CARE Statement on Margaret Hassan by Connorflynn

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CARE Statement on Margaret Hassan

POSTED BY: CONNORFLYNN
UPDATED: Thursday, November 18, 2004 15:48
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Thursday, November 18, 2004 12:01 PM

The CARE statement:
http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/110062888120.htm

All I've seen on US media of late is the video of an Insurgent being shot. I find it compelling that very little has been said about Margaret Hassan's death. It's sad really. An insurgent death outweighs the execution of a wonderful woman who helped the Iraqi people.

Here's an interesting article , that portrays the possibility that this action may backfire on the foreign terrorists.

Iraqis angry, distraught at aid worker's murder
17 Nov 2004 15:21:55 GMT

Source: Reuters

By Mussab al-Khairalla

BAGHDAD, Nov 17 (Reuters) - Iraqis reacted with anger and disbelief on Wednesday to news that British-Iraqi aid worker Margaret Hassan, who worked in Iraq for decades before being kidnapped a month ago, had been killed by her captors.

Irish-born Hassan, 59, moved to Iraq more than 30 years ago after marrying an Iraqi engineer. She learnt Arabic and became a pillar of support in local communities, often helping the needy in the face of opposition during Saddam Hussein's regime.

Those who knew her, worked with her or were helped by her described Hassan as a formidable woman who went about her work with determination. She helped the disabled, the orphaned and those without water or sanitation calmly and efficiently.

One of the hospitals she regularly supported was a spinal cord clinic in Baghdad run by Qayder al-Chalabi, who said her loss was a huge blow to all Iraqis.

"(The killers) made a very big mistake. This was the wrong person," he told Reuters on Wednesday.

"I cannot imagine that these things could happen to her because she was a very humanitarian person. She felt our suffering, she understood the suffering of the Iraqi people.

"We need to admire and remember her. We must have a ceremony every year to remember her," he said, adding that he believed a statue should be erected in her honour.

Hassan was kidnapped on Oct. 19 as she was being driven to work in Baghdad, where she was the director of the local operation of aid organisation Care International.

A video released to Arabic news channel Al Jazeera last week showed a hooded figure shooting a blindfolded woman in the head.

Hassan's husband and British foreign office officials have said they believe the video tape is "probably genuine" and her family has said they believe Margaret Hassan is dead.

"SAVAGE BEASTS"

Militant Islamists have waged a campaign of kidnappings and killings to try to force U.S.-led troops and foreigners to leave Iraq. More than 120 foreigners have been kidnapped in Iraq since April and more than three dozen have been killed.

If confirmed, Hassan would be the first foreign woman killed.

Several foreigners are still believed to be held, including at least one other woman, Polish-Iraqi Teresa Borcz Khalifa. Others include two American men and two French journalists.

"These people are savage beasts," said a man working close to the now shuttered Care offices in Baghdad. He would not give his name for fear of reprisals.

"The whole idea of kidnapping is completely wrong. If people want to resist the occupation they can fight American troops, not kill Iraqis or innocent foreigners," he said.

A campaign to gather information on Hassan's whereabouts was recently launched in Baghdad, with a picture of Hassan holding a sick Iraqi child posted on billboards around Baghdad.

The billboards read: "Margaret Hassan is truly a daughter of Iraq... She is against the occupation."

"She came to help us and give us prosperity," said Hashim Hassan, a 41-year-old security guard at a surgery. "These terrorists are outsiders ruining Iraq's image. Iraqis would not destroy their own country."

Unemployed Yusuf Ali, 35, said attacking or kidnapping aid workers was a development that would only harm the nation.

"The enemies of Iraq are attacking power stations, oil pipelines and kidnapping foreigners and aid workers at a time when we need them most. Aid workers would be flowing into Falluja right now if they didn't fear decapitation," he said.

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Thursday, November 18, 2004 3:48 PM

GEEZER

Keep the Shiny side up

BBC's "Your Reaction" page concerning Mrs. Hassan's murder has an amazing uninanimity of opinion.

Quote:
From BBCArabic.com: I am very sad to hear about the killing of a peaceful person who helped and provided aid to our poor Iraqi people who are suffering from the criminals, the enemies of humanity. These disgusting acts show their savagery and the barbarism of those who are supporting them. Let Mrs Hassan the martyr live forever in paradise and shame on her killers.
Abbas Mohamed, Iraq

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/talking_point/4017529.stm

"Keep the Shiny side up"

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