Terry Waite, a special envoy for the Archbishop of Canterbury, was kidnapped in 1987 while attempting to negotiate the release of other hostages in Lebanon. He was taken by Shiite militants, and his captivity was marked by isolation, uncertainty, and significant media coverage. Thomas Sutherland, a 74-year-old American professor at the American University of Beirut, was abducted in 1989 while on his way to a lecture. Both men were held by various factions throughout the tumultuous Lebanese Civil War, a complex conflict involving multiple domestic and international stakeholders with varying agendas. Their release was facilitated through negotiations that involved regional players and highlighted the intricate balance of power and influence in Lebanon at the time.

The release of Waite and Sutherland proved pivotal not only for their families and supporters but also in the broader context of the civil strife in Lebanon. Their freedom was seen as a potential turning point that could lead to a clearer understanding between factions holding hostages and foreign entities. The incident garnered widespread media attention, illustrating the plight of hostages in conflict zones, and raised questions regarding the ethics and effectiveness of hostage negotiations, particularly concerning the use of leverage in international diplomacy.

In order to negotiate their release, various international actors engaged with the groups holding the captives, showcasing how abductions were often used as tools for political negotiation and bargaining within the Lebanese landscape. The eventual release of both men was celebrated by various advocacy groups and highlighted the ongoing issue of hostage situations that continued to plague Lebanon and similar regions.