Bumped....because one can never pat oneself on the back too many times.....

The Sunday Times has retracted their May 7th story in which they claimed they had received a video of the beheading murder of female Iraqi reporter, Atwar Bahjat. As first revealed on The Jawa Report, that video was actually of a slain Nepalese truck driver from August of 2004. Thanks to Greyhawk for following up on the retraction and commenting on it here.

Our original story is here: Atwar Bahjat Beheading Video a Hoax

Times retraction: The Iraq execution video that fooled me

First note that the retraction calls the cold-blooded murder of a civilian an 'execution'. The terrorists that murdered a man by beheading and shot 11 of his co-workers on video deemed it an execution for collaboration with Zionists, Crusadors, and apostates. They use such language because it justifies their actions under Islamic law.

It's not murder, they claim, it's an execution of a criminal. Apparently, the Times agrees. more...

Posted by: Rusty at 12:02 PM | Comments (18) | Add Comment
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Will Hala Jaber's retraction about the Atwar Bahjat murder get as much coverage as her initial story? Don't hold your breath. So far her retraction has only been printed in two papers: The Sunday Times and The Australian.

The Guardian's online blog section also mentions the retraction, with a nod to The Jawa Report. The Guardian:

Sunday Times reporter Hala Jaber, one of Britain's most respected foreign correspondents, has admitted that she was hoaxed by a videotape she thought showed the beheading of a fellow journalist and friend....

Bahjat's TV network, Al Arabiya, immediately denied Jaber's version of events and the blog the Jawa Report linked the Nepalese video with the one seen by Jaber.

Following queries about the video, from the Australian Broadcasting Corporation's Media Watch TV programme, Jaber wrote her follow up piece.

Previous: Sunday Times Retracts Atwar Bahjat Beheading Story After Bloggers Fact Check

Atwar Bahjat Beheading Video a Hoax

Posted by: Rusty at 08:52 AM | No Comments | Add Comment
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A gruesome beheading video delivered to the Sunday Times purporting to be of slain journalist Atwar Bahjat is a hoax. On Sunday, May 7th, the Times reported that they had received a low-quality video of Atwar Bahjat being slowly beheaded. That video is now being circulated on the internet as the "Atwar Bahjat" beheading video.

The Jawa Report can reveal that the Times and Halal Jabar, the author of the article, are victims of a hoax. The video actually shows the gruesome murder of a Nepalese man by the Army of Ansar al-Sunna in Iraq from August of 2004. The man was one of 12 victims executed by the terrorist organization--the other 11 were shot (original story, video, and images of 12 Nepalese murdered in Iraq here).

The Times describes the Nepalese murder video precisely. However, the video delivered to the Times was actually a low-quality version of a much higher quality film originally made by Ansar al-Sunnah. The Times video also is edited to exclude the murder of the other 11 hostages.

The Army of Ansar al-Sunna has murdered dozens of civilians in Iraq. The organization is an offshoot of the Army of Ansar al-Islam--a Kurdish Islamist organization. The group routinely murders those suspected of collaborating with the U.S. and Iraqi governments. Before the group murders their hostages they accuse them of 'apostasy', a crime punishable by death under Islamic law. They therefore justify their murders as 'executions' for 'crimes' committed against Islam.

Halal Jabar describes the video in the Sunday Times, but leaves out that you can hear the victim gasping for breath through the hole in his severed neck:

By the time filming begins, the condemned woman has been blindfolded with a white bandage.

It is stained with blood that trickles from a wound on the left side of her head. She is moaning, although whether from the pain of what has already been done to her or from the fear of what is about to be inflicted is unclear. ...

A large man dressed in military fatigues, boots and cap approaches from behind and covers her mouth with his left hand. In his right hand, he clutches a large knife with a black handle and an 8in blade. He proceeds to cut her throat from the middle, slicing from side to side.

Her cries — “Ah, ah, ah” — can be heard above the “Allahu akbar” (God is greatest) intoned by the holder of the mobile phone.

Even then, there is no quick release for Bahjat. Her executioner suddenly stands up, his job only half done. A second man in a dark T-shirt and camouflage trousers places his right khaki boot on her abdomen and pushes down hard eight times, forcing a rush of blood from her wounds as she moves her head from right to left.

