Hostages Free

[politika]

As of this morning Canadian and British hostages were freed from the Swords of Rchousness by British SAS, Delta Force and JTF 2 as well as our inteligence services.

I would like to congradulate our special forces and inteligence agency as well as the PM of Canada for their success in the operation my hat is off to the men and woman who took part in the rescue.

[Black Dog]

Story.

After almost four months of captivity, Canadians James Loney, 41, and Harmeet Singh Sooden, 32, were freed along with Briton Norman Kember, 74, during a raid by multinational forces northwest of Baghdad on Thursday morning.

No shots were fired and no kidnappers were captured in the operation.

I smell another Jessica Lynch.

[newbie]

I think the best line in that story was:

Mounties involved, but it's not clear how.

[politika]

I think the best line in that story was:

Mounties involved, but it's not clear how.

http://www.cbc.ca/story/canada/national/20...role060323.html

Hmmm but I like the part where it says: "Pentagon sources have told CBC News that Canadian special forces were involved, but it's not clear who took part or what their role may have been"

So we played a part,

I also like th eline where it says: "There have been reports that Canada's top secret commandos, Joint Task Force 2, had been working in Iraq. It's believed they worked in tandem with Britain's elite Special Air Service (SAS)."

Reports but since when do we make up serious stuff like that?

How come you guys do not think Canadians played a part in the release of the hostages? Harper is sure not denying it, nor is he conforming it for that matter for National Security reasons.

[geoffrey]

Canadian's were definitely involved. JTF 2 is a very capable special forces team, and with the SAS, they'd be an unstoppable rebel force. Well, maybe not rebel.

I'm sure some will be upset that we have troops in Iraq, but hey, it worked.

The Jessica Lynch analogy is very interesting Black Dog. I don't know if these people are about to become heroes to a nation though... deservedly or not...

[politika]

Canadian's were definitely involved. JTF 2 is a very capable special forces team, and with the SAS, they'd be an unstoppable rebel force. Well, maybe not rebel.

I'm sure some will be upset that we have troops in Iraq, but hey, it worked.

The Jessica Lynch analogy is very interesting Black Dog. I don't know if these people are about to become heroes to a nation though... deservedly or not...

I concur they are the most equipped special forces in the world next to the Delta Force and the Special Airbourne Service (SAS) I think we have aproximatly 350 serving thats how good you have to be I guess.

Meh some people will be upset but their was Canadians in desperate need and I would never leave a Canadian out in some war torn country heled by crazy terrorists to die. I just would not allow it.

[geoffrey]

Canadian's were definitely involved. JTF 2 is a very capable special forces team, and with the SAS, they'd be an unstoppable rebel force. Well, maybe not rebel.

I'm sure some will be upset that we have troops in Iraq, but hey, it worked.

The Jessica Lynch analogy is very interesting Black Dog. I don't know if these people are about to become heroes to a nation though... deservedly or not...

I concur they are the most equipped special forces in the world next to the Delta Force and the Special Airbourne Service (SAS) I think we have aproximatly 350 serving thats how good you have to be I guess.

Meh some people will be upset but their was Canadians in desperate need and I would never leave a Canadian out in some war torn country heled by crazy terrorists to die. I just would not allow it.

I wish more Canadian's shared your attitude, towards both Canadian's and other innocents.

[plusgood]

Any merit to the idea that these kidnappers were paid off? Seems bizarre that there were no shots fired and no captured hostage-takers.

[Wilber]

Any merit to the idea that these kidnappers were paid off? Seems bizarre that there were no shots fired and no captured hostage-takers.

'

Possible but that would go against the policy of not dealing with kidnappers and make every expat in Iraq even more of a target. Could be that they just wanted to get rid of them and let the word get out where they could be found. They have been getting a lot of flack from other Arabs about these kidnappings and perhaps they came to realize it was a no win situation. They are free and unharmed, that's what really counts. Too bad Fox wasn't with them. I don't think the Americans would have let his killers get away if they could help it.

[politika]

Any merit to the idea that these kidnappers were paid off? Seems bizarre that there were no shots fired and no captured hostage-takers.

