The Italians are Free!

Wow, immense relief from everyone here about the release of the Italian women. I think the fact that they are not only aid workers, but women, has really struck a chord with all of us. However it's important not to forget that there is no news of the Iraqi nationals taken with them. The media doesn't talk about the fact that so many Iraqi women are kidnapped as well.

Interesting also that Al Jazeera broke the news here and frantic searches on BBC.com and CNN.com revealing nothing for the longest time. Odd to have to rely on Jazeera for up-to-the-minute reporting...