[14.10 GMT] Christians defend Iraq nonviolence tactics against critics (Ekklesia, UK) - Christian Peacemaker Teams spokesperson Peggy Gish, who also writes for Ekklesia, told the BBC World At One Programme: “All of us on the Iraq team have taken a great risk – but we still look back on our work as very important.” She continued: “I don’t think we have been irresponsible. There are people being killed and tortured in Iraq …on a daily basis. We are reporting human rights abuses, and we believe that when governments and agencies are watching and acting [on these], this reduces the amount of violence going on.” Concluded Ms Gish: “We are all very excited and deeply grateful that [our friends] have been restored to us. But we continue to mourn the loss of Tom Fox.” She said that it was unfair to say that the CPTers had put the lives of others at risk, since the Team has repeatedly said that it does not want violence used to release its captives. That was also a pledge made by Norman Kember, Jim Loney, Harmeet Sooden and Tom Fox. Christian Peacemaker Teams has welcomed the fact that no-one was killed or injured in the multilateral operation which freed the hostages. Additional: Peggy Gish at Voices in the Wilderness; Iraq - A Journey of Hope and Peace, by Peggy Gish (Herald Press, 2004 - pic is of cover); Indymedia UK - Eyewitness Iraq; CPTnet July Releases: IRAQ: Letter from Peggy Gish; Peggy Gish on Ekklesia and related sites.

[14.00 GMT] Joyful day' as military forces free Canadian and British hostages (940 News, Canada); Bombings Kill Another 35 People In Iraq (WRAL.com, NC, USA); Christian Peacemakers delighted (National Post, USA); Man With A Mission (Toronto Pulse 24, Canada); Prayers offered at vigil to end war in Iraq (Daily Miner and News); Christian Peacemaker Teams respond to Loney release (SooToday.com); Killing of Christian Peacemaker in Iraq mourned (Pittsburgh Post Gazette, PA, USA); Who killed Tom Fox? Why and what's the reason for it? (Huffington Post, NY, USA).

[14.00 GMT] Joyful day' as military forces free Canadian and British hostages (940 News, Canada); Bombings Kill Another 35 People In Iraq (WRAL.com, NC, USA); Christian Peacemakers delighted (National Post, USA); Man With A Mission (Toronto Pulse 24, Canada); Prayers offered at vigil to end war in Iraq (Daily Miner and News); Christian Peacemaker Teams respond to Loney release (SooToday.com).

[12.45 GMT] Iraq three years later: A glance back -- from the 19th century until today. By Laurie King-Irani, (Electronic Iraq); Iraq Militants Release Christian Peacemakers (BosNewsLife, Hungary). Christian Peacemaker Teams will be interviewed today at 13.00 GMT on the BBC World at One Programme. (Broadcast weekdays from 1.00 - 1.30pm, The World at One is widely regarded as Britain's leading political radio programme. "Lead story: British peace activist Norman Kember and two Canadians are freed four months after being taken hostage in Iraq, after an operation by multinational troops."

[12.30 GMT] FACING UP TO A COSTLY VOCATION: Joy as Christian Peacemakers are freed in Iraq (Ekklesia, UK, 23/03/06) - Said Simon Barrow of the UK religious think tank Ekklesia, which is associated with Christian Peacemaker Teams UK: “The release of Norman, Jim and Harmeet is the wonderful news that many had been working and praying for, but perhaps did not quite dare to believe.” He went on: “Christian peace makers have great respect for those who carried out the operation to free the captives, but they nevertheless remain firmly committed to nonviolence as the only effective, long-term way to break the cycles of hatred, revenge, terror and killing which are destroying Iraq and threatening the world.” Added Barrow: “Many people will continue to question the propriety of unarmed interventions in places of great danger and conflict. But Christian Peacemaker Teams have made it clear that they will not be deterred by threats or opposition. They are tough-minded people who know the situation and know what they were doing. When Jesus called on his followers to make peace, he never said it was going to be anything other than risky – and he paid with his life.” Other reactions: Bruce Kent talks of delight at Kember release (Life Style Extra, UK); Timeline: how Kember saga unfolded (Times Online, UK); 'This is news beyond belief' (Telegraph.co.uk, United Kingdom); Jack Straw statement on Iraq hostage release (Times Online, UK); Christian Peacemakers delighted (Canada.com, Canada); Behind the Christian Peacemakers' trip (Christian Science Monitor, MA, USA); Three hostages freed in Iraq (Shanghai Daily, China); Joy at news of Norman Kember's release (Harrow Times, UK); A life of peace (Guardian Unlimited, UK); 'A veteran peace activist' (The Sun, UK); Update 3: Three Christian Activists Rescued in Iraq (Forbes); Kember freed in Iraq rescue (Swissinfo, Switzerland); Christians urge love of enemies in face of hostage crisis (Ekklesia, UK); An Iraqi expatriate’s perspective: Iraqis suffering under US occupation (LaCrosse Tribune, WI, USA).

[12.15 GMT] Christian Peacemaker Teams' statement today on the freeing of three activists in Iraq (Ekklesia, UK). Press Conferences CHICAGO: CPT Public Witness Against the War, Independence Park, 3742 W. Irving Park Road, 9:00A.M. CST, Thurs. March 23, 2006 TORONTO: 25 Cecil Street, 6:30 A.M. EST, Thurs. March 23, 2006. Addendum: A Mennonite news service has refuted earlier reports, reporting that Tom Fox's body showed no signs of torture when viewed by relatives and friends after arrival in the US and before his cremation (unconfirmed).

[10.30 GMT] MORE ON NORMAN KEMBER'S RELEASE: British hostage Kember freed in Iraq rescue; Peacemaker who wanted to help (BBC News, UK); Indian-origin hostage freed in Iraq (Sify, India); Retired professor 'harmless as a dove' (Telegraph.co.uk, United Kingdom); UK 'delighted' at hostage release (ePolitix, UK); . Ihtisham Hibatullah, a spokesperson for Anas Tikriti, the envoy to Iraq at the Muslim Association of Britain, said on Thursday they were "very relieved" that Mr Kember and his colleagues were alive, and that it was fantastic news for their families. FinS comment to the BBC - "This is the good news many of us prayed and worked for but perhaps never dared to believe. Many will call them foolish, but Christian Peacemaker Teams remain committed to Iraq, and to nonviolent witness against the dismal cycles of violence that threaten the future of Iraq - and the world." Add your comments here.

