Stephen Farrell, a New York Times journalist who holds a dual British/Irish passport, has been rescued his kidnappers. Mr Farell was kidnapped on Saturday when he was reporting an air strike near Kunduz. Reports say four people died in the rescue, a British SAS Officer, Farrell's respected interpreter, the householder and a woman, but further information is not forthcoming. The rescue was a joint NATO mission.
This isn't the first time Mr Farell has been kidnapped, he was briefly kidnapped in 2004 when he was reporting in Iraq.
EU Referendum has posted on this subject and I concur with Richard when he comments:
Mr Farrell will now, undoubtedly, be fêted for his bravery and fortitude. Doubtless, he will dine out on his experiences for many a month and, in the fullness of time, launch a "best-selling" book, which will be lauded by his fellow hacks, who will heap praise upon him in a glowing series of reviews.
Small recognition will be given to the member of the special forces who died for his freedom – the man, as is the convention, will not even be named. And while Farrell undoubtedly takes risks, his courage is always tempered by the fact that, should he get himself into a predicament – as he did here – there are always men such as our anonymous special forces soldier, who are prepared to forefit their lives to extricate him.
Small recognition will be given to the member of the special forces who died for his freedom – the man, as is the convention, will not even be named. And while Farrell undoubtedly takes risks, his courage is always tempered by the fact that, should he get himself into a predicament – as he did here – there are always men such as our anonymous special forces soldier, who are prepared to forefit their lives to extricate him.
Should our military be used to rescue journalists who wander into life-threatening situations in an effort to create some authenticity to their reporting?
To quote Richard North again: 'Small recognition will be given to the member of the special forces who died for his freedom, the man, as is the convention, will not even be named.' The American press don't even acknowledge the commando was British.
Our SAS troops are perhaps the best in the world. To use them to rescue a journalist who gets himself into a predicament, which he should have perhaps foreseen, is questionable.
Update 19.04: Channel 4 News are reporting Farrell was told not to go into this area.
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17 comments:
Quite.
To get kidnapped once is careless, twice is just plain reckless.
Mr. Farrell should be told in no uncertain terms that twice is enough.
Something along the lines of "Next time, you're on your own" should suffice.
What a strange perversion of the right order of things. Journalists, like politicians, are maggots ands should be rinsed away. It matters not that the life lost to save him was that of some shaven-headed, testicle-for-a-brain, witless grunt from the SAS. No-one's life, not even my cat's, should be surrendered to save one of these superannuated liars.
Foolhardy and perhaps arrogant Scott would describe him.
Vronksy, I'm sorry but I entirely disagree with you about the SAS. They are certainly not as you describe, many are intellectuals who decide to offer their services in that area.
You may find, as I do, that these men decide to do this dangerous work but we have to respect them. The ones I have had the privilege to meet I certainly respect.
Good points SR - let's hope this is one journalist who's learned a lesson at a very high price. I should imagine he'll get quite a bit of stick if he puts himself into that position again.
I think Vronsky was confusing the SAS with the Paras, subrosa:¬)
Unlike the urbane gentlemen who sport a green beret...
In my opinion he should never be allowed in a war zone again GV.
SR,
As a serving Scottish Officer should have let the CUNT DIE.
Saor Alba
Crazy Daisy
Vronsky,
You, like others before you, have shown a complete mis-understanding of our "long haired friends of Jesus" - it's not about the killing it's about being the Elite - money does not matter.
I'm disappointed by your comment and I'm in anguish at my country foregoing it's place in the next World Cup.
In hopes and dreams
Crazy D
Trouble is CD he was following orders. Shame about the footy and they played so well too.
For me this whole affair highlights yet further the futility and carelessness of our Government in pursuing this campaign.
I don't think they should risk lives to rescue people who have been told by the authorities not to go there. In fairness to the man, he was probably sent there by his paper (The new York Times, if I'm not mistaken).
If the New York Times' Editor told him to disobey instructions not to go, then he should be charged.
As I undestand it it was not just the solier who died. Afghans died too. A big price to pay for a wordsmith who seemed unable to understand the simple word NO.
Details are still sketchy and varied Tris, but it seems he was warned by people who know the area, that he shouldn't go there.
As EU Referendum says he'll make a fortune out of it and lose no sleep at causing the deaths of others.
Vronsky,
What a disgraceful, ignorant and callous generalisation.
Whilst I strongly disagree with the stated reason for this "war" and the previous "war" in Iraq, I have nothing but total respect for those who are risking their lives in an extremely dangerous campaign.
I have met many of them in similar circumstances and they are completely different from the picture you paint of this individual. Perhaps your description is influenced by Ross Kemp in a TV series?
Aye brownlie, I too think Vronsky's been watching too much TV.
He would enjoy a wee trip to Hereford don't you think? I do.
Brave words from Vronsky from the cover of his keyboard. As an ex soldier who has and had friends in the SAS, your description of them bears no resemblance to reality. The ones who operate behind enemy lines in Afghanistan and Iraq are multilingual and have in many cases been educated to degree level.They are feared by the Taliban. I knew one who was a Professor. He was called the Prof but no one knew he was a real one until we all attended his funeral and met his family. So Vronsky just piss of.
Your sentiments on Journalists are shared by me and many in the forces. They are callous and selfish and think only of their next big story. Bragging rights at the bar. I had my share of them in NI.
KbW, I've suggested Vronsky have a wee trip to Hereford, I'm sure that could be organised, but he hasn't taken up the offer.
Perhaps he'd find it difficult speaking with men who are courteous, thoughtful and exceptionally courageous.
These are the men, as you say, who are feared world-wide and they ensure our safety far more than our politicised police services.
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