Barack Obama announced Wednesday a new U.S. policy toward the families of hostages: They will not be persecuted for communicating with and paying ransom to hostage-takers. “The families of hostages have told us — and they’ve told me directly — about their frequent frustrations in dealing with their own government: How different departments and agencies aren’t always coordinated.” That does pretty well sum up bureaucracy, and it’s certainly heart-wrenching to have to deal not only with an endangered family member but an inept government. Some of the changes Obama announced will be good with respect to coordination between families of hostages and the government. But we worry terrorists will now be emboldened to kidnap more Americans because they won’t care where the money comes from. “I am reaffirming that the United States government will not make concessions, such as paying ransom, to terrorist groups holding American hostages,” Obama insisted. Yet “we are clarifying that our policy does not prevent communications with hostage-takers — by our government, the families of hostages, or third parties who help these families. And, when appropriate, our government may assist these families and private efforts in those communications.” In other words, the U.S. won’t pay, but it will facilitate those who do. The announcement is also a tacit admission that Obama has failed in multiple hostage rescue attempts and is now simply leaving it to the families. It’s also a striking contrast for a man who so willingly traded five Taliban commanders for an Army deserter.