...and to secure the safe release of hostages, and reaffirms the need for all Member States to cooperate closely during incidents of kidnapping and hostage-taking committed by terrorist groups.” In so doing, it attempts to cut off funds derived from ransom, and reaffirms that UN
sanctions prohibit ransom payments to UN listed groups. Fourth, the resolution was drafted by Russia. While Russia’s opposition to intervention in Syria and is well known, this is an example of positive engagement with the situation in Syria. Although the resolution does not authorize intervention,...