My apologies for not blogging in such a long time – the exam period makes it a bit more challenging to keep up with current affairs as a constant cycle of revision seems to replace it! However, as exams are easing off a bit now, I ve no doubt there will be a flurry of exciting blogs and new information to get involved in…
The story of Alan Johnston, the BBC reporter has been in the press for several months now as his abduction in Gaza City on the 12th March this year caused widespread concern for his safety and sparked a number of human rights campaigns and online petitions for his safe return. The story particularly caught my eye this morning as there is a possibility that Alan will soon be released according to Gazi Hamad, a Palestinian government spokesman and member of Hamas who is working to release Alan as soon and as safely as possible.
Yet is this just more talk and no action from government officials in Palestine? Since his abduction there has been barely any news about Alan Johnston at all – not even information or evidence he is still alive. Despite Hamad stating that he is safe and well, the situation clearly concerns those close to him at home. Video tapes allegedly made by the kidnappers show only his BBC identity card and as he was held up at gunpoint whilst driving back from work, there are fears for his safety.
It is an absolute outrage. Here we have a man living in Gaza as the only reporter from the Western world, in order to do his job and provide sound news coverage for the BBC and effectively working for the people in Gaza too. Yet now he is being used as a pawn in certain Muslim conquests, as the same video tape demands the release of Muslim prisoners from prisons in the UK.
I realise that Alan Johnston is certainly not the first journalist or for that matter any member of British services to be kidnapped and treated in this way and he probably will not be the last, but it does raise the point that the government in this country seem to have little control over his release. Both Tony Blair and United Nations Secretary General, Ban Ki-moon have already called for his immediate release, but this clearly has had no effect on those holding Alan hostage. I would like to ask if the British government should be doing more? Is it possible for them to do anymore? Despairingly it seems at the moment that the fate of Alan Johnston is in the hands of his kidnappers.
If you would like to show your support for Alan Johnston or join the 100,000 who have already signed the online petition for his release, click on the link below.
27/05/2007 at 16:51 |
It is important to remember that, those who have kidnapped him are extremists, and that the government in Palestine has little control over his release too. On the question on whether the British government can be doing anymore, with the lack of information we have about the crisis, other than mounting a full scale invasion there really isn’t much the government can do.
I do think that these extremists factions don’t do themselves any good, kidnapping people who are trying to tell their story just doesn’t make any sense. The international community would have a lot more sympathy for their cause if they didn’t bite the hand that’s trying to feed them!
27/05/2007 at 17:55 |
Those responsible for the abduction of Alan Johnston should indeed be regarded as factional extremists, as Theo points out. However, as the legitimate representatives of the people, the Palestinian Authority must use every possible tool at its disposal to secure Johnston’s release. Further, one doubts the claim that a legislative body led by Hamas – a proxy terrorist organisation – does not have reasonable sway with the aggressors in the current stand-off.
The Palestinian Authority, specifically Hamas, must denounce these terrorist actions (along with those that came before, and those that will no doubt come after) in the strongest terms possible, sincerely, and unconditionally. The PA might be doing everything it can specific to the crisis in hand, but by changing its broader attitude to extremist activity in the region, such crises might be avoided in the first instance. In short, the PA can and should be doing more.
27/05/2007 at 19:25 |
Does anyone think that these petitions actually do anything? Its not as if these extremists are going to change their minds because of it.
27/05/2007 at 20:21 |
Well at least Peter they are putting in a bit more effort than the government!
It is similar to the Iraq hostages situation, the thundering response from the UK govt
UK govt: ‘can we have them/him back?’
holders: No
UK govt: ‘just asking, we will leave it at that then, until you decide its ok.’
27/05/2007 at 20:32 |
The Palestinian auhority will never be able to prevent extremist groups or actions existing, just as any government lacks that ability. Yes they should denounce terrorism, it would greatly improve chances of peace in the region but they will never be able to remove all extremists.
And yes they are putting more effort in than the government, we are now seen as a rather weak state that lacks the ability to respond in such crises. But in this instance with such vague details, I don’t see many avenues for the government..
27/05/2007 at 20:58 |
The PA will not be able to end terrorist activity completely, I accept that, as such is the unfortunate (but necessary) consequence of a free and open society. Indeed, the bombings in London last summer are a case in point! I maintain though that the PA (or specifically Hamas might be more appropriate) could be doing more (much more) to foster an environment more conducive to peace and security in the region. Until this is the reality, those suggesting the Palestinian representatives are doing all they can are simply aiding a defence of a complicit regime.
Peter, I too doubt that a petition in reality makes much more than an iota of difference to the outcome of a situation. However, such an expression of solidarity, of sympathy, and of hope, should never be sacrificed, even if it is only to serve as a mitigation to a unhappy ending. God willing, the current struggle concerning the well-being of Alan Johnston won’t fit in to this latter category…
27/05/2007 at 21:12 |
I think that the real purpose of petitionsor at least in this case, is not so much looking to the possibility that it will actually make a difference to the situation, but more about showing the family and friends their support and to maintain strong public interest in the situation of Alan Johnston. As i understand the BBC believe Alan may be able to gain access to personal messages through television or internet if those facilities are available to him. Surely a comfort for him in these hard times…
27/05/2007 at 22:03 |
I would then have to come to the conclusion that a petition in this would make a difference. I suppose if there is any chance that Mr Johnston would see the amount of people who are thinking of him would give him hope. I think that the more important thing is to give more and more media time to the story because that is what may give more hope.