Per the Gulf Research Center, "The objective of this traditional activity was to apply pressure on hostile tribesmen by issuing demands, the fulfillment of which would lead to the safe return of their son or daughter.
The kidnappings taking place in Iraq today are ones far departed from the traditional practices of Arab (and indeed, other nations ) tribal warfare which were governed by a strict protocol, ensuring decent, gentle and safe treatment of the captives.
Hariri appeared on live television and announced his resignation as a result of Iranian threats and Iran's export of "devastation and chaos".
This unusual announcement was exceptionally surprising to many throughout the Middle East, especially since Hariri had never before expressed such harsh accusations towards Iran - though the Islamic Republic had been heavily involved in Lebanese politics for decades, namely by creating and continuously funding and supporting various organizations such as Hezbollah.
It appears that the Saudi government attempted to use political kidnapping as a means to push the Lebanese state to take an aggressive stance vis à vis the Islamic Republic and to confront it directly, after years of avoiding direct action against Hezbollah terrorists who had effectively taken control over southern Lebanon.
Among foreigners, the victims have included ambassadors, consuls, labor, commercial and military attaches and even consultants with no governmental positions.
Stated goals included release of political prisoners, for ransom, embarrassment of officials, and straining ties between countries.