Korean Hostages Released: Mixed blessings

Yesterday brought the announcement that the South Korean government had come to an agreement with Taliban leaders who vowed to release all of the surviving hostages. This agreement solidified plans for the Asian country to withdraw its soldiers and cease missionary work in Afghanistan. They insist the decision had already been made to do so.

The story is a relief to families of the hostages and people around the world who have hoped and prayed for their release. It certainly encourages many who feared the worst. However -- as much as I work to stay on the lighter side, I must confess -- this apparent compromise may prove a setback to efforts to restrain Islamists worldwide.

Considering the tremendous resources spent to turn the tide of control, any setback is tremendously costly. Not that human lives are not worthy of saving. In fact, a culture of life demands one to work to protect lives. But we must also consider the risks and responsibilities for our actions. As a soldier enters the service, he is laying his life on the line for others. In the same way, contractors, missionaries and volunteers who go to war-torn areas risk their lives. Knowing this risk, they choose to become hostages or even martyrs if it happens.

So, who bears the responsibility? When governments warn their citizens that an area is a risk, they have done their part. When military work to empower local communities to stand up to insurgents, they have done their part. When aide agencies and churches worldwide work with local community leaders, they have done their part.

There is a need for help in desperate areas of the world and many feel obliged to help. If that leads them to go there in person, they should "count the cost." For families and friends left behind, it is heart-wrenching to see a loved one in peril. They should not petition their government to cave in or sabotage efforts to illigetimize a group that only takes hostages to get credibility and stir fear.