Though Coalition governments maintain that they do not negotiate with terrorists under any circumstances, multiple sources allege that much wrangling takes place between hostage-takers and governments through back channels. Notably, France (through connections in Syrian intelligence) and Romania (through connections cultivated during Ceausescu's rule) both have elaborate informal networks of contacts in Iraq. It is possible that the kidnappers were aware that the French and Romanian governments could exploit these networks to arrange the payment of a ransom without implicating high level officials or jeopardizing their state terrorist non-negotiation policies. <br /><p><br />In some cases, the motive of hostage-takers is political or religious, in which case, negotiation is usually not possible. Often, the motive of hostage-takers is purely financial, and a bribe is enough to satisfy the assailants and ensure the safe release of the hostages. Muadh Ibn Jabal Brigade appears to be financially-motivated and may continue to kidnap foreigners so long as the unstable security situation in Iraq allows them to.<br />

Fighters of Jerusalem Brigades, Mujahedeen Brigades Jerusalem Branch

The Mujahadi Bayt al-Maqdis Brigades, or the Fighters of Jerusalem Brigades, are a little-known Palestinian terrorist organization whose members allegedly also belong to the Palestinian nationalist group, al-Fatah, and the more radical Popular Resistance Committees. <p>  <br />In the group's first known attack, members kidnapped human rights activist Kate Burton and her parents in Gaza near the Egyptian border in December 2005. The three hostages were released two days later, unharmed. Various motives for the attack have been reported including the demand for Israel to abolish its buffer zone in northern Gaza, the desire to draw attention to the plight of Palestinian prisoners held by Israel, and the condemnation of the historical role the British have played in the region. <P>The Burtons' kidnapping drew unprecedented criticism and condemnation by Palestinian resistance groups, including Hamas, al-Fatah, the Popular Resistance Committees, and the al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades, due to Kate Burton's support for and humanitarian assistance to the Palestinians. One member of the al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades was held in connection to the kidnapping although he was never charged for the attack. He was released on January 5 after his followers attacked an Egyptian border fence with a bulldozer in protest. No further evidence has implicated the al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades. <br /><br />