In particular, I singled out Jonah Goldberg of NRO for criticism. His comments were more reserved than some others (see my previous post for links to some of the worst), but that only made them seem all the more striking. He speculated on a number of reasons why she might have said what she said, suggesting that something appeared to be wrong her. How, or more importantly why, he had come to that conclusion was just beyond me, and his rush to judgement seemed particularly offensive given what Carroll had undoubtedly endured.
Today, Jill Carroll has released a statement explaining herself, and it includes a complete repudiation of many of the things she said in the videotape. From the CSM, here it is in full:
| I'm so happy to be free and am looking forward to spending a lot of time with my family. I want to express my deep appreciation to all the people who worked so long and hard for my release. I am humbled by the sympathy and support expressed by so many people during my kidnapping.
In the past few days, the US military and officials have been extremely generous, and I am grateful for their help. Throughout this ordeal, many US agencies have committed themselves to bringing me safely home. My colleagues at The Christian Science Monitor have worked ceaselessly to secure my release, and worked with security consultants to do so. Many other news organizations, both inside and outside of Iraq, as well as many officials from Iraq and other countries, worked hard to bring about my freedom. So many people around the world spoke out on my behalf. Thank you, all of you. During my last night in captivity, my captors forced me to participate in a propaganda video. They told me they would let me go if I cooperated. I was living in a threatening environment, under their control, and wanted to go home alive. I agreed. Things that I was forced to say while captive are now being taken by some as an accurate reflection of my personal views. They are not. The people who kidnapped me and murdered Alan Enwiya are criminals, at best. They robbed Alan of his life and devastated his family. They put me, my family and my friends--and all those around the world, who have prayed so fervently for my release--through a horrific experience. I was, and remain, deeply angry with the people who did this. I also gave a TV interview to the Iraqi Islamic Party shortly after my release. The party had promised me the interview would never be aired on television, and broke their word. At any rate, fearing retribution from my captors, I did not speak freely. Out of fear I said I wasn't threatened. In fact, I was threatened many times. Also, at least two false statements about me have been widely aired: That I refused to travel and cooperate with the US military and that I refused to discuss my captivity with US officials. Again, neither is true. I want to be judged as a journalist, not as a hostage. I remain as committed as ever to fairness and accuracy--to discovering the truth--and so I will not engage in polemics. But let me be clear: I abhor all who kidnap and murder civilians, and my captors are clearly guilty of both crimes. Now, I ask for the time to heal. This has been a taxing 12 weeks for me and my family. Please allow us some quiet time alone, together. |
Much to his credit, Jonah has posted the key parts of her statement over at NRO, and has even included the following personal apology:
| Me: In all sincereity: good for her. I take Carroll at her word and hope nothing but the best for her. I'm sure it was a terrible ordeal and I think, barring some major revelation, this should put an end to the criticism of her. Leave her be. I'm sorry for suggesting that she might have believed what she said. I hope there will be some apologies coming from those who did believe what she said. |
Props to Jonah for coming clean like this. What had bothered me most about his criticism was how quickly it came following her release. Without knowing any of the facts, he assumed that whatever was amiss must have been the fault of Ms. Carroll herself. It's nice to see him acknowledge his error and make amends. In an update to the original post I had actually called directly on Jonah to issue an apology, so credit where credit is due.
Now... if only I could say my post made it happen! Heh.
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