Are Brittney Griner, a basketball player caught with hashish oil, and the “Merchant of Death,” seller of weapons to terrorists and militants, on the same level of evil? Absolutely not, though President Biden has proposed a prisoner swap including an imprisoned American basketball star and a former marine with a Russian prisoner. One could argue that we value our citizens substantially more than foreign criminals, but is it worth it? Such a deal like this could be opening the door to much more American hostages as other countries see how much they can get out of it.
Ever since its independence as a nation, the US has struggled with hostage, soldier, and spy trades. During events such as the Cold War, imprisonment of American journalists or civilians were commonplace. Typically, hostages would not get the privilege of a prisoner swap, as it encourages the taking of more hostages. Today, a more systematic approach is being tried, as more legislation is being put into place for the protection of Americans held overseas.
However, a prison sentence seems a little harsh in Griner’s case. In court, she admitted to mistakenly packing a vape, which she knew was illegal in Russia. A sentence of nine years for such a careless mistake seems excessive. She has even stated that she had no intent of breaking the law. Of course, this isn’t a game of right or wrong. Russia knows that sentencing her to prison there can turn her into a political pawn.
Is this proposed swap the right thing to do? Even if it increased the taking of hostages, there would be nations that would do so anyways, right? The problem is, the prisoner swap would directly open the door for much more hostage situations. It’s giving the green light and showing that this way actually works.
However, there are people who have advocated for the end of hostage taking once and for all. Jared Genser, a human rights lawyer who represents Americans held by foreign governments has stated, “In essence, since ’79, we are over and over and over again trying the same failed approach to recover our hostages,” and that we must “end hostage taking once and for all.” It’s a grand plan, but a necessary plan. Hostage taking is and always will be a flawed affair.
Ever since its independence as a nation, the US has struggled with hostage, soldier, and spy trades. During events such as the Cold War, imprisonment of American journalists or civilians were commonplace. Typically, hostages would not get the privilege of a prisoner swap, as it encourages the taking of more hostages. Today, a more systematic approach is being tried, as more legislation is being put into place for the protection of Americans held overseas.
However, a prison sentence seems a little harsh in Griner’s case. In court, she admitted to mistakenly packing a vape, which she knew was illegal in Russia. A sentence of nine years for such a careless mistake seems excessive. She has even stated that she had no intent of breaking the law. Of course, this isn’t a game of right or wrong. Russia knows that sentencing her to prison there can turn her into a political pawn.
Is this proposed swap the right thing to do? Even if it increased the taking of hostages, there would be nations that would do so anyways, right? The problem is, the prisoner swap would directly open the door for much more hostage situations. It’s giving the green light and showing that this way actually works.
However, there are people who have advocated for the end of hostage taking once and for all. Jared Genser, a human rights lawyer who represents Americans held by foreign governments has stated, “In essence, since ’79, we are over and over and over again trying the same failed approach to recover our hostages,” and that we must “end hostage taking once and for all.” It’s a grand plan, but a necessary plan. Hostage taking is and always will be a flawed affair.