[09.42 GMT] AMAZING NEWS - THE CHRISTIAN PEACEMAKER CAPTIVES ARE FREE: News is just emerging from various sources that Norman Kember, Harmeet Singh Sooden and Jim Loney have been freed from captivity in Iraq -- two weeks after the tragic killing of their colleague Tom Fox, whose body was found on a Baghdad rubbish tip. The three men were apparently rescued by a special forces unit which stormed the house where they were being held, west of Baghdad. Christian Peacemaker Teams has been working in Iraq since October 2002, investigating allegations of abuse against Iraqi detainees by American and Iraqi forces. Reports: Norman Kember freed (Telegraph.co.uk, United Kingdom - 9 minutes ago); British man Norman Kember rescued from Iraqi captors (Unison.ie, Ireland); ITN Reports: Norman Kember released (ITN, UK); British hostage Norman Kember released (ITV.com, UK); Kember freed in Iraq (Reuters, UK); Three Western hostages freed in Iraq (The Age, Australia); Norman Kember freed (Guardian Unlimited, UK); One British, two Canadian hostages freed in Iraq (CJAD, Canada); Special forces free Iraq hostages (CNN International, USA). British Home Secretary Jack Straw says that he has spoken to Norman's wife, Pat Kember, who is understandably "overjoyed" at the news.

[14.05 GMT] Court martial for Iraq refusenik (BBC News, UK); CPT Iraq member Beth Pyles returns home, available for interviews (Christian Peacemaker Teams). Scholar Chalmers Johnson presents crucial, revealing insights into the nature and impact of imperial militarism on the American economy and culture in a must-read interview. The humanitarian disaster is further illustrated in a report from Caritas Internationalis.

[09.15 GMT] Three years on Iraqis speak about their disappointments and fears (Ekklesia, UK); Friends recall Tom Fox: Quaker service remembers murdered hostage (Frederick News Post, MD, USA).

[22.15 GMT] Christian peacemakers protest on third anniversary of Iraq invasion (Ekklesia, UK); Thousands of Canadians take to the streets (ChronicleHerald.ca, Canada); 'Way too much bloodshed' (London Free Press, Canada); Add Tom Fox's name to book of martyrs (Pueblo Chieftain, CO, USA). Since Fox's death, slurs against CPT and its supporters in the right-wing media and conservative commentators - mainly of the "useful idiots" variety - have increased significantly. Most of these make no attempt to understand the true motivation and perspective of Christian peacemakers. In A Christian Peacemaker Team member sets the record straight (Centre Daily Times, PA, USA), the Rev David B. Miller, pastor of University Mennonite Church in State College, Central Pennsylvania, offers a cogent and temperate response to one of these attacks. [Pic: Toronto anti-war protests]

[04.14 GMT] Thousands join anti-war protest (BBC, UK).

[03.30 GMT] Two who fought the good fight, for bodies and souls (Los Angeles Times, CA, USA); National Gurdwara Co-Sponsors Vigil at Capital Hill (SikhSangat News, Canada); Vigil For James Loney (LTVNEWS.COM, Canada); Seven days in Iraq (Guardian Unlimited, UK); Tom Fox Honored as a Peacemaker at Nashville Memorial (Tennessee Independent Media, TN, USA); Quaker hostage killed in Iraq (The Independent Weekly, NC, USA).

[22.00 GMT] Step back George, Step up people of faith (Ekklesia, UK) - Ron Kraybill of Eastern Mennonite University on why Bush, the European Union and the UN should recognise their limitations in the Muslim world.

[20.45 GMT] Peacemaker returns from volatile Iraq (Toronto Star, Canada); Three years on, Europe weary of war in Iraq (Middle East Online, UK); Activist killed in Iraq honoured (Richmond Times Dispatch, VA, USA); US left stays mum as terrorists target 'their people' (Scripps Howard News Service, Washington DC, USA); Peacemakers, by Michael de Yoanna (Colorado Springs Independent, CO, USA); Honour hostage killed in Iraq with peace effort, mourners told (Daily Press, VA, USA).

[00.00 GMT] Palestinians release Canadian, last of 11 hostages seized (CBC News, Canada - pic); A View From the Eye of the Storm (AINA, CA, USA); Anti-War Movement Casualty of In-Fighting (CNSNews.com, VA, USA). UPI Commentary: High geopolitical stakes (World Peace Herald, Washington DC, USA): "Congress has asked veteran bipartisan geopolitical thinkers James A. Baker III, the former Secretary of State, and Lee H. Hamilton, former chairman of the House International Relations Committee, and co-chairman of the 9/11 Commission, to lead an "Iraq Study Group" of 10 prominent Republicans and Democrats. With the president's "war on terror" ratings down to 36 percent, the Iraqi "rethink" group came not a moment too soon. Much bigger threats than civil war in Iraq already loom on horizon 2007. Israel is marking its new frontier with a 420-mile, $2.2 billion barrier that leaves Hamas free to cobble together a state from the patchwork of land left, sans East Jerusalem, which can be neither viable nor contiguous, as pledged by George Bush. Intifada III is now only a matter of time - with rockets and missiles over the wall."

[21.00 GMT] Christians meet to step up peacemaking in Israel and Palestine (Ekklesia, UK); Eastern Mennonite University to Hold Memorial Service for Slain Christian Peacemaker (Christian Post, CA, USA).

[00.00 GMT] Radio broadcast about Tom Fox, killed in Iraq (Pacifica Radio, USA); Hostage's death brings fresh fears (ic Coventry, UK); Greens Mourn Tom Fox, Peace Worker and Hostage Murdered in Iraq (Green Party US [press release], Washington DC, USA); American peace activist killed in Iraq (Christian Science Monitor, MA, USA).

