Iraqi governor offers to resign (for release of kidnapped sons)

[Robbien]

RAMADI, Iraq - The governor of Iraq's restive Al-Anbar province said on Saturday he would happily resign if kidnappers released three of his sons, snatched from their home by gunmen four days ago.

"I am ready to give in to your demands, and if you believe my presence in the (provincial capital) city (Ramadi) does not serve the interests of the region, I am ready to go," said Abdel Karim Berges in an open letter to the province.

Berges defended his period of office in the vast province on the border with Syria, Jordan and Saudi Arabia, saying he had arranged convoys of food and medicine for residents in Fallujah when the city was besieged by US troops in April.

On Wednesday, his sons, aged 15 to 30, were kidnapped by gunmen who barged into and torched his family home in Ramadi while he was at work.

http://www.sundaytimes.co.za/zones/sundaytimes/newsst/newsst1091274332.asp

[goju]

1. The thought of that happening to my sons

is about more than I could tolerate. I cant blame him. Its one thing to give your own life for a cause but your kids are sacred.

[Robbien]

3. I know, I am hoping the kidnappers take the offer

They will kill his sons, but have proven they will release hostages if they get concessions.

[lottie244]

2. I guess we will come out against him. You know, we don't negotiate with

"terrorists." Just think of the lives we could have saved had we neogotiated for release of our captives. We don't seem to resent Israel when they negotiate and release 300 prisoners for 5 soldiers. What is wrong with us? Would we be quicker to negotiate if they were holding fetuses captive?

[w13rd0]

4. It was hard explaining to my son the other day...

...that while I despise many institutions, organizations and corporations, I can still sympathize and in some cases even like some of the people involved. In companies, parties, whatever. Having two sons, my heart goes out to this man. What an impossible situation for one to be put in.