Wow, this David Rohde series. One detail just stuck to my ribs:

If I made one more video, he said, we would be released. Ashamed of my previous video and convinced that Abu Tayyeb was lying yet again, I refused.

“This is all about you,” I said, raising my voice. “You are demanding millions of dollars so you can make yourself look good to the other commanders. You are the problem.” …

Once again, Abu Tayyeb repeated his order, and I said no. I knew it was reckless, but standing up to him felt enormously liberating after months of acquiescing.

I read this while walking my dog this morning and pumped my fist involuntarily. Dog was confused.