that is the lesson learned from the warren winesteen situation. >> paid the ransoms, shuttled moan through third parties and secured their love one's freedom. are americans targets in a dinner way? and thus have a different approach? >> well, there's no easy answer to that question. we know that if you accommodate those who are using these tactics that it may encourage them to be more aggressive in taking hostages. so we know that there is a down side to cooperation. and meeting the demands in order to get a safe return. we also know that in some cases, the funds are transferred and you still don't have a safe return. so i think it's not as simple to say it puts americans more at risk. in some respects i think it puts us less at risk. on the other hand, we have to be mindful that when these episodes occur we have to use all of our resources to try to bring that person home safely. >> is the administration open to suggestions, if you pick up your phone is someone on the other end listening to what you have to say? is that new policy still under formulation? >> it's clear to me and i think w