[02.10 GMT] Prayers for slain Christian peace activist Tom Fox (Toronto Sun, Canada); Palestinians, US Quakers mourn activist killed in Iraq (Ha'aretz, Israel-Palestine); here is a powerful aricle on the neglect of the story behind the CPT four here: Tom Fox, death squads & the dogs of war (Political Cortex, NY, USA); and a sad reminder of the hatred that consumes some in the US: American hostage killed in Iraq...well, you asked for it (American Daily, USA).

[20.30 GMT] EASTER PEOPLE in a GOOD FRIDAY WORLD: Witnessing Christ in the Conflict of Life (Churches Together in Britain and Ireland Lent Course 2006) - summary plus ordering details; Greenbelt - "Peace is worth the risk"; Body of Christian peacemaker returns home (Ekklesia, UK); Fellowship of Reconciliation: latest on the hostage crisis; UK troop numbers to fall by 800 The number of UK troops in Iraq will be reduced by 800 to 7,000, Defence Secretary John Reid announces. (BBC News, UK). Where are British troops?; Reducing troops, changing views; Kember family braced after hostage killing (The Sunday Times, UK); Tom Fox (Beliefnet.com, NY, USA); Churches remember Norman Kember (Anglican Diocese of Lichfield, UK); Peace team stays in Iraq despite hostage killing (San Diego Union Tribune, United States); Tom Fox Remembered Around the World as Dedicated Activist (Bay Area Indymedia, CA, USA); Iraqi journalist becomes fifth killed in sectarian violence (Leesville Daily Leader, LA, USA); Peace team reveal fears for hostages (Greenock Telegraph, UK).

[23.45 GMT] US in talks to close Guantanamo Bay and Christian peacemakers warn against demonisation following death of Tom Fox (Ekklesia, UK); Iraq peace activists morn Tom Fox's death (CathNews, Australia); Friends Remember Slain American Hostage (KFMB, CA, USA); Family ignore torture claims (New Zealand Herald, New Zealand); Iraq: The reckoning (Bay Area Indymedia, CA, USA); Hostage negotiator disappears (Times Online, UK) - a repeat of the dispute story first circulated by the Toronto Star last year. It was contested by CPT and by Ekklesia. The Star declined to respond to questions about their sources. The torture allegations relating to Tom Fox are also unsubstantiated at the moment. Informed observers are relectant to either feed or draw upon the active Baghdad rumour-mill at present. Meanwhile, St George's Anglican Church in the Iraqi capital is seeking assistance with its building project. The appeal is being circulated by, among others, Bishop Michael Langrish of Exeter.

[18.30 GMT] Fears for hostage after killing (BBC News, UK): Concern grows for kidnapped British peace activist Norman Kember (pictured), after fellow Iraq hostage is found dead. Harmeet Singh Sooden and Jim Loney from Canada are also being held. Kipnappers Tortured Slain American Peace Worker, Iraq Says (New York Times, NY, United States). "Tom Fox, the kidnapped American peace advocate whose body was found this week, had apparently been tortured by his captors before being shot multiple times in the head and dumped on a trash heap next to a railway line in western Baghdad, an official at the Iraqi Interior Ministry said today." And in spite of CPT pleas not to use force or aggression on behalf of the captives, US troops raided households in the neighbourhood where the body was found. The overall situation is very grim indeed - but the vigils and calls for release of the remaining three go on.

[04.36 GMT] TRAGIC NEWS FROM IRAQ - TOM FOX IS DEAD

[via Ekklesia] The Federal Bureau of Investigation in the USA has confirmed that the body of an American citizen found in Iraq yesterday is that of Tom Fox, one of four Christian peace activists kidnapped on 26 November 2005.

Fox's family has been informed of the tragic loss. There is no further news of the other hostages - Briton Norman Kember and Canadians Jim Loney and Harmeet Singh Sooden – who were seen recently on a video released to the al-Jazeera TV station.

Expressions of sorrow and solidarity have begun to pour into the headquarters of Christian Peacemaker Teams, following the news of Tom Fox’s death.

CPT, an ecumenically-supported ministry of the historic peace churches (Mennonites, Brethren in Christ and Quakers) says that the awful news will not deter their determination to confront Iraq’s occupation and cycle of violence with “unarmed love”.

At a hastily convened global press conference in Chicago this morning, the following statement was released the world’s media:

“In grief we tremble before God who wraps us with compassion. The death of our beloved colleague and friend pierces us with pain. Tom Fox's body was found in Baghdad yesterday.

“Christian Peacemaker Teams extends our deep and heartfelt condolences to the family and community of Tom Fox, with whom we have traveled so closely in these days of crisis.

“We mourn the loss of Tom Fox who combined a lightness of spirit, a firm opposition to all oppression, and the recognition of God in everyone.

“We renew our plea for the safe release of Harmeet Sooden, Jim Loney and Norman Kember.

“Each of our teammates has responded to Jesus's prophetic call to live out a nonviolent alternative to the cycle of violence and revenge.

“In response to Tom's passing, we ask that everyone set aside inclinations to vilify or demonize others, no matter what they have done.

“In Tom's own words: ‘We reject violence to punish anyone. We ask that there be no retaliation on relatives or property. We forgive those who consider us their enemies. We hope that in loving both friends and enemies and by intervening nonviolently to aid those who are systematically oppressed, we can contribute in some small way to transforming this volatile situation.’

“Even as we grieve the loss of our beloved colleague, we stand in the light of his strong witness to the power of love and the courage of nonviolence. That light reveals the way out of fear and grief and war.

“Through these days of crisis, Christian Peacemaker Teams has been surrounded and upheld by a great outpouring of compassion: messages of support, acts of mercy, prayers, and public actions offered by the most senior religious councils and by school children, by political leaders and by those organizing for justice and human rights, by friends in distant nations and by strangers near at hand.

“These words and actions sustain us.

“While one of our teammates is lost to us, the strength of this outpouring is not lost to God’s movement for just peace among all peoples.

“At the forefront of that support are strong and courageous actions from Muslim brothers and sisters throughout the world for which we are profoundly grateful.