Thats a pretty good question, and interesting that you bring it up, But it is possible, and I am sure as time goes on we will have more information on what really went down this morning.

[geoffrey]

Not likely they were paid off. No one would be ok with that.

Possible that it was a media event for the activist group. Though this is unlikely because one group member died...

--

An interesting thought for everyone:

Getting trapped in the mountains (or anywhere in the wilderness I guess) costs you money to be extracted because you do so at your own risk.

Getting trapped in Iraq when the Canadian government actively discourages all travel to it, is free.

Mountain extraction costs a few thousand, getting these people out of Iraq would have cost millions. In both situations life is in danger.

Why the difference? Personally, I'm glad these people are alive and well. I also think they should have to repay our money that their foolish decision cost us.

[politika]

Not likely they were paid off. No one would be ok with that.

Possible that it was a media event for the activist group. Though this is unlikely because one group member died...

--

An interesting thought for everyone:

Getting trapped in the mountains (or anywhere in the wilderness I guess) costs you money to be extracted because you do so at your own risk.

Getting trapped in Iraq when the Canadian government actively discourages all travel to it, is free.

Mountain extraction costs a few thousand, getting these people out of Iraq would have cost millions. In both situations life is in danger.

Why the difference? Personally, I'm glad these people are alive and well. I also think they should have to repay our money that their foolish decision cost us.

I second that, this operation probably cost millions for Canada, labour costs (these commandos probably get paid hundreds of dolalrs an hour) Fuel for whatever transportation they used, weapons and gear, planning and inteligence information as long as extraction, this definatly cost us millions and should be paid back.

[Durgan]

Canadians should be banned from travelling to Iraqi except on official business. This crap of getting kidnapped, and bleating for help should no longer be tolerated. Not that the Canadian Foreign Affairs Department ever helped any Canadian in trouble in a foreign land. It simply doesn't make sense going into a lion's den and relying on the good will of the lion to prevent being slaughtered. These silly people should find other ways to satisfy their egos. They impress me not.

Durgan.

[geoffrey]

Lose the size 2000 font, its hard to read please.

[Slavik44]

I can't belive people are bitching and complaining about the cost of thsi operation. I must say I have always felt that you cannot put a value on human life, and today we have saved the life of three humans. In the past the Canadian government has siphoned off 250 million dollars of tax payers mney, it has spent over a billion creating a useless registry, ships millions of dollars into subsidies for tobacco companies. These actions have not saved a single life, today three lives were saved and the first thing we start bitching about is the cost. There are about 16 million people in the Canadian workforce, I don't know how much this operation cost, but even if it cost 30 million dollars I cannot say I am so cold hearted that I would bitch about two dollars, I have given two dollars to a herione addict on the streets of down town Vancouver, I spent two dollars buying a couple slices of pizza today, apparently I also spent two dollars saving three lives...I used to think the pizza was awfully cheap but in comparison a human life cost me less, I can't complain. If JTF was physically present and involved in the rescue I will lend nothing but support to the Prime Minister. These people may have made a foolish decision, but I must say I have yet to hear of a single person who hasn't.

[Riverwind]

I can't belive people are bitching and complaining about the cost of thsi operation. I must say I have always felt that you cannot put a value on human life, and today we have saved the life of three humans.

What if those three humans were skiers who choose to ski in out of bounds areas? Should the gov't be expected to shell out an unlimited amount of money to rescue them? The point is valid - these people are at least partially responsible for their own fate because they choose to enter a region where foreigners are regularly kidnapped and murdered. These guys can't even argue that their status a humanitarian workers should have shielded them from such acts since that woman from the red cross was murdered last year.

[Slavik44]

I can't belive people are bitching and complaining about the cost of thsi operation. I must say I have always felt that you cannot put a value on human life, and today we have saved the life of three humans.

What if those three humans were skiers who choose to ski in out of bounds areas? Should the gov't be expected to shell out an unlimited amount of money to rescue them? The point is valid - these people are at least partially responsible for their own fate because they choose to enter a region where foreigners are regularly kidnapped and murdered.

