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Afghanistan
Talibs cut off head, sez Italian reporter
2007-03-20
(BBC) An Italian journalist freed after being kidnapped by the Taleban in Afghanistan says he saw his captors cut off the head of one of two Afghans with him. Daniele Mastrogiacomo, who works for the La Repubblica daily, was seized two weeks ago in southern Helmand province. Mr Mastrogiacomo was said to be in good health in hospital. His driver's body has yet to be handed over, while his translator was also freed on Monday. The men were kept in chains and moved 15 times while in captivity, he said. Mr Mastrogiacomo was abducted while trying to interview senior Taleban officials.
One wonders how such a thing could have possibly gone wrong
"I'm very happy, I thank you all. I knew you wouldn't abandon me, and that gave me strength and courage," he said on Monday via La Repubblica's online television station. He said his Afghan driver had been decapitated in front of him by their Taleban guards.

"I saw him being decapitated, it was horrific," he told Italian TG3 television. "I was shaking. Obviously I thought 'it's my turn now."

Italian Prime Minister Romano Prodi said the release had not been "simple" and that more details would be released later. Italian officials say the journalist will arrive in the Afghan capital, Kabul, on Tuesday and then fly home to Italy.

One Taleban leader, military commander Mullah Dadullah, told Reuters by satellite phone from an undisclosed location that Mr Mastrogiacomo had been freed after Afghan authorities released five senior Taliban officials, including his own brother.
So our policy is now officially that we will negotiate with terrorists
Let's see if Signore Mastrogiacomo has attained new insight from his experience.
Posted by:Ebbomong Cloting7438

#6  What gorb said. This story stinks.
Posted by: Ebbang Uluque6305   2007-03-20 15:32  

#5  Signore Mastrogiacomo = force multiplier for the Talibs.
Posted by: RD   2007-03-20 11:59  

#4  I'm still interested in seeing if they actually gave up 5 mooks for this clown. If they did, they should try to give him back.
Posted by: tu3031   2007-03-20 09:12  

#3  "I saw him being decapitated, it was horrific," he told Italian TG3 television. "I was shaking. Obviously I thought 'it's my turn now."

I blame the CIA! Maybe the Italian courts can issue some additional arrest warrants.

Posted by: Besoeker   2007-03-20 03:23  

#2  Anyone who goes over there to interview Taliban to get a Pulitzer Prize ought to understand that they are on their own. Mr. Mastrogiacomo should know he has helped to contribute to the deaths [either directly or through the money for guns and ammo or additional Taliban manpower and morale] of many others now and is a total tool. Do you think the release of five Taliban was the end of the deal?

The results of this kind of ploy should be an additional 100 Italian troops for each hostage taken, and 500 for each hostage killed. But no, they go the other way. Watch. Another Italian hostage to be taken in 5..4..3..
Posted by: gorb   2007-03-20 02:13  

#1  "Let's see if Signore Mastrogiacomo has attained new insight from his experience"

Doubtful the MSM can find anything that can equal the atrocities done by the American guards and Abu Grahib!
Posted by: Hupusong Borgia3495   2007-03-20 01:18  

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