Only now does the executioner return to finish the task. He hacks off her head and drops it to the ground, then picks it up again and perches it on her bare chest so that it faces the film-maker in a grotesque parody of one of her pieces to camera.

Soon afterward, jihadi forums began to circulate the phony video. Thanks to Baf Baf for much of the legwork in helping figure out which video the hoax had been made from.

The Times reported that the film was delivered to them by Sunni insurgents and said that it had been found on the mobile phone of a dead Shia militant. The article erroneously tries to blame Bahjat's murder on Shia militias, and uses the false video as evidence of growing civil strife in Iraq.

The video, in fact, actually shows an "infidel" being murdered by a Sunni Salaafist terrorist organization with ties to al Qaeda. Related from Jeff Goldstein on why this matters. Neo-neocon as well.

Earlier report: The Bloody Murder of Muslim Jouralist Atwar Bahjat

Here is a link to the original video being circulated on jihadi discussion boards as the Atwar Bahjat beheading video (WARNING: VERY GRAPHIC). Disgusting, cruel, and graphic images from it are posted below.

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UPDATE: Just for the sake of clarity, Bahjat was murdered in a cruel way. The fact that this video is a hoax should not distract us from that fact. Whoever murdered her deserves the severist punishment available. [And by 'hoax' I do not mean to imply the video is fake, only its attribution. For some reason some Islamist scumbag thought it would be funny/scary/useful to send out an old video and label it 'Bahjat'.]
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UPDATE 2: Al Arabiya (Arabic) is now confirming the tape was a hoax (via Abu Aardvark).
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UPDATE 3: Ogrish now reporting same.
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UPDATE 4: Here is a translated version of the al Arabiya article. Bahjat was a reporter for al Arabiya. It claims that the Atwar Bahjat hoax video is for sale on CD-ROM on the Baghdad streets:

It was published this tape in Arabic forums on the Internet, as well as news of the British newspaper quoted several Arab newspapers. The sources also stated that the tape recording sold on CD-ROM in the streets of Baghdad.

Their bullet-riddled bodies were found by their vehicle near the town of Dawr. Notably, by all indications, these journalists were specifically targeted.

The Western press has no problem with showing you the misdeeds of U.S. soldiers in Iraq--misdeeds that are punished--but will not show you what our enemies are like. The hypocrisy of a media which has no problem characterizing prisoner abuse as 'torture'--- and endlessly publishes photos of a woman laughing at nude prisoners---but refuses to show you what our enemies routinely do to prisoners. Torture them, murder them, and behead them.

WARNING: DO NOT PROCEED. GRAPHIC IMAGES. more...

Posted by: Rusty at 12:35 PM | Comments (49) | Add Comment
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1 I am not optimistic about the future of Iraq. I do see the situation improving.

Posted by: john Ryan at May 08, 2006 01:33 PM (TcoRJ)

2 ...so who did they butcher in this clip then? It's not like they haven't done it before?

Posted by: tj at May 08, 2006 01:38 PM (iXWYc)

3 Where did all of the reports of torture using an electric drill come from? I know the article said that was a hallmark of Shia 'death squads' but the beheading was Sunni. They were specific about the drill being used on her body, and eye. Was that all fake information to implicate Shia's in her murder? or fact?

Posted by: davec at May 08, 2006 01:45 PM (CcXvt)

4 TJ The victim is a Nepalese truck driver.

Posted by: Rusty at May 08, 2006 01:52 PM (J2Kyq)

5 the gruesome murder of a Nepalese man. MAN?

Posted by: AL at May 08, 2006 02:21 PM (FEXFJ)

6 "Why do we post these images?" To get an immediate and visceral reaction from idiots. Hope it inspires y'all to join the corp. It's too bad there weren't any video cameras during the Spanish Inquisition... you guys would really LOVE that stuff...

Posted by: JT at May 08, 2006 02:47 PM (HJ32c)

7 "Why do we post these images?" To get an immediate and visceral reaction from idiots. Hope it inspires y'all to join the corp. Case in point, idiot.

