So is this terrible because they're women, or because it happened to people? Because if it's terrible because it happened to people, it doesn't belong on this site. If it's terrible because it happened to women, then it's sexist.

Uhhh... So when women are suspected insurgents they kidnap their husbands as "bait?" No..don't think so, Zaij.

That is how it's sexist. These women are being treated as their husbands' property and not as human beings.

Of course its a terrible situation, its a hostage crisis in a time of war. Outside of the sex of the hostage, I dont understand how this situation correlates with any type of womens rights issue. Is this situation any different than that of Nick Berg, William Bradley, Eugene Armstrong, Jack Hensley, Ronald Schulz or Margaret Hassan? I think its obvious that the U.S has adopted a "non-negotiation" policy with hostage takers in Iraq. Despite the sex, nationality, wealth, or employment of any hostage the U.S has maintained this policy. Why should the U.S, knowing the possible devastating effects of hostage negotiation, change its poicy for Carroll?

Clearly Zaij has not yet absorbed the fact that women ARE people.....

CountryKyle-

I see what you are saying. The point I am trying to make is that when it is women in a hostage situation it tends to be a symbolic gesture since (the assumption is) women are, you know, vulnerable objects and oftentimes seen as a type of property that must be protected with a specific type of *we must take care of our women* vigilence.

txfeminist, I was asking whether this was terrible because it happened to a human, or because it was happening to a woman specifically. How about reading into what I say instead of making stupid comments like that.

Samhita -

Thanks for the clarification. However, I respectfully disagree. When compared to past hostage circumstances, the Carroll situation fails to distinguish itself. Whether it’s the way hostages are treated by their captors, the manner the media reports the situation, or the method in which the U.S responds; hostage situations in Iraq appear to be incredibly analogous, regardless of the sex of the victim. I don’t see how this can support the premise that said situation exemplifies a "symbolic gesture" that women are "vulnerable objects". I would submit that all hostage situations would reveal a general gesture of the vulnerability of HOSTAGES in general, NOT to that of women specifically.
Again, thanks for the response and lets hope Carroll arrives home safely.