Iraq Government Urges Aid Agencies Not to Compromise with Terrorists

Today represents the third day since the devoted Iraqi-British aid worker, Margaret Hassan was captured by Iraqi terrorists in Baghdad. Hassan’s family, her employer CARE International, as well as politicians in Britain, Ireland and Iraq have been overwhelmed with anxiety because of the unusual silence of her captors. Even though the reason behind the kidnapping is still a mystery, it is confirmed that the kidnappers are related to the Islamic extremists.

A statement from the Iraqi Prime Minister Iyad Allawi’s office said, “We condemn the kidnapping of... Margaret Hassan by terrorists in Iraq... (as a) crime against Islam and Iraqi traditions.”

The Iraqi Government said Hassan’s kidnapping on Tuesday was “a clear indication of the base and bad intentions of the terrorists who call themselves mujahedeen (holy warriors).”

The Voice of America (VOA) reports that more than 24 hours after Hassan was abducted, there have been no demands from the kidnappers. The spokeswoman for the U.S. office of Islamic Relief, Arif Shaikh told VOA she is shocked that such an abduction would occur during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, which is supposed to be “a month of mercy, a month of charity”.

Iraq has been hit by a wave of kidnappings of foreigners since 2003 for political reasons and ransoms. Of more than 150 foreigners abducted in Iraq, at least 30 have been killed.

Prior to the abduction of Hassan, two female Italian aid workers were kidnapped on 7th September and released on 28th September amid reports that the Italian government helped pay at least $1 million in ransom.

The situation poses a great threat for many foreign humanitarian relief groups which are totally unrelated to any political goings-on in Iraq, and are doing in facr carrying out honourable works in the country. Many aid agencies around the world have been discouraged by the kidnapping.

A Canadian Newspaper wrote that Hassan’s abduction was called a new low in a grim campaign of violence and kidnappings by militants determined to force out foreigners. Toronto-based Christian Peacemaker Teams in Baghdad have to think twice about whether they will stay.

As more aid agencies are leaving Iraq, the Iraqi National Security Adviser Muffawaq al-Rubaiye appealed for them to stay, “If they do [leave], this is exactly what the terrorists and these criminals want them to do, and the Iraqi people need them badly.” He said the government was doing its best to give extra protection to NGOs.

Currently, the British Prime Minister, Tony Blair and Irish Prime Minister, Bertie Ahern both said they were doing everything they could to secure her release. CARE International said it was taking “every possible step” to secure Hassan’s release.