Alan Johnston Not Free Yet

Generally welcomed Friday was the video of BBC reporter Alan Johnston in captivity. Most sources and experts agree that negotiations for his freedom remain difficult.

The rumblings Saturday (June 2) could not have been more ominous. Saeb Erakat, a prominent Palestinian Authority spokesperson, told interviewers “If they can't do it by peaceful means, then a security operation will not be overruled. This is my personal position.”

“The government should acquire the release of Johnston,” Erakat told AFP. “Should they fail through dialogue and peaceful means, in my opinion, a security operation will be justified.”

A Hamas spokesperson, close to Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh, ruled out a military operation.

The Army of Islam, the terrorists now holding Johnston, released the video via the internet. In the short video Johnston was shown and said “the kidnappers deal with me well.” The video of Johnston is the only reasonably tangible public contact with the terrorists.

Most sources close to Palestinian issues say The Army of Islam is nothing more  - or less – than the Durmush clan warlords in the middle of their own turf feud with Hamas. - June 1, 2007

Keywords:kidnapping journalists, journalist safety

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