Posted by: davec at May 08, 2006 02:50 PM (CcXvt)

8 Yeah, JT. Because only idiots would think there's something wrong with these people. I mean afterall, only a smart person like you would just yawn, right?

Posted by: Oyster at May 08, 2006 02:57 PM (EigeA)

9 Oyster, the Leftists don't want to see what their allies are doing in Iraq. See no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil. But the Left is complicit in supporting these murderous thugs, whether by tacit approval through silence, or attacking what is good rather than opposing what is evil. They will soon be in power here in the US, and we will get a taste of their hypocrisy as well. I don't think they will last very long, however.

Posted by: jesusland joe at May 08, 2006 03:15 PM (rUyw4)

10 I don't think they will last very long, however. Those are my plans, anyway.

Posted by: Improbulus Maximus at May 08, 2006 03:28 PM (0yYS2)

11 Oh, by the way, nice job, Rusty! I do believe you missed your profession, as you should be the editor of the NYT, and the idiot in that position should be unemployed. There is little justice in this world we live in, but congrats on a job well done.

Posted by: jesusland joe at May 08, 2006 03:45 PM (rUyw4)

12 Joe, Thanks. I don't think I'd exactly fit in at the Times. I'm more of a Weekly World News fan myself ;-)

Posted by: Rusty at May 08, 2006 03:59 PM (JQjhA)

13 Haha, me too, Rusty. But I think you could point the Grey Lady on the Right path, so to speak.

Posted by: jesusland joe at May 08, 2006 04:16 PM (rUyw4)

14 ...she was just shot to death. It was just some guy that was beheaded... Well that absolves the Islamofascists then doesn't it?

Posted by: DANEgerus at May 08, 2006 04:38 PM (J8yxJ)

15 I dont know how they passed this off as a woman? it is gross beyond what i am able to look at. i stopped it. just ish.

Posted by: john kerry at May 08, 2006 05:54 PM (BpHeA)

16 Sorry to rain on your parade Rusty, but I had this figured as being the Nepalese vid way before you wrote your exclusive.

Posted by: Arosent at May 08, 2006 05:55 PM (Oe7Bs)

17 Arosent, By "exclusive" I don't mean I'm the only one to figure it out (note the hat tip to Baf Baf, for instance, and to Greyhawk) only that I'm the only one that reported this in the "media" (as of the earliest writing).

Posted by: Rusty at May 08, 2006 06:01 PM (JQjhA)

18 “To get an immediate and visceral reaction from idiots. “ As opposed to the more intellectual reaction, which would be…? What? Whine? Sorry, but most human beings have a visceral reaction to seeing a person bound and semi-beheaded and then teased while spewing blood. A non-visceral reaction would indicate mental disability. And I doubt many people would be inspired to join a pacifist organization after seeing how evil human beings can be.

Posted by: Mus Zibii at May 08, 2006 06:49 PM (MWcae)

19 Dad, are there monsters in the world? Yes sweetie there are, and most of them worship a false moon god named allah. But, do not worry little one, your father is well armed, and has a great amount of ammo. ROPMA

Posted by: Leatherneck at May 08, 2006 07:41 PM (D2g/j)

20 Rusty is /b>the Master.

Posted by: Howie at May 08, 2006 08:15 PM (D3+20)

21 They must have learned from DAN RATHER or TOM BROKAW

Posted by: sandpiper at May 08, 2006 09:58 PM (xt8mX)

22 Maybe they did it out of terror ... fear for their lives. How would you like to meet her in a dark alley?

Posted by: Last gasp Larry at May 09, 2006 12:48 AM (FCC6c)

23 What a barbaric and evil act. These beings are not human. They are not even animals. They are a low life form and will be destroyed. One word - KARMA

Posted by: wisp at May 09, 2006 12:54 AM (pgVjQ)

24 sdsdsds

Posted by: john at May 09, 2006 01:20 AM (ObQcD)

25 The colonial occupation forces are responsible of of the beheading of (IRAQ) and not this journalist!!...they invade that country to ensure democracy!!!!who believes them??where is the mass weapons you came for??? Abu Ghraib and guantanamo are black spots in the forhead of the violent aggressive terrorists who invaded that country and destroyed it completely. that is the type of democarcy they want to establish! you can not fool people, these are more intelligent than the chief commander i.e. (Adolph) Bush!! a simple question: what is the difference betwen the Nazi actions and what we see now in Iraq? they invaded that country for stealing the oil and getting revenge for Sept. 11, and for the sake of Israel... They will lose, in deed they lost the war: morally (Abu Ghraib and Pucca), and militarilly (these losses frm the iraqi resistance.. the will of people can not be defeated!!??

