February 28, 2005

American Hostage Rescued in Iraq (and it's a child!)

The terrorists have resorted to holding children hostage. This is the only information I could gather about Hussein al Saadi. How many more American hostages are there in Iraq? From the AP:

US citizen Hussein al-Saadi, 10, who was kidnapped for a ransom of 150,000 US dollars two weeks ago, is kissed by his father Saadi Abdul-Aziz as they are reunited in the southern town of Basra in Iraq Monday, Feb. 28, 2005, after he was rescued by the Iraqi police who raided the kidnapper's hideout.

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10 Year Old American Hostage Rescued in Iraq

more...

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Terrorists Behead Another Woman; second beheading victim this week and third woman

Iraqi police found the beheaded body of a woman in Baghdad's al Adl district today. The woman was the second beheading victim in the past week. This also marks the third time in a week a woman had been murdered in Iraq, apparently for 'collaboration'.

Various news sources, including al Jazeera, report that the woman was dressed in black, her body wrapped in a carpet. A note attached to the corpse simply read: "Spy".

It is quite common for Islamic terrorists to accuse their victims of being a spy or collaborator. Hostages are often forced to make confessions before their captors murder them--whether they are beheaded or shot. Usually, working in any capacity with the Iraqi government is enough to convince terrorist forces that a person is a spy. [hat tip: Paul at Wizbang who e-mailed this to me] more...

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February 26, 2005

Is American Hostage in Iraq Keith Maupin Alive?

Let's hope so. Keith Maupin is the only American serviceman still considered 'captured' by the Army. A video was released shortly after he was taken hostage showing a man being executed. However, the video was of very poor quality and the Army has not been able to confirm the victim on the video was Maupin.

Let's not forget that there are at least four other Americans hostages in Iraq: Roy Hallums, Dean Sadek, Tim Bell, and Bill Bradley. We urge our troops in Iraq to continue the search for their comrades. The fight will not be over until all American civilians held hostage come home. Roy Hallums and Dean Sadek are known to be alive as both were shown in videos pleading for their lives. Tim Bell and Bill Bradley's fate are unknown.

Cincinnati Enquirer:

For Keith and Carolyn Maupin, there can be no closure as long as their son remains missing....

Throughout Greater Cincinnati, and particularly near his home in Clermont County, yellow ribbons adorn trees, cars and mailboxes as reminders of Matt Maupin. In August, the Maupin family said they had received 10,000 letters of support from around the country, sometimes 500 a day. A store in Batavia reported selling out of yellow ribbon. There have been rallies, vigils and calls from President Bush.

The memories of Maupin are not of a soldier, but of a young man working to build a life. He graduated from Glen Este High School and enrolled at University of Cincinnati's Clermont College. He joined the reserves to help pay for school. And then his unit was called up and life changed for him, as it has for so many other young men and women in the past few years...

Their concern remains our concern. Their son is our neighbor. He represents the sons and daughters of all our neighbors who are serving their country.

This community has shown its heart to the Maupin family and will continue to do so. We will help them maintain their vigil. This community's watch will remain until Matt Maupin finally comes home.

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February 24, 2005

Online Jihadis: "Chop off the head of Guiliana Sgrena"

From the SITE Institute's translation of an onile discussion about Guiliana Sgrena at an Islamist bulletin board:

...Guiliana Sgrena should be "slaughtered" in order to teach the Europeans in general and the Italians in particular a lesson as a result of their support to the "crusaders"...

"My brothers in Al-Qaeda, kill this ugly old woman and do not show any mercy towards her. Do not forget that the Italians, as a people and as a government, hate Islam and the Muslims."...

"Chop off the head of Guiliana Sgrena"

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Terrorists 'Dissatisfied' by Negative Media Attention

Hostage taking does two things for terrorist networks. First, it serves as a source of revenue for the organization--for instance the Maoist FARK rebels of South America have kidnapped and ransomed thousands of hostages in the past 30 years. Second, it serves as a form of propaganda to demoralize political opponents foreign and domestic.

But propaganda is a two-way street. Media images can also serve to discredit our enemies, the Islamist extremists who wish for the return of the Caliphate and the imposition of sharia law. Hence, the following message from the terrorist through two Indonesian reporters recently released comes as no surprise. Reuters:

Two Indonesian television reporters who had been held captive by Iraqi guerrillas said on Tuesday their kidnappers asked them after their release to warn foreign journalists not to come to the conflict-ridden country.

"They told us we should tell journalists they should not enter Iraq and that it is not a safe place for them and they also said they were dissatisfied by reports that discredited them," Meutya Hafid, 26, told reporters after her arrival in Amman from the Iraqi border with cameraman Budiyanto, 38, a day after their release.

Yeah, and I'm sure all those beheading snuff videos did wonders for their credibility.

