If the location of the hostages were known then special ops troops such as the SAS, Delta Units or Seals should be used to attempt to get them out. It would be a high risk operation. Look at what happened in Iran when the hostages were taken at the US Embassy and again in Mogadishu.

It might work on this occassion and provide a targeted response. But from the way things are going there kidnapping would seem to be a growth industry, and hostage rescue a full time job.

Negotiating with shadowy groups is not easy or just not on. They have a mind set that is totally alien to most negotiators. Further if these poor people are murdered I still cannot see Bush or Blair pulling out. But maybe if all the civilian workers and non military security workers just left then a big part of the US/UK plan would be left hanging in the air and it might make the two Dear Leaders think a bit more.

If the West did pull out there would still be a blood bath as the Sunni's and the Shiites would certainly turn on each other big time.

Bush and Blair need and must get backing from the more moderate muslim countries to take over in Iraq. I think the only answer is for the Muslim countries to work on this one. Again the problem is that many if not all did not support the Wests actions to begin with.

Bush and Blair might get that help if the start talking properly to the Palestinians and stop Sharon constanlty attacking the Palestinians. The other Muslim countries might take note and come forward if the that particular problem is solved. However that will take time. Time is not something the Middle East has a lot of before it descends into a more global conflict.