Griner Swap: Catch & Release Diplomacy?

Negotiated release of WNBA star Griner, WSJ says, reflects how US “Reluctantly Embraces New Era of Hostage Diplomacy” under Trump, Biden Admins. But, what if Putin (other thugs) restock their victim pipeline?

In what now seems like ancient times, prisoner swaps were widely viewed as concessions to criminal hostage takers. But, truth be told, the WSJ notes, “more Americans in recent years have been detained by foreign governments than have been taken captive by terrorist groups or criminal gangs,” at least, according to US officials. Last week’s Griner deal with Russia brought to 12 the number of US citizens & residents who have been freed by Uncle Joe “in confirmed or apparent prisoner trades” with legit sovereigns. It “reflects,” then, “a striking shift” in US thinking on the subject and “has become more willing to temper its traditional aversion to negotiating prisoner deals”, especially when there are “established diplomatic channels with foreign gov’ts to facilitate deal making over detainees.”

Arguably, the trend started with the Trump Administration. Robert O’Brien, who served as President Trump’s hostage envoy & later national security adviser, said he at first “didn’t want to do prisoner exchanges [because] I viewed it as a concession … encouraging more abductions.” But, Mr. O’Brien said he came to see prisoner swaps as a useful tool where no violent actors were involved. “I had a broad mandate from the president to bring people home,” he said, adding: “As hostage envoy, I would explore the best deal I could.” But Griner for the “Merchant of Death”?

Davd Soul