“Their graciousness inspires us to continue working for the day when Christians speak up as boldly for the human rights of thousands Iraqis still detained illegally by the United States and United Kingdom.

“Such an outpouring of action for justice and peace would be a fitting memorial for Tom.

“Let us all join our voices on behalf of those who continue to suffer under occupation, whose loved ones have been killed or are missing, and in so doing may we hasten the day when both those who are wrongly detained and those who bear arms will return safely to their homes.

“In such a peace we will find solace for our grief.

“Despite the tragedy of this day, we remain committed to put into practice these words of Jim Loney: ‘With the waging of war, we will not comply. With the help of God’s grace, we will struggle for justice. With God's abiding kindness, we will love even our enemies.’

“We continue in hope for Jim, Harmeet and Norman's safe return home safe.”

Also: Christian peacemakers say Bush and Blair responsible for abduction of colleagues in Iraq 08/03/06; Report documents continuing abuse of Iraq detainees 08/03/06. Tom Fox reflection: "Why are we here?",written the day before the abduction. CPT Iraq Statement of Conviction signed by Tom in March 2005.

[00.01 GMT] Many apologies for the inactivity of this site since 21 February, due to circumstances beyond my control. Normal service is now resumed.

[00.00 GMT] Reuters is tracking foreign hostages in Iraq, in addition to security incidents and military and civilian deaths. Their tallies include up to 8,840 military casualties, and 32,041 Iraqi civilians. Of over 200 foreigners and thousands of Iraqi's taken hostage in Iraq since 2003, the news agency names thirty-eight internationals still believed missing. The number of Iraqis presently held captive is unknown. Some estimates say 2,000 or more. A new report released by the International Crisis Group says that the US-led Coalition "seem[s] to know little about the enemies they are fighting in Iraq," while the International Red Cross testifies about the freshly-released gruesome images of torture from Abu Ghraib.

[16.30 GMT] Baptist Peace Fellowship (UK) vigils and support information for Dr Norman Kember, who has been held captive in Iraq with fellow Christian Peacemaker Teams activists Tom Fox, Jim Loney, Harmeet Singh Sooden since 26 November 2005. Also from the BPF site: Why vigil? by John Rackley, former President of BUGB; Baptist Union material: Prayers for those held in Iraq; Prayers and suggested reflection from Trinity Church, Harrow; Letter from religious leaders released 6th February 2006; Litany for Detainess from Pax Christi; Vigil leaflet (including photographs); Posting from CPT member in Iraq, 1st February 2006; Letter to Norman Kember from Ken Sehested (Advent 2005); Vigil/Prayer leaflet from CPT, December 2005; Iraqi detainee profiles.

[00.00 GMT] US churches apologise over Iraq war and World churches reflect on nonviolent strategies (both Ekklesia, UK); USA church alliance: Washington is 'raining down terror' with Iraq war, other policies (Canada.com, Canada); Two Iraqis die in Baghdad bombings (Seven.com.au, Australia); An Interview with Anti-War Faster Mike Ferner (CounterPunch, CA, USA); Permanent Bases Point Toward Permanent War (Scoop.co.nz, New Zealand); One by one, Davis families mark deaths of those killed in Iraq (Davis Enterprise, CA, USA - see picture); What Brings Peace, Wealth or Democracy? (Middle East Forum, PA, USA); IsraPundit Accusations against Palestine Solidarity Movement (with comments from Baruch David) and a response from PSM.

[20.15 GMT] Christian and Muslim Victims of Violence By Peggy Gish of Christian Peacemaker Teams(Electronic Iraq); Iraqi Human Rights Group Plans Protest for Christian Captives (Christian Post, CA, USA)... We grieve for any victims of violence. We say that any forms of violence that stir up the prejudice and fear among Christians and Muslims or any other religious and ethnic groups, is wrong. We find hope in people of all faiths who courageously work together for mutual respect and cooperation. We are encouraged by those victims of violence who refuse to get caught up in the cycles of hate and revenge and are able to "continue on."

[01.00 GMT] Vigils continue for hostages (Anglican Journal, Canada - March 2006); Two Macedonians kidnapped in Iraq, ransom demanded (Metro Toronto, Canada); How to stay alive in a war zone (Independent, UK); US Press: Independent Investigation is a must (Zaman Online, Turkey).

[18.10 GMT] Apocalypse Now? Reflections on faith in a time of terror (The Tablet, UK). A review of two timely books by Duncan Forrester and Colin Morris, both people for whom I have a good deal of respect. Forrester is a political hard-head who also understands what is at stake in Christian ethics - and that it has to deal with, but cannot be circumscribed by, a narrow kind of "realism". [He] pits the modern world of states against the Gospel Church, which also lived in a time of terror, proclaiming an apocalyptic vision of “a coming order of peace, justice and love”, exemplified in its fellowships. He quotes the third-century theologian Tertullian: “Nothing is more foreign to us than the state. One state we know, of which all are citizens.” Forrester insists that Gospel politics is about “the transfiguration of politics by the rule of the Lamb that has been slain, and is now, despite appearances, on the throne”.
See also: Police alert for Muslim rally at Trafalgar Square (HindustanTimes.com UK edition, India).

[17.00 GMT] Government minister joins Christians in calling for Guantanamo closure (Ekklesia, UK).

[08.30 GMT] US under pressure on Guantanamo (Reuters via Yahoo! News).

[17.30 GMT] From Reuters (via the FreeTheCaptivesNow site): Ruined Iraqi city promotes peace with olive trees. Yesterday ReligionNews raised the issue of the lack of mainstream press interest in CPT, its philosophy and provenance. This is true, and its not as if the research is hard -- as in many issues involving religion, where (sadly) prejudice and loudmouthing on all sides seems to command more attention than actual information and reflection. So, for the record: About CPT. Christian Peacemaker Teams is a programme of Brethren, Quaker and Mennonite Churches (USA and Canada). The Baptist Peace Fellowship, Every Church a Peace Church, On Earth Peace and The Presbyterian Peace Fellowship are also sponsors of CPT. People from other bodies in the ecumenical Christian community are particpants in the 40 member full time Christian Peacemaker Corps and the part time 125 member Reserve Corps. See also the book Getting in the Way:Stories from Christian Peacemaker Teams. In the UK you can order it (along with other Herald Press titles) from Metanoia Book Service.

