The press in the U.K. and elsewhere are raising questions about a raid to free a New York Times reporter held by the Taliban.
The reporter and his interpreter were snatched four days earlier after ignoring security warnings. Steven Farrell, the NY Times reporter who was captured before in 2004, and his interpreter also ignored warnings by an elderly man in the village.
Hostage negotiators expressed anger at the raid, saying they were within days of securing the peaceful release of Farrell and his assistant, according to newspapers. Several sources quoted by the Times of London said the kidnappers were, at worst, seeking a ransom.
The raid was approved by Foreign Secretary David Miliband and Defence Secretary Bob Ainsworth after consulting with Prime Minister Gordon Brown, the paper said. It was ordered by Prime Minister Gordon Brown, according to the Times of London.
Brown praised the “breath-taking heroism” of the British soldiers.
The New York Times said they were "saddened" at the cost to the family of the interpreter. But no sympathies for the soldier or his family
London Telegraph: Army anger as soldier killed saving journalist who ignored Taliban warning
AFP: Questions raised over Afghan raid to free journalist
AP: Afghan reporters blame NATO for colleague's death
The Afghan reporters said British commandos showed a "double standard" by leaving translator Sultan Munadi's body while retrieving the British Commando's body and the New York Times writer. [This story is slightly wrong. The commandos SHOT and KILLED the interpreter during the gun battle. Then left his body behind, apparently with Ferrell's indifference.]
Times of London: Afghans blame troops for shooting translator during rescue and leaving body
Hostage negotiators expressed shock at the decision to mount the rescue operation. Munadi's family were left to collect his body themselves. He was a father of two.
"He was trying to protect me up to the last minute," Mr Farrell wrote on the New York Times At War blog.
Press Association: Rescued reporter slammed over risks
Globe and Mail (Canada): Britain under fire over deadly rescue tactics
Not Taliban but "low-level militants." The driver survived. "
“They told us it was very dangerous. I was scared when we got there because the villagers were angry at us,” Mr. Jamshid told The Washington Post. “An old man came up and told us we should leave,” he said. “But two minutes later we saw Taliban coming with Kalashnikovs.”
Washington Post: After Rescue, Recriminations
The driver said police and village elders had warned his group against visiting the area.
Times of London: Gordon Brown ordered mission to free kidnapped reporter Stephen Farrell
Those posting comments to the story are angry at the New York Times reporter who they call a "half-baked hack" and "a careless writer" who was a "reckless, ungrateful man," and "a complete nuisance in a tricky war zone" and "his selfish irresponsibility which has caused these deaths." Posters were also angry at Brown, Ferrell, and the New York Times.
Mr Farrell, your thirst for the journalistic truth is admirable. The fact that you have been captured TWICE says something else. I hope you give up the stupidity and let those who fight for the freedom of the Afghans can concentrate on that, and not assist in in the rescue of those who wish to report it. - controversial YES, but PLEASE PLEASE do not be responsible for more military wasteage - our lads have better and more important stuff to perform...And, the best comment seems to be:
Is it just me or could this guy show a bit of gratitude and remorse for the fact that a brave man DIED for his freedom? As far as I can tell, he has yet to even mention the fact...The one I would have written is "Should have left the reporter in place. Not worth a soldier dying for."
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