It will take a lot of persuasion ... that's why I am not promising a miracle at all. We should be prepared for any eventuality because these people will cling to these hostages tooth and nail, I'm sure.

I am trying to see whether it's possible for me to get the release of some people bit by bit.

If you've got them by the balls their hearts and minds will follow.

It is essential to persuade the soldier that those he is being urged to massacre are bandits who do not deserve to live; before killing other good, decent fellows like himself, his gun would fall from his hands

"For your own good" is a persuasive argument that will eventually make a man agree to his own destruction.

The young mind is pliable and imitates, but in more advanced states grows rigid and must be warmed and softened before it will receive a deep impression.