[06.50 GMT] Church leaders urge dialogue with Muslims following cartoon controversy (Ekklesia, UK); The hearts of peaceniks and terrorists (GetReligion, DC, USA); Winter of Our Discontent: 34-day Fast to End the Iraq War, February 2006 (Common Dreams, USA);
Christian Peacemaker Teams Leader Speaks at Nazareth (Nazareth College, NY, USA); Who's behind the kidnaps? (Al-Ahram Weekly, Egypt); Why we're publishing the new Abu Ghraib photos (Salon, USA); Colleague tells of Iraq kidnap shock (Stuff.co.nz, New Zealand); A Baghdad Kidnapping Up Close (Embassy, Canada); Iraqi Ads Appeal For US Journalist's Release (KSBI 52, OK, USA); Iraqi Officials Condemn Abuse Images (CBS 11, TX, USA); Report: Sunni Insurgents Increasingly Unified (Antiwar.com, CA, USA); Iraqi rebels thrive on net (Australian IT, Australia); Situation of German Hostages in Iraq Remains Unclear (Deutsche Welle, Germany); In Their Own Words: Reading the Iraqi Insurgency (International Crisis Group, Belgium).

[15.20 GMT] Leftovers from war on terror aren't so tasty (Tracy Press, CA, USA); 'Sons are Used to Force Their Fathers Talk in Abu Ghraib' (Zaman Online, Turkey); Will we let Jill Carroll be killed? (Los Angeles Times, CA, USA).

[07.00 GMT] CPT Iraq statement on anti-Muslim cartoons in Danish newspaper - [English]; Group plans to plea for hostages (Edmonton Sun, Canada); Germany Trying to Contact Men's Kidnappers in Iraq, Erler Says (Bloomberg); Hostage Vigil (Donga, South Korea); French efforts to free hostage criticized (United Press International); New Hostage Video Gives Berlin "Last Chance" (Der Spiegel, Germany); US urged to free al-Jazeera journalist (al-Jazeera); Iraqis Remain Starved of Electricity (AP);Tom Fox reflection: "Fight or flight?".

[16.40 GMT] Baghdad demo planned for Christian peacemaker hostages (Ekklesia, UK).

[00.01 GMT] Iraqi rights group plans Baghdad protest for release of Christian Peacemakers (Calgary Sun, Canada); Truth-tellers about Iraq are dangerous (The People's Voice); Military Police Make Arrest in Beating of Iraqis, UK Says (Bloomberg); Group threatens to kill German hostages (Washington Post, United States); 21 Iraqis Killed in Monday Attacks (Al-Jazeerah.info).

[14.40 GMT] Christians welcome UN report on Guantanamo (Ekklesia, UK).

[13.00 GMT] The free and widely-consulted composite online encyclopedia Wikipedia has a number of entries (of generally good, though variable, quality) relating to the Christian Peacemaker Teams captives in Iraq. This includes one on the 2005 CPT hostage crisis, a specific site for Norman Kember and a broader entry on foreign hostages in Iraq. The plentiful links provide a range of research opportunities. See also: Tom Fox, 54, of Clearbrook, Virginia, USA, a leader of youth programs at Langley Hill Friends Meeting and Baltimore Yearly Meeting, James Loney, 41, of Toronto, Canada, programme coordinator for CPT Canada, and Harmeet Singh Sooden, 32, a Canadian electrical engineer studying in New Zealand.

[16.45 GMT] Blair vows probe of alleged abuse in Iraq (AP via Yahoo). See on Pickled Politics: Another Iraq abuse video unearths and Pics from yesterday’s Islamophobia rally. Also on Yahoo News, a good (though basic) piece looking at image prohibitions in different religious traditions: Cartoon protests aren't unique to Islam. Note that links to Yahoo and Google news stories are time-limited to one month. And no, the analyst quoted is not the same Pat Gaffney mentioned on this weblog who heads up Pax Christi UK - and who is, in any case, a woman. (Prayer/Meditation & Action for Iraq hostages and Vigils in the UK. UK Religious Leaders Open Letter on behalf of Iraqi Prisoners)

[16.30 GMT] Nothing new on the CPT captives. On a related story, interesting to note the different headline angles on the same event. Speaks volumes. Thousands join pro-Islam protest (EgyptElection.com, UK) and Smaller numbers than expected turn up for Muslim march in London (Unison.ie, Ireland).

[16.20 GMT] Bruce Kent joins Mohammed cartoon demo in London (24dash.com): Liberal Democrat MP Sarah Teather described the cartoons as "a juvenile posturing exercise". She went on: "Nothing was done to further the cause of liberal values or the freedom of speech - the publication of the cartoons was just plain racist." Bruce Kent, a friend and colleague of British hostage Norman Kember who is being held in Iraq, spoke as a representative of the Christian group Pax Christi. He said: "I think the cartoons hurt the Muslims, they hurt me as a Christian and they were grossly offensive. "I think we religious groups should be working together for a world of justice and peace." See also: Giles Fraser on iconoclasm (Guardian, UK): the first article I've seen to go beyond superficial talk about a Muslim 'taboo' on images in order to explore the theological and political issues of reprsentation. Cartoons endanger peace activists (London Free Press, Canada); Cartoon controversy spreads throughout Muslim world (Guardian, UK); Many Iraqis Killed in Mosque Attack (Turks, USA).

[14.00 GMT] New Jill Carroll Video Airs: "I Am Fine" (Editor and Publisher, USA); Sunni Mosque Leader Kidnapped in Baghdad (AP). Sacred and profane. By Alain Woodrow (The Tablet, UK) - a sane perspective on the cartoon controversy from the leading Catholic weekly's correspondent in France. I appreciated the following: “In a secular Republic nothing is sacred,” says an influential member of the Protestant Federation. “Neither the image of the prophet of Islam nor that of the Last Supper is sacred. That is how to distinguish religion, which produces the sacred, from faith, which does not.” The editor of the Protestant weekly Réforme went even further: “Christ does not belong to us,” he said. “We do not have exclusive rights over his image. Believers who love Christ should not worry about those who ridicule him. We are called to be his witnesses, not his defenders.” See also: Muslim Leaders Urge Calm Over Cartoons (Associated Press); Muslims call for level playing field (Ekklesia, UK); EU commissioner urges European press code on religion (Daily Telegraph, UK); Muslim Americans split on cartoons (Christian Science Monitor, USA).