Posted by: john at May 09, 2006 01:33 AM (ObQcD)

26 The colonial occupation forces are responsible of of the beheading of (IRAQ) and not this journalist!!...they invade that country to ensure democracy!!!!who believes them??where is the mass weapons you came for??? Abu Ghraib is a black spot in the forhead of the violent aggressive terrorists who invaded that country and destroyed it completely. that is the type of democarcy they want to establish! you can not fool people, these are more intelligent than the chief commander i.e. (Adolph) Bush!! a simple question: what is the difference betwen the Nazi actions and what we see now in Iraq? they invaded that country for stealing the oil and getting revenge for Sept. 11, and for the sake of Israel... They will lose, in deed they lost the war: morally (Abu Ghraib and Pucca), and militarilly (great losses of the occupation forces every day... the will of people can not be defeated!!??

Posted by: john at May 09, 2006 01:37 AM (CKBe6)

27 Why do we post these images? If more media [legacy and new] organizations would publicize images and video of this nature, more people would have a clearer sense of what and who we are dealing with. This information is necessary and good to disseminate.

Posted by: Jason McClain at May 09, 2006 03:48 AM (5wcIa)

28 John, you moron. Don't make me invoke Godwin's Law.

Posted by: Oyster at May 09, 2006 04:01 AM (YudAC)

29 John, you need mental help. And you are off topic. Why don't you comment on the beheading video, or perhaps you are one of the animals we speak of.

Posted by: jesusland joe at May 09, 2006 05:56 AM (rUyw4)

30 I agree with Jason. I don't like it that we show Abu Ghraib photos of panties on the head and gasp with terror and self ritcheousness, but we refuse to show the towers falling anymore except on 9/11 anniversary shows, and we don't show what the barbarians we are fighting do to their "POW's" most of whom are civilians. A war is partly won in the spirt. The spirits of our country need to be educated and reminded.

Posted by: KJ at May 09, 2006 06:05 AM (Rb147)

31 We would have been much better off with a " no American foot touch the ground policy ". Wherever there is a threat building up, just nuke it. No muss, no UN, no fuss. In Saddam's case just send him a " care " package about once every few weeks. That is all that needed doing, but cowboys are not all that smart ....

Posted by: Last gasp Larry at May 09, 2006 02:13 PM (H9rjL)

32 Can't grasp reality Larry: ah, yes a scorched earth policy with Nuclear weapons is a smart idea, especially if you have to crawl out from under a rock to post on the Internet. What a moron.

Posted by: davec at May 09, 2006 02:33 PM (CcXvt)

33 "Arosent, By "exclusive" I don't mean I'm the only one to figure it out (note the hat tip to Baf Baf, for instance, and to Greyhawk) only that I'm the only one that reported this in the "media" (as of the earliest writing)." Apart from the fact it was posted on Ogrish an hour before? Normally I view and really enjoy your stuff man, but claiming the 'exclusive' is a bit cheeky Terminus

Posted by: Terminus at May 09, 2006 06:39 PM (8Qkxe)

34 The colonial occupation forces are responsible of of the beheading of (IRAQ) and not this journalist!!...they invade that country to ensure democracy!!!!who believes them??where is the mass weapons you came for??? Abu Ghraib is a black spot in the forhead of the violent aggressive terrorists who invaded that country and destroyed it completely. that is the type of democarcy they want to establish! you can not fool people, these are more intelligent than the chief commander i.e. (Adolph) Bush!! a simple question: what is the difference betwen the Nazi actions and what we see now in Iraq? they invaded that country for stealing the oil and getting revenge for Sept. 11, and for the sake of Israel... They will lose, in deed they lost the war: morally (Abu Ghraib and Pucca), and militarilly (great losses of the occupation forces every day... the will of people can not be defeated!!?? Posted by: john at May 9, 2006 01:37 AM How can you possibly declare yourself against "torture" after what you've just done to logic and the English language, John? Or is that really you, Baghdad Bob...?

