MSNBC Breaking: American hostage Jill Carroll freed in Iraq

[Cooley Hurd]

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/12077471/

BREAKING NEWS

Updated: 6:30 a.m. ET March 30, 2006
WASHINGTON - American newspaper reporter Jill Carroll has been released after several months of captivity in Iraq, an editor at her newspaper, the Christian Science Monitor, said Thursday.
</snip>

More links:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/03/30/AR2006033000225.html?nav=rss_world/mideast/iraq

Thursday, March 30, 2006; 6:26 AM

American journalist Jill Carroll, who had been held hostage by insurgents in Iraq, was freed Thursday in Baghdad after nearly three months in captivity.

Carroll, 28, was turned over to an Iraqi political party and seen by Washington Post reporters.

The freelance journalist, who worked for the Christian Science Monitor, was kidnapped Jan. 7 by gunmen in Baghdad as she was being driven to an interview. Her interpreter, Allan Enwiyah, 32, was killed in the encounter.

Her captors identified themselves as the Vengeance Brigade, a group that had not surfaced before Carroll's abduction. On. Jan. 17 the brigade released a video in which it threatened to kill her in three days unless U.S. authorities released all female detainees in Iraq. A second video, aired on Jan. 30, showed Carroll in a head scarf, sobbing, but her voice was not heard.
</snip>

http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/L30454463.htm

Source: Reuters

ROME, March 30 (Reuters) - U.S. journalist Jill Carroll, held hostage in Iraq since Jan. 7, has been freed, Italy's ANSA news agency said on Thursday.
</snip>

:bounce::bounce::bounce:

[maddezmom]

1. good news

:hi:

[Cooley Hurd]

3. I have a lump in my throat! What great news to wake up to!!!!!

:hi:

[maddezmom]

6. It is nice to have good news to post

Christian Science monitor is saying "she is in the right hands", but not sure where she is at this time.:)

[maddezmom]

7. first link I could find

http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/L30454463.htm

[Cooley Hurd]

10. I just updated the OP...

I'll change the headline in a bit - I want more people to notice this thread. :hi:

Thanks for the link!!

[maddezmom]

11. check this one out: WP reporters have seen her

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/03/30/AR2006033000225.html?nav=rss_world/mideast/iraq

[Starbucks Anarchist]

2. Excellent news!

[cal04]

4. American hostage Jill Carroll freed in Iraq, says Hashimi. Great news.

Thanks!




http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/12077471/

US journalist Jill Carroll, kidnapped in Iraq in early January, has been released, Sunni politician Tariq al-Hashimi said today, adding that she was with him now.


http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5744,18661602%255E1702,00.html

[Rhiannon12866]

5. On "American Morning" now. Wonderful news! K&R n/t

[DoYouEverWonder]

8. Great news

Now let's hope they don't take her down the airport road and that she gets out of Iraq safely.

[Rhiannon12866]

12. They're saying that she's in "the right hands."

It's about time we got good news on this.:-)

[Cooley Hurd]

13. Jeebus... almost forgot about Sgrena...

:scared:

[DoYouEverWonder]

18. Fortunately Jill is not an outspoken journalist

so she'll probably will be okay.

[alphafemale]

9. Great News!

:woohoo:

[H2O Man]

14. Great News!

I'm so happy to hear this.

[Judi Lynn]

15. Such wonderful news. So glad they let her go home. THNX, Cooley Hurd. n/t

[AussieDave]

16. This is wonderful - I just saw it on Yahoo

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060330/ap_on_re_mi_ea/iraq_carroll_released


I'm so glad she's been released - a rare good news moment coming from such a benighted place (thanks a lot, Dumbya).

Now home to the bosom of her family !!! :-) :grouphug:






(edited to add link)

[malaise]

17. Great news indeed n/t

[wicket]

19. This made my day, thanks!

:party: :toast: :bounce:

[Rockholm]

20. Great News!!!!!!!!

[TheBaldyMan]

21. woohoo! just heard it on the radio

Went to CS Monitor web page to check ...

http://www.csmonitor.com/2006/0113/carroll_update.html

[terip64]

22. Why can't I stop crying...

We live near Ann Arbor and my husband just called to tell me that they found her and I thought at first that they found her dead. I don't mean to sound like a baby but I feel as if I can't take much more heart ache. It is wonderful that she is alive but my God I can't seem to get a hold of myself! I am afraid that we all can't even imagine what a toll all of this shit is taking on us. This adminstration is taking f--king years off our lives and I for one am sick of it!

