February 02, 2005

Jesse Jackson to Intervene on Behalf of US Hostage Roy Hallums

Unfortunately for the family, I do not believe that the Rev. Jackson's intervention will greatly affect the release of Roy Hallums [background on Roy Hallums here]. We are not dealing with heads of state here but either a) Islamofascist terrorists or b) common thugs bent on getting money. The latter seems more likely.

Jackson ought to be applauded for his efforts despite the slim chance of success. Let's hope and pray this can make some difference.

AP:

The Rev. Jesse Jackson will try to help negotiate the release of a kidnapped American contractor who was snatched in Baghdad three months ago and recently appeared pleading for his life at gunpoint.

Susan Hallums, 52, turned to the founder and president of the Rainbow/PUSH Coalition after calling on politicians and President Bush to help free her ex-husband, Roy Hallums, 56, who was kidnapped Nov. 1 at his office with another man.

"I feel so drained, and this has given me more strength again to have more hope and faith," she said.

The United States government has a policy of not negotiating with terrorists or insurgents.

Jackson, who has successfully secured the release of hostages on several occasions since the 1980s, said he was confident the captors would cooperate.

"We hope that the captors will pick up on the spirit of what has happened the last few days in Iraq and not use Roy as a trophy," Jackson said, referring to Sunday's election in Iraq. "While our government can't negotiate, someone who can ought to."

Jackson said he will appeal to religious leaders who know the hostage takers.

Susan has been hitting all the media she can to try and get Roy's plight some publicity. I'm not sure what more we can do other than offer our moral support to her and her family. Any one with media connections or their own blog might also help by keeping Roy in the headlines. Below is a picture Susan sent me at an interview with Paula Zahn on CNN. From left to right: Carrie Hallums Cooper, Paula Zahn, Susan Hallums.

h/t: Chad Evans

Related: Terrorists Release Video of American Hostage Roy Hallums, Tribute to American Hostage Roy Hallums, Remembering the Forgotten American Hostages in Iraq