Technically the death rate is lower in Iraq then it is in Canada, maybe they travled there to live longer

If these three Humans were skiers I would be glad there lives were saved, and wouldn't ask for them to pay money, although by payign taxes they do pay money. A recent string of commercials ahs been runing that have said innoculate yourself with knowledge 50% of Cancer is preventable. I do not expect 50% of Cancer patients to pay for life savign services because the failed to innoculate themselves with Knowledge. I recognize that many people want to cut government waste, but there is so much government waste acomplishes nothing I see no reason to bitch about costs when we get results. When the B.C government spent a year telling us about how B.C was the best place on earth, I cannot complain about saving three lives. When the Government of Canada siphons millions of dollars into a political party, I cannot complain about saving three lives, When the government of Canada spends billions creating a registry that accomplishes nothing, I cannot complain about savign three lives, When the government of Canada subsidizes an industry that kills 46,000 people a year, I cannot complain about subsidizing a life saving effort. Looking at some other states, the U.S apparently misplaced 23 billion dollars in 2003, The DoD spent 100 million on unused flight tickets, in cases like this I cannot compalin about savign three lives.

I realise these people put themselves in danger, and I realise some people are so damn greedy they will miss their bloody tooney, by the way doesn't a penny cost a cent and half to make? Anyways, I see so much government waste that needs to be corrected, I see so many foolish decisiosn from government that result in people dieing, that I cannot complain when the government spends money to save lives, even if those people foolishly jepordized their lives. I don't think it cost 30 million, but if it did maybe the Liberal Party Can give it to us as a down payment on the sponsorship scandal, or the multi million dollar inquiries that ensued. I see very few people complain about such obvious government waste that I belive it is in bad taste for people to turn around and complain about saving a life for the cost of a slice of pizza.

[Riverwind]

I realise these people put themselves in danger

I don't quibble about the gov't paying for this rescue, however, it is important to discourage others from taking the same risk - that I why I feel it is legimate to question whether the gov't should have paid.

[geoffrey]

I realise these people put themselves in danger

I don't quibble about the gov't paying for this rescue, however, it is important to discourage others from taking the same risk - that I why I feel it is legimate to question whether the gov't should have paid.

No no, I'm not saying we shouldn't have paid for it. It would look extremely bad for us to abandon our people. They should be fined heavily though, so send the message that this behavior is unacceptable.

I just thought I'd raise an interesting parallel so maybe people would see how irresponsible those actions were and how much of a cost these people have hit us with because of their irresponsibility.

Personally, I've always believed in the attitude my parents raised me with... "do whatever you please, but if you end up in jail, know full well that you will be bailing yourself out."

I wish more people lived like that, and showed more responsibility before taking off to Iraq on an emotional spasm.

[Army Guy]

Any merit to the idea that these kidnappers were paid off? Seems bizarre that there were no shots fired and no captured hostage-takers.

I've got a question for you, Do you really think that these terrorist would have gone through all that trouble and money because they "purchased them off another group of terrorists" to just walk out and leave them unattended for someone else to grab or for them to escape.. not likely

This operation has been ongoing for over a month now, They've been watching these terrorist for along time, they know everything about this group, their comings and goings, the layout of the house, they've monitored all communications everything. They've practiced assualting a mock building about a thousand times.

Did we pay them off "why" when you have a Spec op's unit with eyes on the target just a block away.

Whats the odds that the terrorist all just went out for a loaf of bread...maybe in the movies..

No SHOTS fired, if you wanted this to story to fad into the sunset, what would you say to the media, We stormed the building and nobody was home..Nobody died ,so there's no one complaining about CDN's killing Iraqi's, everyone is happy.

The only ones that really know are those that were there and do you think them Hostages are going to talk.

But then again maybe they did all go out for a loaf of bread, or maybe they did pay them off.

[margrace]

Canadian's were definitely involved. JTF 2 is a very capable special forces team, and with the SAS, they'd be an unstoppable rebel force. Well, maybe not rebel.

I'm sure some will be upset that we have troops in Iraq, but hey, it worked.

The Jessica Lynch analogy is very interesting Black Dog. I don't know if these people are about to become heroes to a nation though... deservedly or not...