[Rhiannon12866]

24. Agreed. The good news is so rare these days.

But at least this is one story with a happy ending. When I caught the photo of her on CNN, I also feared the worst. Hang in there, my friend. We all share your feelings.

Rhiannon:hug:

[terip64]

27. Thanks! SOme days I just can't keep my chin up...

I have three kids, 22, 19 and 15. They are great kids and I always try to put a positive spin on things, but somedays, man, I just can't keep it up! Thanks for the hug! I truly don't know what I would without DU.

[Rhiannon12866]

29. You're more than welcome.

And I sure do understand. I don't have kids, but I find my heart breaking all the time for the kids placed in danger for no damn good reason. Sometimes the constant horrific news makes me feel physically ill. It really makes me tired. But you know that you're giving your kids the right values. And you're also right about DU. It's always here with news and support whenever you need it, kindred spirits only a click away.:-)

Rhiannon:grouphug:

[terip64]

44. Thanks again!

I just got back from dropping my dog off to be groomed and I sang the Ave Maria and You'll Never Walk Alone all the way home like some kind of nut! I cried my eyes out and somehow feel better. I have a couple of very sick family members right now who are far away from me (not to mention the regular woman issues that crop up whenever they feel like it)! Anyway, George Bush and his crew certainly aren't helping anything!
Thanks, though, because you did!

[Rhiannon12866]

49. Thank you. I haven't been on DU in awhile, but caught her photo on

CNN and alerted my friend, since we've been following this since the beginning, fearing the worst. This was one story that was more than worth returning to DU for. There are so few good ones, these days...:-(

What kind of dog? My little guy needs a bath and a trim, but he was so uncooperative that the groomer passed on him, so his vet had to trim him. The groomer did do a great job on his "sister," who I lost, quite unexpectedly, last week, so my mind has not been on world news, recently. Nothing else has meant much. So I certainly sympathize with you and welcome this happy ending.;(

I'm so glad that this made your day. It made mine, too. And another poster from Ann Arbor weighed in on this thread. There are bound to be special celebrations there.:D

Thank you, too.:-)

Rhiannon:hi:

[terip64]

59. I am so sorry to hear about your loss...

It is so hard anytime but the unexpectedly part makes it especially hard. They really are part of the family aren't they? I hope your little guy copes ok. I know it really affects everyone in the house.

My dog is a Golden Retriever and a little stinky right now. Well, hopefully not anymore! This is her first bath at the groomers. I hope she does ok. She needs to be trimmed because quite honestly I can't stand so much dog hair in my house. I have a Shitzu, too who sheds more like a cat which isn't so bad.

I hate to admit that I am not a great big animal lover. I have animals because I always thought that the kids should have pets and of course I love them, but for instance, not on my couch. I joke that I had my kids too young and used up all my patience up on them. I really am just kind of a clean freak. And I am also all talk because if something happened to any of them, 2 cats, too, I would feel awful.

Take care and I hope the weather is good where you are. Blue sky goes a long way. Can you tell I am from MI! ;)

[Rhiannon12866]

80. Thank you so much. Sorry that I didn't reply earlier, but it's still tough

for me to talk about. And the unexpected part makes it even harder. She had some problems, but she had a vet appointment two weeks ago, today, for a re-check, and her vet said she was doing really well. But late that night she went into seizure and was rushed to the Emergency Clinic, where they worked with her all weekend, but lost her. So it's still new and very hard. I keep looking for her and her little buddy must be very confused. He lost his previous sister and took awhile to warm up to Sara, but they had bonded. She was very protective of him.;(

All my guys have been rescue, but I just had the two dogs. My little guy is on my posts, a 7 1/2 lb. Brussels Griffon. My Sara was a sweet little terrier, who came from a bad place, and has had a rough time, but she was doing so well. I am into animals, and take the older ones, but I've never lost one so young. Sara was only 10. Here's my girl:

My Sara:loveya:


And Goldens are beautiful dogs, and also very intelligent. I understand about the clean part, can't stand if my guys need grooming, and I also love kids, but my animals are my family. My little guy sleeps on my pillow and Sara used to sleep on the bed, but decided she preferred sleeping downstairs where she was where any action is. Sorry to go on, and I've lost pets before, but it never gets any easier and Sara was very special.;(

Thank you for the kind words. The weather is finally improving here in NY, after a depressing cold winter. Yesterday it hit 60 and today was quite warm, and I finally began to feel optimistic, that winter is finally over. Best wishes to you in MI! And thanks...:hi:

Rhiannon:hug:

[BootinUp]

23. wonderful!

