Norman Kember, the British peace activist kidnapped by The Swords of Truth Brigade, was in Iraq to show solidarity with ordinary Iraqis. Basically just another anti-war activist looking to advance his agenda. His Christian religion was an added attraction to his captors whose main motivation in choosing Mr. Kemper was probably opportunity.
Being a critic of the Iraqi war he traveled without much armed protection. A Christian Brit wandering Baghdad is just too tempting a target for one of the newest terror franchises to sprout up in the Middle East. Never mind that this guy was sympathetic to ending the war. His organization, Christian Peacemaker Teams, complains "We are angry because what has happened to our teammates is the result of the actions of the U.S. and UK governments due to the illegal attack on Iraq, and the continuing occupation and oppression of its people,". He's been snatched, accused of spying not by the US or UK but by terrorists. Somewhat of a disconnect on the part of the CPT and Kember's captors.
The Sword of Truth Brigade needs a quick lesson on the concept of enemy of my enemy. It may be beyond their understanding or it just may be they don't care. Killing or ransoming foreign Christians whatever their sympathies must be more attractive than achieving any political goals. The naivety of peace activists and the blood lust of Islamic terrorists are both perplexing. One has to marvel at how counter productive both are to their cause. It is my hope that Mr. Kember gets out with his head and the members of the Sword of Truth don't. Unfortunatly, I don't think either will be more the wiser.
Check Wizbang for the Texan outlook
Posted by Xyba at November 30, 2005 07:13 AM | TrackBack