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"Sets a bad
precedent....."
The South Korean Christians were doing voluntary work in Afghanistan
Ya think?????? Am I the only one totally gobsmacked by the South Korean
government giving in to Taliban demands in order to secure the release
of these hostages?
Taliban militants say they have agreed to free 19 South Koreans held
hostage for more than a month in Afghanistan.
Seoul said the agreement was reached on condition its troops were
withdrawn as scheduled by the year's end.
South Korea also agreed to end all missionary work in Afghanistan and
stop its citizens from traveling there. (source)That is from the BBC site, but I first heard it on CBC radio. Needless
to say, relatives of the hostages are thrilled, with one saying: "I
would like to dance." I am sure that was in response to the usual
standard question that every neophyte journalist is taught to ask: 'How
are you feeling?' Well, duh! No surprise there, BUT what does surprise
me is the capitulation of South Korea, or any country, to the Taliban
demand to withdraw all of their troops, etc etc, in exchange for the
freedom of the remaining hostages.
My educational background is not in politics, or even international
relations, (lol) but you really don't need to be a student of history to
understand what a stupid move this is. The implications go far beyond
these few missionaries. I am no genius in political shenanigans, but
even I can foretell dangerous days ahead for any foreigner - missionary
or otherwise - now that open season has been declared.
As I was listening to the 'experts' pontificate tonight - and yes, the
title of this post is from one such luminary...lol - I was remembering
the episode a while back in Iraq with the Canadian/British missionaries
that were held hostage. Members of the Christian Peacemakers Team (or
whatever the name is), they were ultimately rescued by the British
forces (SAS?) As far as is publicly known, no ransom was paid nor deals
made for their release. An interesting aside since then. One of the
Canadians rescued has given quite a few interviews now he is back in
Canada, and does have the good grace to admit the irony that the Brits
were armed with weapons of war and prepared to use all necessary force
to rescue this decidedly anti-war group. Indeed, he speaks with great
respect for the job that the soldiers did in rescuing them from their
captors. But yes, still avowing anti-war sentiments. Good for him!
Since the CPT missionaries were rescued, there has been much speculation
- unconfirmed - that a ransom was paid. There is also conjecture that
money has been paid in this deal today. What has been reported is that
the Taliban has also demanded, as part of the deal:... the Afghan government and the U.S. military release Taliban
prisoners in exchange for the safe return of the South
Koreans....(source)
Now there is talk that the South Koreans were planning to pull out their
200 non combat personnel by the end of the year anyways. Whatever! Does
this mean that the US has to, also, agree to this deal that says they
are going to release terrorists being held? And will they? Say it isn't
so.
To me, non-expert, this is all wrong, wrong, WRONG! Yes, I can
understand the jubilation of the families and the South Korean people,
but the message this sends to the terrorists is so obvious, it boggles
my mind. No government has asked my opinion (now there's a shocker!) but
I can tell you, with no hesitation, that if I was a hostage there, I
would not expect ANY deals to be made. I am on the record as saying I
would go to any of these places in a heartbeat. But would I expect deals
to be made, lives to be risked to rescue me if I got taken hostage? Not
on your life. The BBC journalist that was kidnapped and held in Gaza was
eventually released. We know that contacts were maintained with his
captors, but we also have no confirmation that any deals were made, or
ransom paid.
From the pictures I have seen of these South Korean hostages, they were
all adults, and I have to assume they have at least a few brain cells
among them. They had to have known the risks they faced, just as the CPT
crew knows when they go to spread the gospel in war zones. All well and
good to go to these places on their own missions of spreading whatever
gospel they preach, but what about a thought for the bigger picture?
Really.
However the experts spin this in the coming days and weeks, the damage
is done. I foresee more hostages taken, more risks needing to be taken
by our troops. This single 'stone' thrown will ripple in ways so far
unseen. Let the insanity prevail.. This war we are all in has just taken
another turn, for the worse, as the Taliban and Al-Qaeda flex their
muscles with this latest apparently effective weapon. Nuts!!!
Might as well put up a sign saying "Open season
- let's make a deal."
Brat
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