to more kidnapping , the writers say . Minus a rescue or escape , options grim for nations -- ransom or execution , they say .