Posted by: ipw533 at May 09, 2006 07:53 PM (Q5K6a)

35 It's funny how leftards are quick to jump on our reaction to such heinous acts of brutality, but pointedly refuse to condemn said acts, which in itself tell us all we need to know about them; they support terrorists now as they always have, regardless of the cause. Whatever mental disorder is at the root of leftism, it must be a real doozy; why would anyone cheer for the destruction of civilization? No sane person would, but as we have all known for a long time, leftards are not even close to sane. If we're not going to hang them all, we should at least deport them to any third-world dictatorship that would have them.

Posted by: Improbulus Maximus at May 10, 2006 08:11 AM (0yYS2)

36 Indeed, I don't think that Atwar Bahjat was beheaded because I saw her on TV when they found her body ... She was shot only . In conclusion , this video makes sure of creating death teams which are led by certain persons who came after the invasion whether from Iran or another country .

Posted by: Iraqi at May 10, 2006 01:00 PM (a8ZQa)

37 What I can't figure out is how Hala Jaber, an award winning journalist, could write this article when back in February she wrote of seeing details of her friend Atwar's body in a green coat, and that the body had "taken two bullets to the head." And as a journalist and friend of Atwar's she must have seen the photographs of Atwar's body. Doesn't make any sense that she could have been so easily duped. The Sunday Times needs to clarify this.

Posted by: The Unknown Blogger at May 10, 2006 01:11 PM (1rr7m)

38 Hello? Those are man tits. That's not a woman being beheaded. Awful just the same and those responsible are sub-human. Awful. But let's not forget that whomever this was, they died a horrible death. If Allah exists, he's puking in the gutter that is Iraq right now.

Posted by: Brod at May 10, 2006 07:47 PM (IiOAJ)

39 but the beheading was Sunni. They were specific about the drill being used on her body, and eye. Was that all fake information to implicate Shia's in her murder? or fact? Now the new information indicates that where was no beheading. Therefore not sunni. The only remaining evidence (of the dril) points towards Shite.

Posted by: Someone at May 11, 2006 03:14 PM (33djT)

40 There are a few comments about 'leftists'. I'm not sure what you guys regards as 'leftists'. I beleive in a national health service, high taxes for good public services, basic rights for all. I wouldn't want to live in a country where the rich flourish at the expense of the poor. That said, I'd cheerfully see the kind of people that would perpetrate these inhuman acts boil in a vat of their own shit. Slow boil, mind... wouldn't want them to get off lightly... You reap what you sow.

Posted by: Mr Nobody at May 11, 2006 06:57 PM (jmflC)

41 watch your mouth please. the beleivers of Allah generally doesn't hunt for any other's property and doesn't kill except their lifes are in danger. This inhuman act does not seem to be a normal insurgent's work. You can only know this when you will be able to know muslim people, and that's not zionist warlords doesn't want you to. Do you think tese thrilling videos were in corcondance with current Muslim world? How come while all Muslim people were living soberly, some people can make all the western world beleive that they are bloodthirsty animals? Do you know the history? Was there any terrorist act in Islamic world (Hashasins are not islamic)before western occupation? Have you examined the teachings of Islam? or are you eager to beleive your dark princes of war and use your beloved ammunition on people just for they beleive in Allah? That environment of vengeance and terror makes them very rich or important persons, but the appliers will burn in hell without any benefit in this world.

Posted by: tugrul at May 15, 2006 03:51 AM (YrMKA)

42 Only a Muslim is worse than Hitler or Stalin. The latter two killed millions - but killed them cold-bloodedly. Muslims, and only Muslims can do this - kill their targets (including other Muslims - of course) hot-bloodedly. They'll cry Allah and slaughter people with glee in the wicked hearts. Only a Muslim could not notice how this segment of lower humanity has contributed nothing worthwhile to the world. 22 Muslim countries and every single one is backward. Say Allah; say Muslim, and everyone else gets nauceous. These "Allah" invokers are the pigs of this world.