[00.01 GMT] Kidnapping aiding insurgents? US death toll 2,260 (Albuquerque Tribune, NM, USA); Kidnapped Auckland man 'just wanted to make people safer' (New Zealand Herald, NZ); Paul Buchanan: The Politics of Cartoon Conflict (Scoop.co.nz, New Zealand) - an interesting perspective on the current crisis from Paul Buchanan, in the context of the wider political conflict. His polar pre- versus post-modern anaysis is as inadequate as that which it critiques (the so-called 'clash of civilisations'), however. John Gray's book Al Qaeda and What It Means to Be Modern is worth reading in this regard. Iraq: Children's mental health affected by insecurity, say specialists (Reuters); US Lawmakers Fear Lack of Progress on Iraq (Associated Press).

[22.15 GMT] Sooden's sister speaks out (Stuff.co.nz, New Zealand); Concern unites Christians and Muslims (The Good News UK, UK); Religious leaders call for end to detention without trial in Iraq (uruknet.info, Italy - from Ekklesia, UK).

[20.00 GMT] All from Ekklesia, UK: Christian peacemakers told to keep low profile following anti-Muslim cartoons Call for Christian rethink over religious hatred; US fundamentalist news service publishes cartoons of Muhammed; C of E's disinvestment vote increases risk for arms dealers say campaigners; Church of England votes to disinvest in Caterpillar.

[00.01 GMT] Christian peacemakers say anti-Muslim cartoons spread 'hate and bigotry' (Ekklesia, UK); Church leaders remind media of their power as Islamic protests surge (Ecumenical News International, Switzerland); Video: Toronto CPT "Shine the Light" campaign's Public Witness in Support of Iraqi Detainees: 29 January 2006 in seven segments 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 ; Video: Toronto Press Conference, 28 January 2006 [low resolution]; CPTers on National Public Radio (USA): NPR interview with Michele Naar-Obed about why she decided to return to Iraq, and "Peace Activist Fox Remains Captive in Iraq".

[20.00 GMT] Religious leaders call for end to detention without trial in Iraq (Ekklesia, UK) Christian and Muslim leaders in the UK have issued a joint statement calling for justice for Iraqis who are being detained in Iraq without trial, and the release of four Christian peacemakers in Iraq. The open letter has been signed by 45 Christian and Muslim religious leaders. It expresses concern for the four Christian Peacemaker Teams hostages - Norman Kember, Tom Fox, Harmeet Singh Sooden and James Loney - who have been held in Iraq since 26 November 2005, but also for the thousands of Iraqis also held without charge or trial since the war with Iraq began almost three years ago. Continued in full.

[12.40 GMT] New initiative for CPT Iraq hostages: A press conference is taking place in London today to announce details of fresh actions to seek the freedom of Norman Kember, Tom Fox, Jim Loney and Harmeet Singh Sooden. More later.

[00.01 GMT] Fatigue, worry clear in faces of Christian captives in Iraq (Brooks Bulletin, Canada); Travel Ban Blocks Muslim Bid to Free Kenyan Hostages (Islam Online, Qatar); US military releases about 50 Iraqi detainees(Stars and Stripes, D.C., USA); Militant groups in Iraq urge attacks over cartoons (Khaleej Times, United Arab Emirates); Security high for Shi'ite holy day as killings continue (San Diego Union Tribune, United States).

[01.00 GMT] News updates - Security forces round up 60 people in crackdowns (The Register-Guard, Oregon, USA); A Letter to Neocons (PakTribune.com, Pakistan); 'Arrested men' killed in Baghdad (BBC News, UK); Occupation troops involved in antiquities smuggling - official (Assaman.com, Iraq); Iraq MediaNet TV political programming; $US439.3 billion sought for next U.S. defense budget (Reuters). Practical ideas - from Freethecaptivesnow: 1. Hold a public vigil or prayer service focused on the call, expressed in your own words, to release the captives, end the occupation and stop torture. Invite the media to attend and report on your action. 2. Launching Peacemaker Prayer & Action: If you are part of a group or church with a peace and justice emphasis, ask them to join this effort in whatever public way is appropriate to their polity. 3. Sign the Petition* Arabic Petition Site* AOL users can sign this petition using a browser that supports web standards, such as Internet Explorer or Netscape. 4. Write to newspapers, call in to radio shows, and tell them of the innocence of these men and your support for their immediate release. 5. Send emails to the feedback pages of major international media sites, especially in the Gulf region, repeating the call to free the captives. Here are some links: Aljazeera, Al Arabiya, Emirates Today, GulfNews.com, Khaleej Times, 7 Days, Lebaneese Broadcasting Corporation, and MBC.

[00.25 GMT] Berlin works against the clock to save Iraq captives (Expatica, Netherlands); Foreign Minster Makes TV Appeal for Hostages' Release (Deutsche Welle, Germany); Cartoons row seen playing into militants' hands (Swissinfo, Switzerland). On the latter, see the comments and responses on Pickled Politics (progressive Asian voices): Re-examining the Danish controversy and English viewpoint and inciting to kill. This draws on a piece from Mediawatchwatch on the call by British Muslim group Al Ghurabaa to have those who insult Muhammad executed. (Some of the comments on this are unsavoury, illustrating the way this whole affair is stoking extreme reactions on all sides.)

[00.01 GMT] Bush seeks US $70bn more for wars (al-Jazeera). Other news resources: a CPT update page on Texans for Peace; a wikipedia entry on the Abu Ghraib scandal (first exposed by Christian Peacemaker Teams - see Dossier on detainees presented to Iraq i authority (Ekklesia, 6/1/04), plus a lively argument about it.


