U.S. Citizen Kidnapped From Iraq Hotel

[Judi Lynn]

U.S. Citizen Kidnapped From Iraq Hotel
U.S. Citizen Is Abducted From Hotel in Iraq by Kidnappers Disguised As Policemen, Official Says

The Associated Press



BASRA, Iraq April 16 — A U.S. businessman was abducted from his hotel in the southern city of Basra by kidnappers disguised as policemen, the Basra police chief said Friday.

Col. Khalaf al-Maleki said the abduction of the American, who was of Jordanian origin, took place Thursday night. He had no further details.
(snip/...)

http://abcnews.go.com/wire/World/ap20040416_469.html

[maddezmom]

1. this is SOP now

:(

[Judi Lynn]

2. Someone has a better story, & has shared it: American Civilian Reported to

American Civilian Reported to Be Abducted in Iraq


By Associated Press

BASRA, Iraq (AP) -- An U.S. businessman was abducted from his hotel in the southern city of Basra by kidnappers disguised as policemen, Basra police chief said Friday.

Col. Khalaf al-Maleki said the abduction of the American, who was of Jordanian origin, took place Thursday night. He had no further details.

Including the Basra abduction, at least 21 foreigners have been abducted over the past week in a wave of kidnappings coinciding with intense violence around the country.

The abduction in Basra appeared to be the furthest south that a kidnapping has taken place. The vast majority of the abducted foreigners were snatched on roads west and south of Baghdad, where gunmen have run rampant the past week, attacking convoys and battling U.S. troops.
(snip/...)

http://www.firstcoastnews.com/news/usworld/news-article.aspx?storyid=17395

Thanks to a generous DU'er. :hi: :hi: :hi:

[GreatCaesarsGhost]

3. dressed as policeman?

maybe they were policemen! who knows who's who anymore!

[Stuckinthebush]

4. The kidnapping strategy could really backfire on these guys

Right now, the world opinion is mostly either with them or neutral in this conflict. The world sees this as a foolish war started by Bush and a handful of willing nations. The insurgents/freedom fighters/terrorists/guerrillas can use this world opinion to their advantage if they don't start killing civilians. Nothing will galvanize world opinion against these people like the execution of hostages. As long as they continue to treat this as a war against occupying forces, then world opinion stays on their side - but once they start acting like blood thirsty thugs, they have lost their moral standing with those in the world who agree that the war has turned into a brutal occupation.

Bad move by the insurgents/freedom fighters/terrorists/guerrillas.

[Fovea]

8. It might, but so far

it has other nations packing their bags for home.

[dArKeR]

5. American Nabbed In Iraq - CBS

A U.S. businessman was abducted from his hotel in the southern city of Basra by kidnappers disguised as policemen, Basra police chief said Friday.

Col. Khalaf al-Maleki said the abduction of the American, who was of Jordanian origin, took place Thursday night. He had no further details.

Also Friday, Denmark's Foreign Ministry said a Danish businessman was believed kidnapped, while a Sunni leader said a Chinese citizen was released.

At least 21 foreigners have been abducted over the past week in a wave of kidnappings coinciding with intense violence around the country.

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2003/02/24/iraq/main541815.shtml

I just can't believe Iraq is in such total chaos and it seems that their is no competent plan from Bush, Cheney, Rumsfeld... This is nothing NEW! Iraq has been dangerous since the day one looting? (of the nuclear facilities/museums) by the Iraqis. And situation has gone down since then. So why a year later are American/Western mercenaries/business people allowed to drive truck convoys unprotected by American tanks and helicopters? Why are American/Coalition business people not protected by the American military. Where is the plan informing the business people what and what not to do? And where are the American Media Whores who should be reporting on this?

I keep hearing Conservatives on TV, 'things are getting better in Iraq. Schools are open and there is electricity.' Does that mean better from Saddam's time? Better from the US sanctions 10 years ago. Or better from last year when Bush blew everything up?

[Teaser]

6. Problem is...

There is no overarching command structure to these various brigades (that we know of, at least).

So there is no one to lay down for each cell what is and what is not acceptible insurgent activity.

[Barrett808]

7. Another sign of progress n/t