The British government refused to negotiate with terrorists for the release of captive Kenneth Bigley. The two Americans taken with him had already been executed.
The British government may sound uncaring unless you realize the terrorists refuse to negotiate.
[The hostage takers] began taunting Western governments over their efforts to seek their citizens’ release from captivity. Late on Friday a fresh message appeared on a website believed to be used by al-Zarqawi which read: "What is laughable is the insistence of the ministers of all infidel nationalities on the phrase ‘no negotiations’. As if there was any question of negotiation. Far from it - they must obey the demands of the Mujahadeen. If you refuse, we slaughter."The Islamic terrorists have defined the rules. Kill them or they will kill us. There is no "talking it out."