Family of Kayla Mueller says US policy eclipses hostages’ lives
Feb 23, 2015, 8:18 AM | Updated: 8:37 am
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The family of slain ISIS hostage Kayla Mueller said they believed the group wanted to release her if ransom was paid, but roadblocks included U.S. policy and the exorbitant amount.
“I really feel that we had a chance to get Kayla out … how do you raise $6.2 million?” Carl Mueller, of Prescott, Arizona, said in an interview Monday on “Today.”
Mueller also said while they understood the U.S. policy of not paying ransom for hostages, “they put policy in front of American citizens’ lives.”
His wife and Kayla’s mother, Marsha Mueller, agreed.
“I think (the government) wanted to (help) but … I don’t think anyone had any idea this group would be as powerful as they were. We’ve let them get too powerful,” she said.
The family, who said they were unaware Kayla was going to Syria, also shared a second letter their daughter wrote during her imprisonment.
Everyone,
Once again you are being contacted by prisoners who have been released.They will explain to you the situation. As I said in my last letter (that I pray you received from the three women) I am OK, healthy, remaining strong and being treated kindly. Do not worry… I love you all.
All that I have said in the previous letter stays true. Give your suffering to the Lord, let our creator support you. Continue to pray, by God I feel your love and your prayers. As I shared with you in my last letter part of a song, I will share with you another. This one I have written for little Lex: “Oh my Grace. I close my eyes, you bring me home.” I look towards the day when I can sing to her the rest. I do not know what you have told her, but if it’s appropriate, tell her Auntie Kayle sends her big hugs and kisses. Tell her I am very sad that I am far and that we cannot Skype like before, but when I come home we can play, make music together and have so much fun… She’s my little Grace and I love her so much.
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What appears to be a list of Kayla Mueller's goals, shared w/@SavannahGuthrie http://t.co/cJg4rIG2e4 pic.twitter.com/01Appv6KDV
— Ian Sager (@ian_sager) February 23, 2015