According to the report from the joint task force man, American, they were told at 5AM where the hostages were, they checked it out and went in at 8AM, there was no one there except the hostages. Like Black Dog I smell a rat.

[cybercoma]

Any merit to the idea that these kidnappers were paid off? Seems bizarre that there were no shots fired and no captured hostage-takers.

I've got a question for you, Do you really think that these terrorist would have gone through all that trouble and money because they "purchased them off another group of terrorists" to just walk out and leave them unattended for someone else to grab or for them to escape.. not likely

This operation has been ongoing for over a month now, They've been watching these terrorist for along time, they know everything about this group, their comings and goings, the layout of the house, they've monitored all communications everything. They've practiced assualting a mock building about a thousand times.

Did we pay them off "why" when you have a Spec op's unit with eyes on the target just a block away.

Whats the odds that the terrorist all just went out for a loaf of bread...maybe in the movies..

No SHOTS fired, if you wanted this to story to fad into the sunset, what would you say to the media, We stormed the building and nobody was home..Nobody died ,so there's no one complaining about CDN's killing Iraqi's, everyone is happy.

The only ones that really know are those that were there and do you think them Hostages are going to talk.

But then again maybe they did all go out for a loaf of bread, or maybe they did pay them off.

Hell, even if they were paid off to release the hostages, isn't that better than running in and slaughtering everyone? It's a plausible tactic, if nothing else.

[Army Guy]

Hell, even if they were paid off to release the hostages, isn't that better than running in and slaughtering everyone? It's a plausible tactic, if nothing else.

No, it is not. The message your sending to all those wacko's is "low on cash kidnap a Canadian they pay"...

Having JTF go in and within seconds the job is done now the message you've sent is F**k with the bull and you'll get both horns.

My piont is to my last post is i don't think that "no shots" were fired, i think that is what most Canadians want to hear.

[scribblet]

Canadian's were definitely involved. JTF 2 is a very capable special forces team, and with the SAS, they'd be an unstoppable rebel force. Well, maybe not rebel.

I'm sure some will be upset that we have troops in Iraq, but hey, it worked.

The Jessica Lynch analogy is very interesting Black Dog. I don't know if these people are about to become heroes to a nation though... deservedly or not...

I agree, they are not heroes by any sense of the word, the rescue was a job well done, no matter how they did, they got the out. What is it with conspiracy theoriests and the drive to discredit everything the west does.

Interesting that so far from what I've read, there has been no comdemnation of the kidnappers, in fact,

the founder Doug Pritchard chose to reiterate the organization's political stance: "We believe that the illegal occupation of Iraq by Multinational Forces is the root cause of the insecurity which led to this kidnapping and so much pain and suffering in Iraq." Hmmmm

[politika]

I can't belive people are bitching and complaining about the cost of thsi operation. I must say I have always felt that you cannot put a value on human life, and today we have saved the life of three humans. In the past the Canadian government has siphoned off 250 million dollars of tax payers mney, it has spent over a billion creating a useless registry, ships millions of dollars into subsidies for tobacco companies. These actions have not saved a single life, today three lives were saved and the first thing we start bitching about is the cost. There are about 16 million people in the Canadian workforce, I don't know how much this operation cost, but even if it cost 30 million dollars I cannot say I am so cold hearted that I would bitch about two dollars, I have given two dollars to a herione addict on the streets of down town Vancouver, I spent two dollars buying a couple slices of pizza today, apparently I also spent two dollars saving three lives...I used to think the pizza was awfully cheap but in comparison a human life cost me less, I can't complain. If JTF was physically present and involved in the rescue I will lend nothing but support to the Prime Minister. These people may have made a foolish decision, but I must say I have yet to hear of a single person who hasn't.

I am proud that this operation went underway, it proves how Harper wants to save lives. I am simply trying to state tht a foolish decision was made by these people to go to Iraq to try and help out with peace (a lost cause) Now if they were physicaly taken from Canada to Iraq than me as PM I would send every resource I had to rescue them and Canadians would not be complaining about the cost as it would not be the hostages fault as he was nabbed within Canada.