By Kenzie Kesselring

Without frontline journalism, Americans would never be able to capture footage or gather information about conflicts overseas.

The American journalists that were beheaded are heroic for serving time as frontline journalists in the war-torn country of Syria.

When journalists go to another country to report the news, they have to know the dangers that are waiting for them. They have to be aware of the culture they are walking into and they should know that not everyone is going to be happy about their presence.

It is no one else’s responsibility to protect the journalist. Adult reporters, such as James Foley, are well aware of the dangers awaiting them in places like the Middle East, yet they still choose to accept their assignment there.

News organizations shouldn’t shy away from sending their reporters to dangerous places because it is their job to show Americans the full truth about what is going on in the world. If they just stopped, Americans would still attempt to get their global news from places that could be deemed unreliable.

If American news organizations were to pull out of unstable war-torn countries, it would be easier for terrorist organizations, such as the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS), to be the source of global news for Americans and other civilians worldwide.  

Americans were shocked and upset by the videos released by ISIS.

ISIS wants President Obama to end military operations in Iraq and it is common knowledge to Americans that our country doesn’t negotiate with terrorist. This conflict in Iraq is complicated and it is not something that can be ended overnight.

The hearts, thoughts and prayers of many Americans are going out to Foley and his family during this difficult time.