James Brandon released

I can gladly report that James Brandon, the British journalist has been released and is safe. I couldn’t say anything about his capture publicly earlier, because he’s a good friend of mine and I didn’t want to do or say anything that could scotch the negotiating process. Me and the rest of the journotribe here have been working the phones all day on his behalf. I’m exhausted, but I bet he’s more tired than I am! At least he’s fine, and all is OK (well, as least as they can be in Iraq.) I’ve still got to file, however, so this will be short.
Let’s also remember the nameless Iraqis who go missing every day never to return to their families simply because they don’t have the benefit of being journalists with friends at big magazines. I’m thankful for James’ safety, but I’ll be even gladder when Iraqis no longer fear similar abductions.