At question is whether U.S. officials negotiated the release of terror suspects in exchange for American captives abroad, and whether these cases flaunt the long-stated policy of not negotiating with terrorists.
That policy was reiterated on Monday following the release of new threats by the terror group ISIS, who demanded over the weekend that U.S. ally Jordan release their “imprisoned sister” Sajida al-Rishawi in exchange for hostage Kenji Goto.
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The White House has in fact ordered a review of its hostage policy in light of recent cases, but the results of that review, if completed, are not known to the public.
As for Bergdahl, the administration has consistently maintained they were justified in negotiating his release because of his status as a prisoner of war, and thus outside the restrictions of the hostage policy.