Posted by: Jack at May 16, 2006 07:42 PM (zdT8j)

43 Great work! http://fezvmcfa.com/qzhk/bkem.html | http://sdubmwxl.com/ufbe/blni.html

Posted by: Holly at May 17, 2006 12:20 AM (qlRDC)

44 Tugrul - I do hope your writing was not directed at me. I fully understand that the vast majority of muslims are decent people - but I stand by the point that those who commit the barbaric acts portryed on the video in question deserve a fate worse than death. Not because they're muslim, but because they're animals. Jack - really, man, what the fuck are you on? Do you even read? Know any history? Have you ever actually *met* a muslim? For the record - most tend to be clean to the point of fastidiousness, respectful, and pleasant. As to your woefully inaccurate comment that they have contributed nothing to the world - whilst Europeans went back to hitting each other with sticks, it was the Arabs who preserved the knowledge of the Greeks and Romans. Without their efforts, Europeans, and thus Americans, would not be where they are today. We'd have had to rediscover these things all over again. They've given nothing to the world? Pfft. You're just too ignorant to know. Yes, the people that make these disgusting, horrible, awful videos are worthy of nothing but contempt and hatred. Do they represent Muslims in general? No. No more than that lunatic Fred Phelps represents Christians. Every religion has its nutters.

Posted by: Mr Nobody at May 17, 2006 07:35 PM (szIZi)

45 Tugrul - I do hope your writing was not directed at me. I fully understand that the vast majority of muslims are decent people - but I stand by the point that those who commit the barbaric acts portryed on the video in question deserve a fate worse than death. Not because they're muslim, but because they're animals. Jack - really, man, what the fuck are you on? Do you even read? Know any history? Have you ever actually *met* a muslim? For the record - most tend to be clean to the point of fastidiousness, respectful, and pleasant. As to your woefully inaccurate comment that they have contributed nothing to the world - whilst Europeans went back to hitting each other with sticks, it was the Arabs who preserved the knowledge of the Greeks and Romans. Without their efforts, Europeans, and thus Americans, would not be where they are today. We'd have had to rediscover these things all over again. They've given nothing to the world? Pfft. You're just too ignorant to know. Yes, the people that make these disgusting, horrible, awful videos are worthy of nothing but contempt and hatred. Do they represent Muslims in general? No. No more than that lunatic Fred Phelps represents Christians. Every religion has its nutters.

Posted by: Mr Nobody at May 17, 2006 07:37 PM (szIZi)

46 These people are not wanting to or willing to conform to western ideals. They are savage, barbaric individuals who know nothing more than war and hatred towards others who do not confom to their ideals. Why don't we rid the world of this disease, the way bleach kills germs. Afterall, they are the germs of the world. A nicely placed nuke would do wonders!

Posted by: kill'em all! at May 22, 2006 11:56 AM (maXzk)

47 This goes to show the mechanations of propaganda in the east. We in the west use more subtle and less violently graphic images, but it is still propaganda. The main thing we can see from this is the absolute difference in cultures; these tortures and murders are abhorrant and barbaric much where we were 200 yrs ago.The question then is how do we deal with a culture based on outmoded thinking and beliefs? I think we all know how this has to happen.Either the change happens within its own culture or it must be forced

Posted by: tony at May 24, 2006 09:06 PM (lXTwL)

48 I can tell that many of you would probably kill your selves if presented face to face. Have you learned nothing of this terrible war? This is exactly what religion does to you. Why donÂ’t you people just start to use your brain and THINK!

Posted by: Frank at May 30, 2006 11:06 AM (NVRTq)

49 Could anyone tell me why was it when Hala Jaber got this what we now know was a hoax video the authorities were not informed ,there is an investigation wouldnt someone have simply spoken to the coroner?

Posted by: sarah chadwick at June 03, 2006 10:57 AM (TnArq)

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