core: book
Why does Diane Foley agree to meet with the murderer of her son?
She seeks understanding and closure, despite the pain.
Why does Alexanda Kotey agree to speak with Diane Foley?
He wants redemption and to confront the consequences of his actions.
What reasons did the other victims’ families, and the other members of the Foley family give for not speaking with Kotey?
They were too angry, hurt, and felt that talking to Kotey would dishonor their loved ones.
Why do you think McCann narrates Book 1, and then switches to Foley’s voice and perspective in Book 2?
McCann shifts the perspective to emphasize the personal, emotional experience of Diane Foley.
Why does McCann include the adjective “American” in the title? Why does Foley see herself as a mother, as opposed to the ways other people see her?
The "American" emphasizes Jim’s identity within global politics. Foley sees herself first as a mother, beyond national identity.
At first, what is Kotey’s defense for his actions?
Kotey justifies his actions by adhering to the radical ideology of ISIS.
At their first meeting, what object brings Kotey and Foley together?
A book, symbolizing a shared connection through their mutual interest in faith and life.
What words would you use to describe these two?
Diane: resilient, empathetic, compassionate. Kotey: conflicted, remorseful, defensive.
In what ways are they complicated, even contradictory?
Diane shows empathy despite her grief, while Kotey is a murderer struggling with guilt.
What bonds the two at their second meeting?
A shared sense of deep loss and mutual vulnerability.
What story is behind Kotey’s “resentment”?
His resentment stems from personal alienation and bitterness towards the West.
What direct and indirect parts did Kotey play in Jim’s killing?
Kotey directly participated in holding and torturing Jim, and indirectly contributed to the conditions leading to his death.
Why does Foley embrace her naïveté?
She holds onto hope for Jim’s return, using naïveté as a coping mechanism.
To what extent does forgiveness figure into their discussions?
Forgiveness is a complex theme; Diane is open to it for herself but not fully for Kotey.
In Book 2, how does Foley find out about Jim’s murder?
She learns from conflicting reports and indirect sources before an official confirmation.
Who actually confirms that Jim has been killed?
The confirmation comes from government sources and media reports.
For what does Foley claim the English language has no words?
The immense grief and pain she feels after Jim’s death.
What role does her husband play in stressful situations?
Her husband offers emotional support and grounding.
For what does Foley fault the U.S. government regarding care for hostages overseas?
The lack of a clear and effective response to the hostage crisis.
For what does Foley fault President Obama personally?
She blames Obama’s policies, including the no-ransom stance, for not helping Jim.
In what ways does the President’s phone call contrast with the Pope’s?
The President’s call is formal and political; the Pope’s is personal, comforting, and spiritual.
In what way(s) does Foley portray her child-raising years?
She portrays them as full of love, faith, and a strong sense of purpose.
Why did Foley encourage Jim to consider a Jesuit university?
She wanted him to attend a place that emphasized service, social justice, and values.
What was probably Marquette’s biggest attraction for the Foleys?
Marquette’s Jesuit values and strong academic reputation.
How does Foley explain the fact that she did not know Jim better?
She feels regretful that she didn’t understand the depth of Jim’s desires and the challenges he faced.
What service trips did Jim participate in at Marquette?
Jim participated in service trips that helped him connect with global issues.
What program did Jim join right after graduating?
He joined a journalism program, with a focus on global conflict.
What other jobs or service led him to consider journalism?
His work with humanitarian organizations inspired him to use journalism to tell untold stories.
According to Foley, what changes in the field of journalism led to the growth of freelancers like Jim?
The decline of traditional media and the rise of digital platforms made freelancing more common.
What ended his experience as an embedded journalist with the military?
Jim’s desire to cover untold stories outside of military control, leading him to conflict zones like Libya.
How does Foley think this impelled Jim to go to Libya?
Jim was driven by a deep need to tell the stories of ordinary people caught in conflict.
What forces took Jim hostage the first time?
The forces involved in his first kidnapping were militant groups in Libya.
After Jim was freed and began speaking on college campuses, what did he choose as his topic?
He focused on the importance of storytelling and the human cost of conflict.
According to Jim himself, what drew him back into conflict journalism?
His desire to continue telling powerful, untold stories from conflict zones.
What forces capture Jim this time?
He was captured by ISIS forces during his reporting in Syria.
How does the GlobalPost’s private security company treat Foley?
They were involved in trying to negotiate his release but their efforts were limited.
During this time, from where does Foley get her solace?
She finds solace in her faith and her family.
What was Foley’s first breakthrough in trying to free Jim?
Her breakthrough came through persistent communication with government and private security officials.
According to Foley, what was the US government doing to free Jim?
The government was involved, but their efforts were slow and not as effective as they could have been.
How do the European hostages find their way out of captivity?
European governments were more willing to pay ransoms, which helped free their hostages.
How did the government respond to the notion of the Foleys raising the ransom money themselves?
The U.S. government strongly discouraged it, citing the risks of encouraging further kidnappings.
How did governments like the Spanish manage to free the hostages without incentivizing future kidnappings?
They negotiated quietly and paid ransoms discreetly, avoiding public attention.
How did Jim manage to send a message home to his family?
Jim sent a secret message through a letter or coded communication.
How does Jim’s situation make Foley view ordinary life differently?
She becomes more grateful for small moments and aware of time’s fleeting nature.
According to Foley, what was the hardest thing for the families to endure?
The uncertainty of not knowing whether their loved ones were alive or dead.
How did ISIS treat Foley and his fellow hostages?
ISIS treated them with cruelty, using them as propaganda tools and inflicting psychological torture.
What complicated the matter of hostage treatment, for the kidnappers?
The kidnappers were divided and unsure how to treat the hostages, some showing moments of kindness while others were ruthless.
Why were the kidnappers dubbed “The Beatles”?
They were given this nickname due to their British accents and brutal treatment of hostages.
How did the hostages pass the time in captivity?
They passed time through conversation, games, and holding on to memories of their lives before captivity.
What was the only way the American and British hostages might be freed?
The only potential way out was a ransom or military action, though neither was guaranteed.
How does Foley understand her son’s adoption of Islam?
She sees it as a personal and spiritual decision Jim made during his life, not connected to any political ideology.
What demand from the captors signaled to Foley that Jim’s release was no longer possible?
When the captors asked for specific political conditions, it signaled that Jim’s release was unlikely.
How did the attempt at military rescue fail?
The rescue failed because Jim was moved just before the operation was carried out.
According to Foley, what other tactics might the US government have used, besides paying a ransom and brute force?
Diplomatic negotiations and working with international allies may have been more effective.
Why did the Foleys hold two funerals for Jim?
They held two funerals: one for family and friends and another for the public, allowing them to honor Jim’s life in different ways.