The release of CNN producer Riad Ali yesterday from kidnappers in Gaza City is shrouded in mystery. Although Ali initially identified his captors as members of Arafat’s Al Aqsa Martyrs’ Brigades, he has since retracted this statement, and no other Palestinian group has stepped forward to take responsibility.
What is striking, though, about this particular episode is both Ali and his father’s over-the-top praise for Ali’s captors — it’s Stockholm Syndrome Redux: Take II. (Definition of Stockholm Syndrome)
Ali has said that “his captors treated him very well and offered him tea, coffee, and cigarettes.” An earlier version of the Jerusalem Post’s article on Ali’s release includes part of a conversation between Ali’s father, Sa’id, and Yasser Arafat:
Right after he spoke to his son, Sa’id Ali spoke with PA Chairman Yasser Arafat. “Thank you Mister President [Arafat]. May God bless you Mr. President. You proved that you are a great and decent man today … ”
“The Arab Israeli community is both proud of and thankful to you,” he said.
Ali himself also offered thanks to Arafat for helping secure his release.
Odd words to extend to the man whose Fatah Aqsa Brigades may well have orchestrated the CNN producer’s abduction to begin with.
