There are a number of difficulties for all to face... not least of all the Chandlers. If the money is paid... as someone already mentioned.. it sends the message that kidnap/ransom does pay. Where is the money ultimately going... is it for greed of to fuel terrorism? Who will be next and how far from the area will it be?? One payment could be the seed that develops into the mushroom. On the other hand, as a Christian, Jesus told the parable of the lost sheep, where the shepherd went out of his way to get the one back. To get the one (sorry two) back, should we send the Marines? Should we send an elite force? Have they already been sent?
I guess we will have to wait and see what happens..... and perhaps more importantly in this unforgiving world... who will actually get the blame if they die... that should stay with the pirates but I guess the Government or some other authority will be scapegoated.