The Foley Foundation, in partnership with the McCain Institute, hosted an online event that brought together policymakers, advocates, government officials, and family members of Americans unjustly held captive abroad. The event marked the 10th anniversary of Presidential Policy Directive 30 (PPD-30), which reformed U.S. government policy in response to the international hostage-taking of Americans. PPD-30 established today’s “hostage enterprise”—the network of government entities responsible for leading the recovery of Americans held hostage or wrongfully detained abroad and for providing support to victims and their families.
This milestone serves as a powerful reminder of the Foley Foundation’s early and effective advocacy in pushing for reforms to address the government’s previous failure to prioritize the return of its citizens held hostage by ISIS. At the time of James Foley’s capture, the prevailing policy treated hostages as “collateral damage” in its Global War on Terror.
Thanks to the tireless efforts of Diane Foley, the Levinson family, and many others, Americans unjustly detained abroad are now being released in record numbers. Their families also benefit from significantly improved support systems to help them endure the trauma of captivity.
The event highlighted both the progress achieved and the remaining gaps in family support, as well as the urgent need for more focused prevention and deterrence strategies.
To watch a recording of the full event, or individual remarks by former government officials please click on the videos below.
Full Conference
Former National Security Official Chris Costa’s remarks
Former National Security Official Josh Geltzer’s remarks
Former Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs Roger Carstens’ remarks