Virtual hostage dramas and real politics

Kidnapping of foreigners and the production of hostage videos showing their pleas for life and in many cases their subsequent executions, have become a signature of post-war Iraqi terrorism. While the images make for striking news coverage they are but part of the terrorists’ overarching strategy which includes the subtext of exerting pressure on western nations which are part of the US-led coalition force. This paper examines the role of terrorist kidnappings and more importantly the release of hostage videos, in the overall terrorist strategy in Iraq. It also examines the terrorist machinations surrounding the execution of Englishman Kenneth Bigley and British-born Iraqi aid worker Margaret Hassan.