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Beheaded Body of Woman May be that of Iraqi Journalist

Via Chad at In the Bullpen this Novinite article. The body of the woman maybe that of Raaeda Al-Wazan who was abducted on her way to work at a US funded television station [background here]. This is the first time I have heard that her son was also taken hostage. As of this morning, not a single major media outlet has carried the story:

The beheaded body of a woman has been discovered in the suburbs of the town of Erbil, Northern Iraq, the Iraqi daily Sabah reported. Police say the body might of the journalist who was kidnapped two days ago in the town of Mosul. Raeda Wazzan, a journalist working for a government-funded television station, was kidnapped along with her son, aged 10.

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February 21, 2005

Pro-American Iraqi Reporter Taken Hostage in Iraq

Centcom press release:

MOSUL, Iraq – An Iraqi Media Network worker was kidnapped by terrorists in Mosul Feb. 20.

Iraqi Media Network reporter Raaeda Al-Wazan was abducted while on her way to work. Terrorists contacted the station and threatened to continue to target employees.

The Mosul IMN station has been targeted by terorrists several times in the past week because they have been broadcasting programs that highlighted the negative effects of terrorist activity. Those programs have had rapidly growing support from Iraqi citizens and therefore have caused the station to be targeted.

Terrorists continue to disregard their fellow citizens, as Iraqi Security Forces and Multi-National Forces continue to perform operations to ensure the safety of Iraqi citizens.

Chad at In the Bullpen speculates this is the work of the Islamic Army in Iraq. Hat tip: reader Sparky

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Indonesian Hostages Released on Video

Two Indonesian journalists have been released by their captors. A video and still photographs were delivered to the Associated Press today showing the hostages receiving gift baskets, books, and shaking hands with the terrorists who had threatened to murder them only days before.

The two, Meutya Hafid and her cameraman known only as Budianto, were captured on January 31st, but Indonesia did not report their plight until last week [background here]. A hostage video then emerged two days ago and aired by the openly pro-terrorist al Jazeera televison [background here].

The AP reports that one of the masked terrorists in the video says:

"For reasons of suspicion, these two journalists were arrested. Based on the goodwill they showed, and respecting the feelings of brotherhood and Islam between the two countries, and respecting the Indonesian anti-occupation role, we decided to release the two journalists without any conditions or ransom."
Had the two been found guilty of 'collaborating with the Zionist-Crusader forces' they would have been killed. Instead they recieved the consolation prize of not being beheaded and an array of valuable gifts. Included in the gift basket were a copy of the Quran, prayer beads, a skull cap, a pen, and a lovely scarf.

Apparently, their sympathy with the terrorists saved their lives. Those worried about Giuliana Sgrena might be somewhat relieved to hear that.

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February 18, 2005

Left Wing Rebels Blamed in Kidnapping/Murder of Former South American President's Daughter

Did you think that the many Marxist/Maoist inspired rebellions in South America were over? Think again. I hadn't heard about the kidnapping, torture, and then murder of Cecilia Cubas until today. From today's NY Times: more...

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Indonesian Journalists Taken Hostage in Iraq

Two Indonesian journalists have been taken hostage in Iraq, one of them a woman. Meutya Hafid (pictured right), a female television reporter for Metro TV, and her cameraman Budianto have been missing since January 31st.

The Associated Press reports that according to an Indonesian Foreign Ministry Spokeperson, the two were heard from shortly after they crossed the border from Jordan into Iraq. When contact was attempted, someone other than the two answered the telephone. The person claimed that the pair had been stopped near Ramadi by people wearing 'uniforms'. However, there have been no reports from either the Coalition Authority or the Iraqi government that the two had been detained.

Al Arabiya television has reported that the two have been taken hostage.

ht: Jeff Quinton

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February 17, 2005

Two Lebanese Hostages Freed: Four Americans Still Held Hostage

Two Lebanese hostages, Hassan and Ghazi Haydar have been freed in Iraq. At least four American hostages are still being held Roy Hallums, Dean Sadek, Tim Bell, and Bill Bradley. Two journalists, Italian Giuliana Sgrena and Frenchwoman Florence Aubenas are said to be captive.

Meanwhile, a former Turkish hostage, Kahraman Sadikoglu, released last week admitted to paying a ransom of $500,000. Some hostage takers, it would seem, are nothing more than common criminals. more...

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February 16, 2005

Italian Hostage Video Released (UPDATE)

GiulianaSgrenahostagevid.jpgA new video has surfaced of Giuliana Sgrena. In the video she claims the only way her life will be saved is if the occupation of Iraq ends.

Sgrena pleas are heard in both Italian and French. The video also superimposes the Arabic words "Mujahadin Without Borders" on the video.

The Associated Press translates her pleas:

You must end the occupation, it's the only way we can get out of this situation...