Pictures: Scenes from the Christian Peacemaker Teams 'Shine the Light' vigils in Toronto, Canada - which took place at the end of January 2006 outside the US consulate. Showing at the top are placards of the four kidnapped CPT workers in Baghdad. On the left, a representatation of the many illegal Iraqi detainees on behalf of whom CPT works.

[18.30 GMT] German mothers plead for Iraq hostages' lives (Reuters Canada, Canada); CORRECTED-Story on Al Jazeera video of Iraq hostages withdrawn (Reuters worldwide) - syndicated on 2 Feb 06 and reported on FinS that day; Christian Peacemaker Teams and 'the grandmother effect' (CanadianChristianity.com, Canada); A Father's Voice (Toronto Pulse 24, Canada) - picture of Harmeet Singh Sooden's father, who has appeared on Iraqi television; Daily journal of Israel-Palestine trip, by Jonathan Malino (Guilford College News & Events, NC, USA).

[07.30 GMT] Vigil for Iraq hostage (Biggleswade Today, UK); Kidnapping Hits Close to Home (Springfield Connection, VA); Last-chance warning, prayers for kidnapped Christian activists in Iraq (The Catholic Register); Shine the Light: Justice for Iraqi Detainees, (Christian Peacemaker Teams - media release, with a photo from the US Consulate in Toronto; Shine the Light photo gallery (CPT, 15 to 29 January 2006); 15,000 Faithful Americans' Step Up Call To Release of Captured Christian Peacemakers (National Council of Churches, USA); More prayers for Canadian hostages: New threat looms for captives in Iraq (Canadian Press); Statement regarding the two-month anniversary of four CPTers going missing in Iraq (CPT); Helen Clark urges captors to release Sooden (Stuff.co.nz, New Zealand andf numereous NZ outlets); Family shocked at condition of Sooden (Stuff.co.nz, New Zealand). Support continues for Norman Kember, Tom Fox, Harmeet Singh Sooden and Jim Loney throughout the Middle East [pic AP].

[05.40 GMT] New plea for British hostage By Kim Sengupta (Independent, UK); Kidnappers threaten to kill Germans in Iraq (The Register-Guard, Oregon, USA); Father of kidnapped Canadian appeals for release (Brandon Sun, Canada).

[290.1] THEORISING FUNDAMENTALISM

There's a good piece on the genesis and meaning(s) of religious fundamentalism by Edward Farley in the always interesting journal CrossCurrents, some of which is maintained free online, though its a subscription journal.

[E]veryday religion itself is an incipient "fundamentalism," because of its tendencies to posit an identity between the holy and religion's historical mediations, it is, with the help of its leadership, ever ready to monitor, maintain, and re-establish its traditions. At the same time religion appears ever aware that its mediations, important as they are for its survival, are not its content, the very object of its faith. Stressed by the experience of a radically secularizing diaspora of religion, some religious leaders suppress religion's perennial awareness of the limitations and fallibilities of its mediations and this is what constitutes the fundamentalist response to the modern. The fundamentalist phenomenon, then, despite its constant appeals to God and its declared intent to be God's people, do what God wants, and believe what God believes is a kind of atheism in this respect. To the degree that the holy is suppressed or displaced, fundamentalism, paradoxically, is itself a sign of religion undergoing secularization. For if religion's finite mediations are the objects of faith, and if the sacramental presence of the holy is suppressed, religion is simply "about" the creed, the hierarchy, the book, the cosmology, the ritual, the casuistry, the sacralized nation-state.

Comment on this post: FaithInSociety

[18.15 GMT] Fresh plea for Kember's release (This is London, UK) - Anti-war activists from CND, the Muslim Association of Britain and the Stop the War Campaign have issued a fresh plea for the release of Iraq hostage Norman Kember. Call to free British hostage (Scotsman, United Kingdom).

[21.30 GMT] Updates - Latest Christian Peacemaker Teams press release (*.PDF format); Freethecaptivesnow site: "Our hearts go out to the family and friends of Jill Carroll, the captive US journalist who appeared in a newly-released video, veiled and weeping, pleading for her life. To her captors we say, Release her! And to the captors of the CPT workers, we say, Release them also! No cause, no religion will be served by harming or continuing to hold them." Father of Iraq hostage pleads for son's release (Globe and Mail, Canada); Canadian hostage's father appears on Al-Jazeera (CTV.ca, Canada); Iraq Churches Attacked Again (ChristianityToday.com, IL, USA); Hostage relatives thankful (Winnipeg Sun, Canada); Palestinians appeal for the release of CPT hostages (World War 4 Report, NY, USA); Video of kidnapped Christian activists stokes hope (Associated Baptist Press, FL, USA); Vigil held for Iraq hostages (Toronto Sun, Canada); Timeline: Norman Kember abduction (BBC News, UK ); Children's BBC newsround (audio report). From Reuters: Sectarian tensions on the rise.

[07.10 GMT] Series of blasts targets Iraq churches (Aljazeera.com); ... yesterday a series of car bombs exploded outside four churches. Attacks in Baghdad, Kirkuk and Mosul. Also on the Vatican embassy. Iraq's 800,000 Christians under threat. One killed, 14 wounded in blasts outside Iraq churches (Daily News & Analysis); Bombs target churches (Scotsman, UK); Churches targetted in Iraq blasts (BBC News, UK). Some background, 2004-5: Briefing; Christian peacemakers highlight prisoner abuse in Iraq; Catholic archbishop freed in Iraq; Iraqi Christians fear Easter attacks; Christians respond to church bombings in Iraq; The forgotten church of Iraq; Church bombs in Iraq a response to 'crusader war'; Christians being driven from Iraq; Plea for Assyrian Christians and Iraqi minorities; Concern expressed for Christians in Iraq; US support seen as ‘disaster’ for Christian minority in Iraq; Iraqi group threatens Christians in Falluja.

[20.50 GMT] Prayers for Kember after new tape (BBC News, UK) - Prayers have been said for Norman Kember at his local church after a new video of the Iraq hostage emerged, and around the country. Plus Hope and fear of Kember friends (BBC News); Kember family 'torn' over new footage (Channel 4 News, UK).