:)

[Sabriel]

25. This is the first news that actually gives me hope for what's going on.

I hope this is the start of a trend, on both sides.

[SalmonChantedEvening]

26. Joyous News.

I hope she's stateside before week's end and with her family and friends.


:bounce: :woohoo:

[Connie_Corleone]

28. Thank goodness!

[Minnesota Libra]

30. This is wonderful news!!!! I'm glad for her. nt

[Rhiannon12866]

31. CNN says they have an interview with her, upcoming. Remarkable. n/t

[maddezmom]

32. pics of her on CNNInternational right now

:D

[Rhiannon12866]

33. Also on "American Morning," right now. Awesome! Thanks :D n/t

[annarbor]

34. Rejoicing in Ann Arbor Today!

Jill is originally from Ann Arbor, MI and still has a load of friends and family here. There will be lots of rejoicing going on here today. I for one am so relieved!

Ann Arbor

[terip64]

43. Hello Ann Arbor! I am from Chelsea! MI could sure use some good news!

All I can say is thank God for Ann Arbor! I am actually west of Chelsea in Waterloo and some days I feel as if I am in red country.

I may have to drive into Ann arbor today just to mingle with the Impeach Bush signs!

[Jeffersons Ghost]

35. Jill Carrol Released: Interview on CNN

Following an on-air plea from her sister, Jill Carrol was released this morning saying, "I was not harmed."

[cleofus1]

36. good news!

good for you jill!

[redwitch]

37. Thank goodness!

Imagine how she and her family are feeling right now.

[Rhiannon12866]

38. CNN: Interview with Jill Carroll repeated now! n/t

[Ex Lion Tamer]

39. Fantastic!! Now I can propose to her!

What a remarkable, intelligent, and talented woman! I keep hearing the words "strong woman" when people talk about her--and that's incredibly appealing, even sexy, to me.

I broke into tears imagining her first phone call to home. How wonderful that must have been for her parents. And what great parents they must be to have raised such a neat lady.

I'm in a darn good mood now.

[jarab]

40. Wonderful news!

...O...

[NMDemDist2]

41. that's wonderful! I'm so glad n/t

[Ashamed_American]

42. Couldn't have been a better way to start the day.

Music to my ears as I turned on the television this morning.


www.BlackEyedSundays.com

[0007]

45. Good!

[Catchawave]

46. Sounds like she was treated well....

The most recent kidnappings haven't made much sense to me since they've all been rather sympathetic to the Iraqi cause ? Contracters and politicians I can understand, but peaceful activists and a cute young reporter ?

[Psephos]

78. Unless you count the trauma of being told you are going to die like a dog

That one leaves a deep and ugly scar, and may be the worst of all possible treatment.

But other than that, they sure treated her special.

Peace.

[PuraVidaDreamin]

47. What a relief!

This beautiful woman was probably released because
her captors know she will give the straight story
on how Iraqi's live in fear each day of this illegal
and immoral war.

[bigwillq]

48. That is very good news.

:bounce:

[jean]

50. Rachel Maddow was announcing this news as I turned the radio on

this morning. This wonderful news of her release really made my day. Rachel played audio of Jill saying she had not been hit or abused and wanted to spend time with her family.

[Rhiannon12866]

51. New link (Chicago Tribune): Journalist's Three-Month Iraq Ordeal Over

By MARIAM FAM
Associated Press Writer
Published March 30, 2006, 7:54 AM CST


BAGHDAD, Iraq -- American reporter Jill Carroll was set free Thursday, nearly three months after she was kidnapped in an ambush that killed her translator. She said she had been treated well.

Carroll, 28, was dropped off near the Iraqi Islamic Party offices. She walked inside, and people there called American officials, Iraqi police said.

"I was treated well, but I don't know why I was kidnapped," Carroll said in a brief interview on Baghdad television.

Carroll was kidnapped Jan. 7 in Baghdad's western Adil neighborhood while going to interview Sunni Arab politician Adnan al-Dulaimi. Her translator was killed in the attack about 300 yards from al-Dulaimi's office.

The previously unknown Revenge Brigades claimed responsibility. Even though the group threatened twice in videotapes to kill Carroll, she said, "They never hit me. They never even threatened to hit me."

The Italian news agency ANSA reported that Carroll underwent a medical checkup at the American hospital in the Green Zone.

During the TV interview, Carroll wore a light green Islamic headscarf and a gray Arabic robe.

