https://pjmedia.com/tatler/2011/09/14/the-hostages-redux/feed/PJ Media is a leading news site covering culture, politics, faith, homeland security, and more. Our reporters and columnists provide original, in-depth analysis from a variety of perspectives.en-usWed, 10 Jun 2026 08:42:01 -0400<![CDATA[It&#8217;s always tough for Iran to part with hostages, especially American hostages.  On balance, they&#8217;d prefer to keep them or kill them.  Plus, releasing hostages always exacerbates the internal battles that have always been a central feature of totalitarian regimes.  In the current case, the vicious battles between Khamenei and Ahmadinejad&#8211;and their allies and foot soldiers&#8211;makes things even harder.  If Khamenei says &#8220;no&#8221; then Ahmadinejad will shout &#8220;yes&#8221; and vice versa.]]>Wed, 14 Sep 2011 09:03:39 -0400<![CDATA[Michael Ledeen]]>https://pjmedia.com/michael-ledeen/2011/09/14/the-hostages-redux-n152891