The Islamic State militant group claimed Tuesday to have beheaded an American photojournalist in retaliation for U.S. airstrikes in Iraq.
A video released online purported to show the execution of James Foley after he recited a statement in which he called the U.S. government “my real killers.” A second prisoner, said to be Steven Joel Sotloff, like Foley an American journalist who disappeared while covering Syria’s civil war, then appears in the video.
The masked executioner, speaking with what sounds like a British accent, identifies Sotloff and says that “the life of this American citizen, Obama, depends on your next decision.”
U.S. intelligence officials said they were still evaluating the video and could not immediately authenticate it.
Foley was working in Syria for the Boston-based news Web site GlobalPost when he disappeared in November 2012. GlobalPost co-founder Charles M. Sennott said that the organization was preparing a statement.
A woman who answered the telephone at the home of Foley’s parents declined to comment. A Facebook page devoted to Foley’s freedom said: “We know that many of you are looking for confirmation or answers. Please be patient until we all have more information, and keep the Foleys in your thoughts and prayers.”
Sotloff, a freelancer who worked for several news organizations, disappeared in Syria in August 2013.
In a separate message posted by the Islamic State, the group warned Monday that it would attack Americans “in any place” in response to U.S. airstrikes. “We will drown all of you in blood,” it said.
The Tuesday video of Foley included a clip of President Obama’s Aug. 7 announcement that he had authorized U.S. airstrikes against Islamic State fighters in Iraq.
Don't even start me on this topic. My cousin was also kidnapped and then killed in Iraq. I hope for the family's sake they get an answer ASAP. It's horrible. Beyond horrible.
So horrifying. Truly. And I say this only because it is an elephant in the room - as much as this story deserves TOP attention, I truly hope it does not drown out the urgent "dialogue" about Ferguson. Both deserve top billing, that's for sure.
Post by cinnamoncox on Aug 19, 2014 19:30:47 GMT -5
And I just saw this on CNN. I can't watch the video, it seems disrespectful. I can't imagine his family's grief right now (assuming it's real, of course).
Thanks. I don't even feel rage anymore when I see these stories. I feel sick and want to throw up. Then the rage comes.
This journalist's family is living hell on earth.
It's not going to shock me if this video is deemed valid.
I know exactly what you mean. A kid I grew up with was taken prisoner in Iraq. A couple of videos were released, one of which was his execution. But they couldn't authenticate it and his parents suffered not knowing for four years. It's pretty real and raw again right now.
Thanks. I don't even feel rage anymore when I see these stories. I feel sick and want to throw up. Then the rage comes.
This journalist's family is living hell on earth.
It's not going to shock me if this video is deemed valid.
I know exactly what you mean. A kid I grew up with was taken prisoner in Iraq. A couple of videos were released, one of which was his execution. But they couldn't authenticate it and his parents suffered not knowing for four years. It's pretty real and raw again right now.
We may be talking about the same person. There were videos, but I don't think his actual death was recorded. God, I hope not. Did you grow up in Western NY?
I don't want to hog this thread. This is about James Foley. Sounds like there is another guy being held with him.
We may be talking about the same person. There were videos, but I don't think his actual death was recorded. God, I hope not. Did you grow up in Western NY?
I don't want to hog this thread. This is about James Foley. Sounds like there is another guy being held with him. [/quote] No I didn't. Unfortunately that happened to a lot of people in the mid to late 2000's. I can't believe it is starting back up again. I thought we were past this Those poor families.
Post by EloiseWeenie on Aug 20, 2014 6:21:34 GMT -5
I was this on CBS evening news last night, and also this morning. This mornings coverage made it seem like the footage has been confirmed. His poor family, and also the family of the other journalist being held. It's horrifying.
CNN sent a breaking news alert so I imagine it is true?
Now you know this is a terrible assumption!
But not to make light at all. When Sarah Palin and others squawk about the lamesteam media and all that bullshit, I rage because of this. Journalists literally put their lives on the line so your ignorant ass knows what's happening in the world. If you bothered to pick up a paper, that is.
I just...why now? I don't get it. He'd been prisoner over 600 days. Why now? What fucking purpose does it serve? Is ISIS starting to feel the pressure and getting desperate?
Someone who turns a beheading into an attack on Obama is no fucking better than Isis.
Can't you picture her LOLing at our reactions? It's hard because I WENT IN on her for saying some racist stuff but you know what? Who the fuck cares about what she says?
Someone who turns a beheading into an attack on Obama is no fucking better than Isis.
Can't you picture her LOLing at our reactions? It's hard because I WENT IN on her for saying some racist stuff but you know what? Who the fuck cares about what she says?
I do. Her comment pissed me the fuck off. I'm not in a zen place with her right now. Sorry.
Can't you picture her LOLing at our reactions? It's hard because I WENT IN on her for saying some racist stuff but you know what? Who the fuck cares about what she says?
I do. Her comment pissed me the fuck off. I'm not in a zen place with her right now. Sorry.
Who is? That's the point. But if your desired outcome is to be mad and start cussing, KOKO.