"I'm just happy to be free. I want to be with my family," she was heard to say under the Arabic voiceover.

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/custom/newsroom/sns-ap-iraq-carroll-released,1,1072095.story?coll=chi-news-hed&ctrack=1&cset=true

[WhiteTara]

52. Oh Happy Day

One good piece of news.

[Balbus]

53. I'm glad she was released okay...

But I'm going to keep an eye on this story. Just something weird about the whole thing from the begining. But I'm VERY glad she's now in safe hands.

[onehandle]

54. Damn Liberal Media! We had a deal! No Good News from Iraq!

Now our "cause" is "lost".

[BootinUp]

57. The hate monster

is getting hungry. There seems to be a drop in hate energy.

[InternalDialogue]

55. This news makes my day, too.

All of her fellow journalists and her fiance and family will remember this day forever. I heard nothing but good things from them in interviews about Carroll's kindness, character, and work ethic.

How sad that we've created a situation in Iraq where toying with the lives of objective, innocent people is a weapon.

[Poll_Blind]

56. Yes! I am so relieved- I started to think the worst after so much...

...time had passed.

PB

[Buns_of_Fire]

58. My day is made

As one of those who was following her story from the beginning, I got all verklempt when I heard this on MSNBC this morning (this, coming from someone who doesn't get verklempt very oftem). Ms. Carroll deserves a stint covering Terrorist Cats for a while -- although I don't think she'd be happy doing it. God Bless you, Jill, and we're all happy you're back... :grouphug: :applause:

...no thanks to you, boosh, you incompetent maggot-brained festering bucket of steaming rancid monkey nuts! :puke:

[Blue_Roses]

60. Thank God

:bounce:

I'm so glad she wasn't hurt

[K8-EEE]

61. WONDERFUL!

Thank God.

[melissinha]

62. What wonderful news!!

I couldn't help but cry!!!

It is my firm belief, though I have not much to back it up, that Jill Carroll was treated well and released because she was a model citizen and reporter that treated Iraqis with a lot respect and good will. I am truly glad that she is safe and hope that if she wants, that she will continue to do good work...


:grouphug: to everybody!!!!!!!!!!

[Marie26]

63. That's wonderful news!!

I knew she'd make it through OK. I'm so happy for Jill Carroll & her family. :woohoo: :bounce: :applause:

[demobrit]

64. Give Praise to the Lord through Jesus Christ

Give Praise to the Lord through Jesus Christ for this wonderful news today

[catabryna]

65. Fantastic News!!!

When my radio alarm went off this morning, this was the first news I heard. It's the first time in a while that I've actually woken up to news I could cheer about!

[Daphne08]

66. Thank goodness!

[mzmolly]

67. Marvelous news!

:)

[noonwitch]

68. The freepers have already decided she's Patty Hearst

She hasn't expressed sufficient hate for her captors to satisfy them.

Give her some time to get with her family and get her head together before you all start judging her every utterance.

[Jack Rabbit]

69. OK. That's some good news from Iraq

Of course, the Frat Boy had nothing to do with it.

[LisaM]

70. I am thrilled that she is free and safe

but I don't believe for ONE MINUTE that she wasn't freed without some major negotiations and concessions. Which, btw, I think should have taken place.

It would have been too much of a death knell for this administration had she not turned up safe. It also makes me think there is some more bad news being hidden from us but we get this feel-good pill in return. That said, I am very, very glad that she is alive and well.

[SoCalDem]

71. She is one LUCKY woman.. I am glad she's been freed

NOW..I hope she comes home and writes her book, and stays away from the middle east for a while..
What she and other are missing is that THIS "war" is different, and especially dangerous for any reporter who writes for/contributes to a paper called "The CHRISTIAN-science monitor".. In a HOLY WAR, it's dangerous to even appear to "choose sides"....

[Renew Deal]

72. Thank God

:woohoo:

[Kerri_S]

73. Finally, some actual good news out of Iraq

It's wonderful that Jill Carroll has been freed.

[screembloodymurder]

74. I don't believe she was held against her will.

Just MHO, but we'll see.

[darkism]

75. Wonderful news!

I had a teacher this semester who used to work for the Monitor and brought it in to class every day. He was visibly deeply concerned about Carroll each day. Sadly, he never lived long enough to see her released.

[ClayZ]

76. Yay! It is a good day! K and R

:woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo:


:kick:

[UrbScotty]

77. Hope.

What a powerful word.

[Zorra]

79. Yay!