The brother of a man killed by kidnappers in Iraq last year has urged the family of an Australian hostage to speak to his captors through Al Jazeera television. Paul Bigley's brother, Ken, was killed by his kidnappers in Iraq last year after being held for three-and-a-half weeks. Mr Bigley says Australian hostage Douglas Wood's family should go on Arabic TV and talk to his captors. "They have to open a dialogue through Al Jazeera and plead and put their case in that way," he told ABC TV's Lateline.| It worked so well for the Bigleys. |
"At least they will get the attention of these bullies. It may be a financial situation. I hope it is not a political thing like Ken's [kidnappers]. But you have to be patient, you have to be strong, and you have to fight. Don't just sit there in the living room, crying and listening to the liaison officer sitting there pouring your tea out for you. One of you has to get up and fight."
An Australian emergency response team is expected to arrive in Iraq today to help search for Mr Wood.| I understand the motivation, but this is the wrong approach. |
A video released by Iraqi militants yesterday showed Mr Wood pleading for his life and urging Prime Minister John Howard to withdraw Australian troops from Iraq. An Iraqi who has been involved in several successful hostage negotiations agrees a family's plea would have more chance of success than government attempts.| It makes for better teevee, for sure. Nothing better than lots of weeping relatives. |
Sadal al Satlawi from the Iraqi Institute for Peace says negotiations by governments are doomed to failure but the involvement of families and the payment of a ransom can sometimes lead to the release of the hostage. "If you leave it to the government, I think it is very slim I'm afraid," he said. "I don't think governments are negotiators. Your best bet is to ask an NGO [non-government organisation] in Iraq who specialises and has experience.| C.A.R.E. did such a great job for Margaret Hasan. |
"I think they could listen to his mother or his wife. There is a possibility always."| C'mon Sadal. Do you really believe that? And a note to GSTW, I grieve for your countryman. Australia's been a staunch friend, and it becomes more clear to me each day. We've got to win this thing. The consequences are too dire. |
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