The BBC’s Alan Johnston is the only Western reporter based in Gaza, which makes him an important source of information for many people. Yesterday’s kidnapping raises some fascinating questions:
Will the Beeb be cowed by the affair? Or will they finally wake up to the threat of terror?
Does Stockholm Syndrome apply to BBC journalists abducted by Arab terrorists?
Should UK license fee money be used to ransom Johnston?
What PC explanation will explain away the affair?
Will Johnston make a meaningless conversion to Islam–like two Fox reporters? Or might he follow the path of Yvonne Ridley?
Did Johnston’s abductors know they were snatching a sympathetic reporter? What kind of jobs can they possibly hope for now?
What does Robert Fisk make of the Johnston affair?
Will the BBC continue to maintain an office in Gaza?
According to AFP, Johnston’s three-year assignment ends in April. When the affair ends (peacefully, we hope), should he continue reporting for the last few weeks of his rotation?
