Taliban Wanted $25 Million for Life of New York Times Reporter

Contentious Debate at the New York Times Over Paying for David Rohde's Release
By BRIAN ROSS

The Taliban leader who held New York Times reporter David Rohde hostage for seven months initially demanded a ransom of $25 million and the release of 10 prisoners from Guantanamo, according to people involved in subsequent negotiations.

Rohde's captor was reportedly identified by the FBI and CIA as Siraj Haqqani, the son of a senior Taliban leader Jalaluddin Haqqani who is considered to be close to al Qaeda. He and his Taliban associates reportedly referred to the American journalist as their "golden rooster."
Haqqani demonstrated his violent ways by reportedly killing a messenger sent to establish that Rohde was still alive, according to people familiar with the FBI criminal investigation of the kidnapping.
The U.S. posted a $5 million reward for Siraj Haqqani's capture during the time he held Rohde.