Did the New York Times endanger reporters when it tried to save its own?

The saga of New York Times reporter David Rohde (right), held captive by Taliban militants for seven months, had a happy ending: Rohde escaped unharmed. But the warm glow of that outcome is now tinged somewhat by the disclosure, reported by New York magazine, that The New York Times Co. offered, in negotiations with Rohde's kidnappers, to pay up to $1 million to secure his release.

What to do about ransom demands is a controversial subject; many believe that paying off kidnappers only encourages more kidnappings. That's the official position of the Committee to Protect Journalists, although there are some gray areas, says executive director Joel Simon.