
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: WEDNESDAY, April 25, 1990                   TAG: 9004250553
SECTION: EDITORIAL                    PAGE: A-8   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium

GIVE NO THANKS TO HOSTAGE-TAKERS

THE BUSH administration has been faulted for its reluctance to make more waves in foreign policy. But on the matter of hostages in the Middle East, its quiet and patient approach is right.

In line with this attitude, the White House greeted Sunday's release of Robert Polhill with subdued satisfaction. It is good when any of the people seized by radical Islamic groups in that area is freed.

Such an event, however, should not evoke expressions of delight, as if the captors have done something wonderful by releasing an innocent civilian whom they had no right under heaven to take. The United States owes them no thanks. Nor should it offer any other response that would suggest they have something to gain from this country either by freeing more hostages - or by taking more.

It is difficult for politicians not to react strongly to the taking or freeing of hostages. All Americans are incensed by the injustice of seizing and holding non-combatants for ransom or propaganda. We all sympathize with the victims and their relatives. Our national leaders want to do something for them - something that would relieve their suffering and, not incidentally, gratify popular urges.

But sometimes, doing something is worse than just standing there. Jimmy Carter tried to respond to the clamor about the seizure of our embassy and personnel in Tehran; his presidency itself became hostage to that crisis. The United States wound up looking more feckless than ever because of the rescue attempt that ended with American helicopters in smoldering wreckage on Iranian sands.

After his stern talk about swift and sure retaliation against hostage-takers, Ronald Reagan tried to make a deal and It is difficult for politicians not to react strongly to the taking or freeing of hostages. saw his own presidency stained by scandal. George Bush did not entirely escape the fallout.

Iran and Syria want something from the United States now. For the sake of better relations (and perhaps some economic favors for Iran), they are exerting influence with Islamic radicals in Lebanon. It appears that more hostages will be freed. That much is good.

But at this writing, seven Americans still are held, as are nearly a dozen people of other nationalities. We should make no deals for their freedom and cut no capers if they are released.

The nation's foreign policy must not be distorted by the kidnapping of its citizens. And any appreciation for their release should be restrained: After all, having the influence to release hostages implies culpability in their imprisonment.

So far, President Bush is sounding the right notes.

by CNB