We scanned the news everyday for any word of her condition.We prayed.
We offered support to her family and friends.
We cared.
And when she was released apparently unharmed, we rejoiced!
And then we waited. We waited to hear of her terrible ordeal. We waited to hear of her unique perspective on how the Iraqis feel about America and it's policies. We waited to see if she was still sympathetic to their plight or if her ordeal had changed her views.
Nothing.
There was that press conference broadcast on Al Jazeera, which she claimed to have been coerced, and she spoke of how happy she was to be back when she visited the offices of the Christian Science Monitor. And then she just disappeared.
Why?
Does she still feel threatened? Are there people she cares for in Iraq that might be harmed if she talks? Did she receive pressure from our government not to talk? Is she writing a book and waiting to finish before revealing everything? What?
And why didn't the various news agencies camp outside of her door like they do Britney Spears' door? I am far more curious to find out what Jill has to say then I am about Britney's latest parenting screwup.
She is a reporter who was so dedicated to getting the story that she placed her own life in jeopardy many, many times. And here she sits on the biggest story of her career and she does not write a word. Does that make any sense?
So Jill, we are very glad that you are alive. We hope you are happy. But if you don't mind we would really like to truly understand what happened to you. It would help us to understand what you went through and it might help you to put in behind you.
If it would not be too much trouble.
Hi there. I happened to stumble across your blog and saw this entry about Jill Carroll. I too am anticipating hearing what happened, but we need to be patient. She has written a "multi-part" account of her experience and it will be published in the CSM supposedly in several weeks or so.
ReplyDeleteThis poor girl went through a hell of a lot. I can't even imagine dealing with 3 months of not knowing whether you are going to be killed, and on top of it all potentially witnessing the brutal murder of a dear friend. To top it all off, right when she is released, she comes home to all the crap that the right wing is spreading about her. It's sickening to hear some of the things that's been said and it angers me to no end. Honestly, I would be VERY careful as to what I say, to whom, and how.
I am curious as all hell to find out what happened, but I'd rather hear from her when she's ready, under her own volition. It may seem like a long time to you and I because we weren't in her position, but I can't imagine that 3 months is enough time to recover from such an ordeal. I'm sure she's suffering from PTSD. I think that anyone would, but then to come home to the load of crap that has been widely spread about her...it adds insult to injury.
Anyway, I see your point, but if we're patient, I'm sure we'll hear from her sooner or later.