I ask the Italian government, the Italian people struggling against the occupation, I ask my husband, 'Please, help me You must do all you can to end the occupation. I'm counting on you, you can help me'...

Show all the pictures I have taken of the Iraqis, of the children hit by the cluster bombs, of the women. I beg you. Help me, help me to demand the withdrawal of the troops, help me spare my life.

These people don't want foreigners here, nobody should come to Iraq at this time. Not even journalists. Nobody.

Thousands of people are in prison, children, the elderly, women are raped, people die because they have nothing to eat, no electricity, no water.

What is interesting about the plea is that Giuliana Sgrena was already trying to end the occupation before she was kidnapped. Further, the Mujahadin Without Borders group is previously unknown and is a different organization than the Islamic Jihad Organization that initially claimed her abduction. Moreover, her claim that the jihadis do not want foreigners in the country is simply empirically false. What the jihadis do not want is non-dhimmi infidels in the country. Foreigners who wish to fight the 'Zionist-Crusader Forces' are always welcome.

While Sgrena seems to be visibly shaken in the video, the fact that she believes exactly what the terrorists believe, namely that the US is an evil aggressor, makes it somewhat difficult to swallow that she would actually be killed. Unlike other hostages, Sgrena was in Iraq for the sole purpose of producing anti-American propaganda.

Still, the video does seem to be authentic. Our initial reaction that this possibly could be a hoax seems less plausible now. Even so, it seems unlikely that she will be killed. In any event, anti-American activist with an agenda or not, we pray for her safe return.

However, we would also remind readers that several Americans are still being held hostage in Iraq. They are: Roy Hallums, Dean Sadek, Tim Bell, and Bill Bradley.

Update: Confederate Yankee chimes in with this:

A vigorous anti-war protestor, Sgrena's video was shown just hours before Italy's Senate started voting on extending the nation's 3,000-member military mission in Iraq until June.
He also points out this MSNBC story and notes that Sgrena seems to be directing the video:
At one point, her eyes watering as she struggled to recite her message, she waved the camera to stop.
If the intent of the video was to influence today's vote in Italy, it failed. BBC:
The Italian Senate voted by 141 to 112 to extend the country's 3,000-strong military presence in Iraq until June.

(Photo: Reuters. Sources: Agencies)

Bloggers react: Digger on the fact that 3 organizations have now taken credit--Most of these organizations don't seem to want to take credit for taking Mrs. Sgrena hostage and that may be because she was an outspoken anti-war advocate against the Iraq war.

Likwidshu at Say Anything--The people who kidnapped her don’t care that she’s against this war. They care about the propaganda aspect of her saying what they want her to say. She’s what is called a “useful idiot”.

Chad at ITB thinks the video strengthens the case of this being a hoax.

Others: Command Post

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February 15, 2005

Sgrena Update: Where is the Outrage Over Roy Hallums?

The Pope prays for Giuliana Sgrena: "While I am continuing to pray for peace in the Middle East, I address a heartfelt appeal for the release of Italian journalist Giuliana Sgrena and for all the people who have been kidnapped in Iraq"

French musicians sing for the release of left-wing journalist Florence Aubenas: Around 30 singers put on a free concert in Paris on Monday in a show of support for a French female journalist and her Iraqi translator, missing in Iraq and believed to have been kidnapped.

Italians march to free Sgrena.

Arab media up in arms over Sgrena's kidnapping.

Arab media, European media on Roy Hallums, held hostage since Nov. 1, 2004: Silence.


FREE ROY NOW!!!!!!!!

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Turkish Hostage Released After Ransom Paid

AP:

Kidnappers have released a wealthy Turkish businessman after holding him hostage in Iraq for two months, the Turkish Foreign Ministry said Tuesday.

Kahraman Sadikoglu, president of the Istanbul-based Tuzla Shipyard, was released late Monday, and flown to Baghdad after spending the evening at a British base in southern Iraq, a Foreign Ministry official said. He was scheduled to return to Turkey later Tuesday through Jordan.

The ministry official did not give further details, but newspaper reports said Sadikoglu was released after his family paid hundreds of thousands of dollars in ransom.

It must be a terribly difficult situation to be in having a loved one held hostage. On the one hand, there is the need of the family to see their family members returned home safe and sound. On the other hand, the act of paying ransom may have the effect of inspiring other groups to try the same tactic.

