Barbara Henning wife of hostage David Henning pleads to Islamic State

The transcript questions why the leaders of the Islamic State do not recognize Alan's humanitarian motives for going to Syria and why they ignore their own justice system's verdict. It suggests that those who wish to be seen as a state should act in a statesmanlike manner by showing mercy and providing clemency.

What reasons might lead individuals to ignore humanitarian motives?

What is implied about the relationship between justice and mercy in the text?

What might be the implications of ignoring one's own justice system?

In what ways does the text challenge the notion of statehood?

How does the text suggest that those leading Islamic State perceive mercy?