British Govt: We Will Not Give In to Terror

Sept. 23, 2004 — -- The British and Iraqi governments said Thursday they would not bow to the demands of militants threatening to kill a British captive, despite a video message from the hostage pleading for his life, news wires reported Thursday.

And the United States has agreed to release American-born, Saudi-raised Yaser Esam Hamdi after holding him as an "enemy combatant" without charges for more than two years, the Justice Department said on Wednesday.

IRAQ NEWS

Britain Says It Will Not Give in to Iraq KidnapperThe British and Iraqi governments said Thursday they would not bow to the demands of militants threatening to kill a British captive, despite a video message from the hostage pleading for his life. (Washington Post)

British Hostage Pleads for His life as U.S. Officials Rule out Female Prisoner ReleaseAuthorities insisted they won't give in to militants' demands to free female Iraqi prisoners despite the plea of a tearful British hostage begging Britain to save his life in a video released by his captors. (Canada East)

Italy Doubts Claims on Killing of Hostages in IraqThe Italian government said Thursday that the claims that two Italian female aid workers held hostage in Iraq had been killed were unreliable. (China View)

Iraq Govt. Says One Female Inmate to Be Freed SoonIraqi judges have ordered the conditional release of three prisoners in U.S. custody, including one of two women held by U.S. forces, the country's national security adviser said on Wednesday. (Reuters)

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Arab Press Concern Over HostagesNewspapers in the Arab world focus on the wave of abductions and the killing of foreigners in Iraq. While some are sympathetic to the hostages' plight, others point the finger at the occupying powers, blaming them for the general level of violence. (BBC)

Allawi Vows U.S. Sacrifice Will Not Be in VainOffering a simple, "Thank you America," Iraqi interim Prime Minister Ayad Allawi declared today that his country is succeeding in its effort to move past the war that ousted Saddam Hussein. (LA Times)

European Press Criticizes Bush Address to U.N. as a Denial of a Worsening Situation in IraqThe editorial cartoon in The Times of London on Wednesday was derisive: the first panel showed President Bush telling the United Nations General Assembly, "Friends, our policy in Iraq is directed solely towards a successful election."The second panel had him saying which election: "Mine." (NY Times)

NATO Expands Iraq RoleNATO agreed Wednesday to the outlines of a military officer training program in Iraq, expanding the alliance's presence there after overcoming resistance from several members, most notably France. (Chicago Tribune)