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February 14, 2005

Sgrena Hostage Hoax Update

As predicted, Giuliana Sgrena's Italian Communist newspaper Il Manifesto condemns hostage taking. Yes, taking their employee was bad. Of course, that is not nearly as bad as the US occupation. Background on why this whole thing is a farce here. Translation from the terrorist supporting site Uruknet:

"Truly moving is the involvement of the Iraqi people in Giuliana Sgrena's ordeal," writes Il Manifesto's correspondent from Baghdad, Stefano Chiarini. "Suffering daily abuses and violence from occupation forces or their proxies, the Iraqis themselves are subjected to routine hostage-taking by the occupiers. If the father is not at home, they arrest his son, or brother, or other relative. Under the pretext of looking for arms, American soldiers and their Iraqi trainees look for jewels and money . And, yet, the whole country has mobilised for the liberation of Giuliana."
Sgrena comes from a long line of anti-Americans. As reported in the previous story, her father is a member of the Communist party. The report also confirms that she was a sixties radical opposed to all US efforts since her days in college.

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February 11, 2005

Whose Side Are They On? The Lynne Stewart Conviction

by Demosophist

Wretchard has a post up about Lynne Stewart's conviction wherein he makes the observation not only that the compassion of the left is selective, but that it's conditioned by the Left's "refusal to acknowledge anything smaller than a mass noun." The essence of this perspective concerns the evidence that Stewart, along with some co-conspirators, sought to use the leverage of the kidnapping of civilians, including "poor" Filipinos and children as well as the sick and elderly, to leverage their negotiations for the Sheik's treatment and release. In essence it concerns a defacto alliance with the Al Qaeda-affiliated kidnappers. It's instructive to consider just how the Left and Stewart's team are spinning this story, including the presentation of their attempts to employ the leverage of the kidnappings. more...

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February 10, 2005

Another Bogus Sgrena Threat

Yawn. The reliability of statements made at the Ansar.ws bulletin board has now dropped to nearly zero. Our in house experts have serious doubts as to the authenticity of this latest statement. Giuliana Sgrena was taken hostage last week. From day one our analysts have predicted Sgrena would be released unharmed and live to write about her 'ordeal'. This is the second time a group calling itself the Muhahadin Brigades has threatened to kill Sgrena if Italy did not withraw its troops. more...

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February 09, 2005

Giuliana Sgrena Alive and Well

Yesterday a group claimed to have killed Sgrena, although our resident experts at The Jawa Report accurately called the internet posting a hoax. Today Sgrena's employer claims to have seen her and she is alive and well. Notice how Il Manifesto, which is an Italian leftist paper, calls Giuliana's captors the "resistance". AFP

The Italian journalist Giuliana Sgrena, who was kidnapped in Baghdad last week, has been seen and is in good health, her employer said on Wednesday.

“A person has been able to see Giuliana twice, first on Monday then on Tuesday morning, and has indicated that she is in good health,” the left-wing daily Il Manifesto, which employs Sgrena, wrote in its Wednesday edition.

The journalist is being “held by the Sunni resistance in a zone outside of Baghdad,” the paper said, without specifying who had visited the reporter.

I've been saying from the beginning that Sgrena will be released unharmed. It is people like Sgrena who give terrorists the intellectual fuel that feeds their anti-Americanism. She is on their side and you don't kill an ally. That, or the whole thing was a hoax......

Chad also has some thoughts.

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February 08, 2005

Another Hoax? Website Claims Italian Hostage Dead

The last time a group with a name like "Mujahedeen Brigade" claimed to be holding a hostage, it turned out to be a G.I. Joe doll. Yesterday, the "Jihad Organization" said it would release the Italian hostage, Giuliana Sgrena.

Besides the name of the terrorist organization claiming to have killed Sgrena, there are a few other oddities about this message. Notice, for instance, that the "Mujahadeen Brigade" writes the message as if it is refuting the one posted yesterday. The Jihad Organization claimed yesterday that they had determined that Sgrena was NOT working for US troops. This message claims that the Mujahadeen Brigade was certain she was working for the "American Crusader Troops."

The next few hours will tell which message is the hoax. Unless, of course, the whole incident is a hoax......

Fox News:

A Web posting in the name of a militant group in Iraq (search) claimed Tuesday to have executed an Italian female journalist, but there was no way to determine the report's credibility.

The posting was signed by a different group than the one that had earlier claimed to have kidnapped Giuliana Sgrena (search). Both statements were posted on a Web site used as a clearing house for militants.

The Jihad Organization had earlier claimed responsibility for Friday's kidnapping of Sgrena, 56, but Tuesday's statement was signed by the Mujahedeen Brigade in Iraq (search).

"Your brothers in the Mujahedeen (holy fighters) Brigade have executed the Italian journalist Giuliana Sgrena after making sure that she has spied on the mujahedeen for the American Crusade troops," said the statement.

It said the killing was a message to the American government "that this would be the destiny of agents and spies." It was also warning to Italy against continuing with America in its war on Iraq and a message to the holy fighters to "carry on that path until the liberation of the last spot from Muslim land, and know that the occupation of Iraq is the beginning of the end of America, God willing."

More. And more again.

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