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It's almost 2 o'clock

Comments

1. At 02:04 PM on 19 Mar 2007, Aperitif wrote:

   Indeed. My prayers are with him.

2. At 02:05 PM on 19 Mar 2007, Keith wrote:

   A thought, in fact sadly, rather more than just one, duly given. I for one am hugely grateful to all the correspondents who put themselves in such peril. Let us hope for some positive news on Alan very soon.

   
   

3. At 02:12 PM on 19 Mar 2007, Perky wrote:

   And mine - I hope he is soon found safe and well.

4. At 02:16 PM on 19 Mar 2007, Fiona wrote:

   Absolutely! am keeping everything crossed for his safe and swift return
   Fiona

5. At 02:17 PM on 19 Mar 2007, wrote:

   I can second the above, and have been giving thoughts and good hopes for the whole time.

   I hope Hugh Sykes is on the case. Of all folk, he's probably got the right cred and nouse.

   Salaam/Shalom/Shanthi/Dorood
   ed

6. At 02:19 PM on 19 Mar 2007, Frances O wrote:

   Thoughts with Alan and his family and friends. And thanks for suggesting it.

   On a lighter topic, I can't get digital radio through this website at the moment, so am faced with a silent afternoon.

   Anyone else having trouble with ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ Radio Player?

7. At 02:30 PM on 19 Mar 2007, wrote:

   I have been thinking of Alan since we heard of his diasappearance last week. I hope his family & friends hear some good news soon.

8. At 02:33 PM on 19 Mar 2007, Fearless Fred wrote:

   I'd like to express my support for Alan, and my hopes that he will be safe again soon. I'm particularly grateful that he chose to live and work in Gaza, allowing us to understand the situation there more clearly than would otherwise be possible.

9. At 02:39 PM on 19 Mar 2007, witchiwoman wrote:

   The silence surrounding this is the most unsettling thing. Thoughts to him, his family and colleagues.

10. At 02:40 PM on 19 Mar 2007, Big Sister wrote:

    My thoughts very much with Alan and his family.

    My thoughts are with all the brave ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ reporters, sound technicians, and cameramen who put their lives on the line to help keep us in the picture in a very troubled world.

    At the risk of conflating issues, my thoughts, since the weekend, have also been with the family of Sally Clark. It is almost unbearably sad that such a miscarriage of justice should have eventually led to further tragedy in this way.

11. At 03:02 PM on 19 Mar 2007, Frances O wrote:

    Hugh in Baghdad. I do hope he keeps safe.

    I had a very odd flashback when listening to him earlier. I lived in Baghdad once. I can never stop wondering whether my friends are alive; or their families.

    I was very young.

12. At 03:47 PM on 19 Mar 2007, Fiona wrote:

    Oh gosh yes Big Sis (10) thanks for the reminder. You are right - how desperately desperately sad. I cannot begin to imagine the pain she must have had to endure in all that. At least she will be (hopefully) at peace and with her children now.

13. At 04:07 PM on 19 Mar 2007, Val P wrote:

    Indeed my thoughts are with him, and all of you.

14. At 04:09 PM on 19 Mar 2007, Gillian wrote:

    I'd like to add my support to Alan and everyone connected to him. There are many people in Gaza who are also praying for the return of this much-respected man.
    Frances O (11) I heard Hugh on the radio yesterday, and again it was his simple humanity which struck me. He was listening to the story told by a Pharmacist about a man with whom the Pharmacist had had some distant working relationship. The Phamacist was mourning the disappearance of this very ''simple'' man, as he was described, and Hugh just quietly and respectfully asked for this man's name, just to have it on record. It was such a moving gesture.

15. At 04:15 PM on 19 Mar 2007, witchiwoman wrote:

    Big Sister - well said. Bravery, integrity, honesty; its sometimes easy to forget these qualities when all one sees is a five minute piece, or a byline.

16. At 04:22 PM on 19 Mar 2007, Gareth wrote:

    Listening to him on FOOC on Sat was moving. I hope he is well and comes back soon

17. At 05:08 PM on 19 Mar 2007, wrote:

    I second all of the above comments.

    Sad that we live in such a hard world.

    I don't do praying, but my fingers and all other extremities are firmly crossed for a speedy and happy outcome.

    Fifi

18. At 05:37 PM on 19 Mar 2007, wrote:

    My thoughts and prayers are with Alan Johnston.

19. At 06:30 PM on 19 Mar 2007, wrote:

    ...and my thoughts as well.

20. At 06:31 PM on 19 Mar 2007, Chris the Pickle wrote:

    I too second all the heartfelt wishes expressed here, and will definately pray for Alan's safe return and for Sally's family.

    Chris
    

21. At 06:35 PM on 19 Mar 2007, Frances O wrote:

    Thank you, Gillian.

    It's the (for want of a better word) ordinary people's stories that make these far-away conflicts real to me.

22. At 06:53 PM on 19 Mar 2007, wrote:

    It's a bit late for lunchtime, but I certainly have been thinking about journalist Alan Johnston and I really hope there is some good news soon.

    I'd like to echo every one else who has said that we do appreciate the risks which correspondants take on our behalf.

    And my heart goes out to Sally Clark's family. What an incredibly sad end to an awful episode for them all.

23. At 08:29 PM on 19 Mar 2007, David Jones wrote:

    After reading this I made a point of discussing this with my wife and a few of my friends here in San Francisco. Hopefully these people will spread the thought as well.

    People like Alan Johnston risk their life everyday to make sure the truth is told and not some politically motivated story. in a lot of countries including the US this is badly needed as the their own media becomes as wrapped up in spin as their government.

24. At 10:23 PM on 19 Mar 2007, Sara wrote:

    I'd like to second what David Jones has just written. My thoughts are also with Alan and his family. Brave chap. I do so hope contact is made soon and he comes home safe and well.

25. At 10:47 PM on 19 Mar 2007, stewart M wrote:

    I don't really do public comments on this. But I too have to say that my thoughts and prayers are with Alan and his family. The articles on Saturdays Own correspondent certainly made me pause.

26. At 10:49 PM on 19 Mar 2007, brendan stallard wrote:

    My thoughts are with Alan, and I'm hoping for his release and safety.

    I hope the silence is at least good news.

    brendan (atlanta)

27. At 08:27 AM on 20 Mar 2007, wrote:

    Ha! I've heard it all now!

    People getting high on Bob Martin's wormers!!
    

28. At 03:50 PM on 20 Mar 2007, CCE wrote:

    I worked in the OPT for 20 months, and in the spring of 2004 I noticed that the Gaza correspondent on the World Service seemed to be providing interesting, informed and professional coverage of the situation. It was of course Alan Johnston who had recently arrived there. I no longer live in the West Bank, but continue to listen to his reports whenever I can.

    Since I heard of his disappearance I have thought of him and his family every day. Fingers crossed that he will be released safe and sound soon.

    I hope PM are passing on to his family the messages of support they are receiving.

29. At 10:08 AM on 21 Mar 2007, Anne P. wrote:

    Have been away and out of touch, but just wanted belatedly to add my thoughts and support for Alan Johnston and hopes for his safe release.