Security Analysis on the International, Regional and Domestic Fronts

摘要

Italian journalist Giuliana Sgrena, 56 was kidnapped by insurgents in Iraq a month ago but was released by her captors on Friday, March 04. Many believe that a large amount of money was paid by Italian newspapers as ransom to facilitate her release. As joyous Italians learnt of her freedom, this soon turned to anger as within a few hours of her release, she barely escaped with her life as US soldiers manning a roadblock shot at her car. Not so lucky, however was intelligence officer, Nicola Calipari who had arrived from Italy to negotiate Sgrena's release - he died in a hail of bullets as he threw himself on Sgrena to shield her. Another member of Italian intelligence was wounded; Sgrena was miraculously unhurt. Sgrena has accused the US military of opening deliberate fire on her vehicle, less than a kilometer away from Baghdad airport, despite being radioed ahead about their arrival and despite having successfully- passed through several US roadblocks on their way. US troops however, say that the vehicle was traveling at high speed and when it did not stop after being signaled to do so, soldiers opened fire.