[07.30. GMT] Upcoming UK vigils for the captive Christian Peacemakers in Iraq: Public witnesses are to continue around the country during the week ahead.
* Wednesday 1st February, venue: Bedford, John Bunyan Memorial Statue, time: 11am - 1.00pm. Contact 01767 651136
* Saturday 4th February, venue: London, at the North End of Trafalgar Square, opposite St Martin-in-the-Fields, time: 3 - 4 pm. Contact Pax Christi 0208203 4884 or FoR 01865 748 796.
* Sunday 5th February, venue: Southampton, Candle-lit Vigil at the Peace Fountain, Andrews Park, time: 6.00 - 6.30pm. Contact 023 8055 51.

[20.15 GMT]Christian peacemakers shown alive in Iraq (Ekklesia, UK); Pacifist group reacts to videotape of kidnapped activists (WQAD, IL, USA); Last chance for Western hostages - new video (al Jazeera, Oman) - related Video shows German hostages in Iraq; US army “stretched to breaking point”; Audit details misuse of Iraq’s reconstruction funds; 'Last chance' for Iraq hostages (BBC News, UK). Reaction - Chris Cole of Fellowship of Reconciliation: "We're extremely concerned and extremely worried about how they're looking and how they're dealing with the ordeal." Alan Betteridge of the Baptist Peace Fellowship: ""I had thought with all the pressure put on them from the Muslim world they would have found a way of releasing them without making these sorts of threats." Anas Altikriti of the Muslim Association of Britain: It is a breakthrough to know that they are alive, and probably good that they are with the original captors and have not been 'traded'.

[19.30 GMT] Military releases 5 female detainees (Concord Monitor, NH, USA); Iraqi Soldiers Seek Captive US Journalist (US Department of Defense - press release); US says release of 5 women unrelated to kidnap demand (Seattle Times, USA); Negotiators, Muslims work to free reporter (Arab American News); Keeping The Faith (Toronto Pulse 24, Canada).

[23.00 GMT] Earlier this week, a variety of church leaders in the United States, including Bishop Gabino Zalva of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Los Angeles, the Rev Dr Bob Edgar of the National Council of Churches USA and the Rev Roy Medley, American Baptist Churches in the USA, supported by Michel Sabbah, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, issued a letter to President Bush and the US Congress in which they said: We know that thousands of Iraqis have been held without charge since the war in Iraq began almost three years ago. Just as we fear for the safety of our Christian Peacemakers, we know that the Iraqi families of those detainees are also afraid. Their fears multiply when there are no reports of abuse of detainees, whether by Iraqi or U.S forces. We believe there can be no end to the conflict in the Middle East so long as this practice continues. Detention without charge is a practice that cannot be allowed to continue, for it simply heightens the level of fear, and in our world today fear too often leads to further violence… We continue to pray for the safety and release of our brothers with Christian Peacemaker Teams. We are grateful for the thousands of Muslims, in our own country and across the globe, who have taken some risk to denounce the kidnapping of these volunteers, and who remain steadfast in their call for peace.

[02.18 GMT] Germany's ransom policy 'is putting citizens at risk' (Times Online, UK);
Germany: No Contact With Iraqi Kidnappers (WJLA, DC, USA); Release Kenyan hostages, Muslims tell Iraqis (Standard, Kenya).

[00.30 GMT] FactFile -Foreign hostages in Iraq (Reuters AlertNet, UK); Family of kidnapped peace campaigner seek NZ residency (Radio New Zealand, New Zealand); and slightly more information in Let us stay - hostage family (Stuff.co.nz, New Zealand). Picture left: Manjeet Kaur Sooden, Harmeet's mother. Also: Videos from CPT Project in Hebron and the Palestinian village of at-Tuwani (Christian Peacemaker Teams, USA/Canada). And from NEW YORK, Jan 23 (Reuters) - The Committee to Protect Journalists on Monday called for the U.S. military to free two journalists, one held without charge in Iraq and the other, the media rights group said, detained at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. The New York-based group also demanded an explanation from the US military for holding a Reuters TV cameraman for eight months without charges until his release on Sunday. Samir Mohammed Noor, a 30-year-old Iraqi freelancer, was freed from military custody after being held in Baghdad's Abu Ghraib prison and then at Camp Bucca in southern Iraq.

[01.30 GMT] New appeal for Norman Kember highlights health concerns (Ekklesia, UK); Probe 'to confirm CIA abductions' (BBC News, UK).

[20.30 GMT] From the BBC: Two dead in Baghdad blast; Iraq Shias launch coalition drive; Many abducted Iraqis found dead; US officer guilty of Iraqi death.

[16.15 GMT] Christian-Muslim Forum and Islam Expo seek to build bridges (Ekklesia, UK). Anas Altikriti from the Muslim Association of Britain, who went as an unofficial envoy to Iraq to seek the release of Christian peace worker Norman Kember and the three other CPT captives, is today launching an IslamExpo to “combat the myths, misconceptions and misunderstandings of Islam” in Europe. Victims of the 7/7 tube terror attack in London will be invited along to a special commemoration.

[03.30 GMT] Doing this work 'makes risks worth taking' By Bill Baldwin (Anglican Journal, Canada) - "In 1984, Ron Sider, a Mennonite, speaking to an international Mennonite conference in Strasbourg, France, challenged those who believe in peace to have the same commitment and be willing to take some of the same risks as those who go to war. [Dr] Sider’s vision led, a year later, to the birth of Christian Pecaemaker Teams, an ecumenical Christian community which goes into places where there is violence and tries to get in the way. In a world where we speak of a war on terror and often seem to believe that our security depends on destroying others, CPT seeks to model a different way of doing things. The CPTers who have been captured in Baghdad continue to do this, even in their captivity." [Pic: James Loney]. Women have become new bargaining chips in Iraq (Taipei Times, Taiwan); Kenya : Anxiety grips Iraq hostage's family (African News Dimension, South Africa); Hunt for reporter highlights dilemma in Iraq (Herald News Daily, ND, USA).