Jill Carroll

(Bump from 2006-04-01 13:04:09)

The release of reporter Jill Carroll is good news from Iraq.

Taped comments she made while still held hostage are causing something of a stir among the chattering crowds. Two camps in particular I'd like to address here. 1) Those who agree with her comments (or applaud her for making them), and 2) Those who are willing to condemn or vilify her (or any hostage) for making them. For the record, I'm not sure which group I hold in more contempt - it may be equal.

She's homebound, and her parents say her comments were made under duress. The truth in that should be obvious even to those not genetically linked to the victim. I hope this family is left in peace for a while.

There are plenty of Americans (reporters among them) who make those same comments without guns pointed at their heads. Save your outrage for them.

Update 2 April:

Carroll voices anger at captors
Contends anti-US statements were given under threat

Reporter Jill Carroll yesterday renounced many of the statements she had made while in captivity in Iraq and called the people who kidnapped her ''criminals at best."

During my last night in captivity, my captors forced me to participate in a propaganda video. They told me they would let me go if I cooperated. I was living in a threatening environment, under their control, and wanted to go home alive. I agreed.

Things that I was forced to say while captive are now being taken by some as an accurate reflection of my personal views. They are not. The people who kidnapped me and murdered Allan Enwiya are criminals, at best. They robbed Allan of his life and devastated his family. They put me, my family and my friends--and all those around the world, who have prayed so fervently for my release--through a horrific experience. I was, and remain, deeply angry with the people who did this.

I also gave a TV interview to the Iraqi Islamic Party shortly after my release. The party had promised me the interview would never be aired on television, and broke their word. At any rate, fearing retribution from my captors, I did not speak freely. Out of fear I said I wasn't threatened. In fact, I was threatened many times.

Also, at least two false statements about me have been widely aired: That I refused to travel and cooperate with the US military and that I refused to discuss my captivity with US officials. Again, neither is true.

I want to be judged as a journalist, not as a hostage. I remain as committed as ever to fairness and accuracy--to discovering the truth--and so I will not engage in polemics. But let me be clear: I abhor all who kidnap and murder civilians, and my captors are clearly guilty of both crimes.

Now, I ask for the time to heal. This has been a taxing 12 weeks for me and my family. Please allow us some quiet time alone, together.