Part 21
By Hijaz Tamim
The Negative Consequences of Paying Ransom
Paying ransom is often regarded as an urgent and compassionate way to save lives. Yet closer examination shows that this practice gives rise to long-term negative consequences that touch every dimension of society, from security and the economy to governance and international relations. Families often agree to ransom payments under extreme pressure and in moments of desperation, but this response becomes a concealed force that strengthens ISIS’s financial and operational capacity. The major harmful effects of this practice are outlined below.
First, ransom payments provide ISIS with direct financial resources that help sustain its activities. These funds support the purchase of weapons, the training of fighters, and the spread of propaganda, all of which expand the reach and influence of terrorism.
Second, paying ransom encourages and perpetuates kidnapping. When ISIS members see that abduction brings financial gain, they are incentivized to carry out more kidnappings, turning the crime into a reliable revenue stream.
Third, ransom payments contribute to the growth of global security threats. ISIS not only expands its local operations but also strengthens its cross-border networks, creating broader risks for regional and international stability.
Fourth, paying ransom fosters fear and insecurity within society. It communicates the disturbing idea that a human life can be bought, which erodes trust and deepens social instability.
Fifth, this practice weakens the rule of law. Although many countries classify ransom payments as illegal, the persistence of this act undermines state authority and emboldens ISIS and similar groups.
Sixth, paying ransom diminishes human dignity by reducing the value of life to a monetary transaction and treating individuals as commodities rather than human beings.
Seventh, this practice obstructs efforts to achieve peace and stability. Armed groups, especially ISIS, use ransom funds to expand their activities, prolonging conflict instead of allowing opportunities for resolution.
Eighth, ransom payments contribute to economic instability. The money flows through illegal channels, stimulating black-market networks, illicit trade, and various criminal economies.
Ninth, paying ransom can harm international relations. When one state pays to free its citizens, the action may conflict with the security policies of other countries, potentially straining diplomatic ties.
Tenth, the clandestine transfer of funds makes it more difficult to track and monitor ISIS’s activities. The hidden nature of these financial movements reduces opportunities to intercept or disrupt the group’s operations.
Eleventh, ransom payments undermine justice and equality. When only those with financial means can secure the release of their loved ones, social injustice intensifies and class divisions deepen, weakening the fabric of society.
In conclusion, while paying ransom may satisfy an immediate humanitarian need, its long-term consequences are far more harmful and far-reaching than any short-term benefit. This practice fuels ISIS’s finances, encourages further kidnappings, increases security threats, erodes human dignity, destabilizes economies, and obstructs the path toward peace.
Reducing these dangers requires coordinated international strategies to prevent kidnappings, the strict enforcement of relevant laws, greater public awareness, and robust intelligence cooperation to cut off ISIS’s financial lifelines.
Although paying ransom may resolve a problem for a single day, it ultimately plants the seeds of prolonged conflict and insecurity, creating serious threats to society, security, and fundamental human values.