You have to tip your hat to BBC reporter Alan Johnston – for a guy who was just freed from four months of captivity in the Gaza Strip, he sure has kept his wits about him. And his wit, too.
After speaking rather eloquently and artfully about his ordeal in the early-morning press conference following his release, the balding Johnston made a second public appearance later on Wednesday and explained that he had just shaved off the ring of hair that had grown in his captivity, so as to “get rid of that just-kidnapped look.”
:)
In addition to his humor, Johnston also showed considerable wherewithal – and understated courage – during his televised pow-wow with Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh. In a clearly awkward gathering, Haniyeh draped a Palestinian sash around Johnston’s neck as part of an attempt to portray the journalist’s release as evidence of the group’s new role as benevolent champions and law-and-order rulers of Gaza. Johnston managed to remove the sash without drawing too much attention.
Of course, if you’re falling for the Hamas-as-misunderstood-angels line, you probably haven’t read about their summer camp. The kiddies get a hot lunch, play some soccer, and fire off a few rounds on an AK-47. Memories to last a lifetime!
...At least at Summer Explosives Camp in Iowa, where teenagers get to blow up watermelons and concrete while learning about the construction industry’s demolitions management practices, the idea is to make things go “boom” for a benficial purpose.
After speaking rather eloquently and artfully about his ordeal in the early-morning press conference following his release, the balding Johnston made a second public appearance later on Wednesday and explained that he had just shaved off the ring of hair that had grown in his captivity, so as to “get rid of that just-kidnapped look.”
:)
In addition to his humor, Johnston also showed considerable wherewithal – and understated courage – during his televised pow-wow with Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh. In a clearly awkward gathering, Haniyeh draped a Palestinian sash around Johnston’s neck as part of an attempt to portray the journalist’s release as evidence of the group’s new role as benevolent champions and law-and-order rulers of Gaza. Johnston managed to remove the sash without drawing too much attention.
Of course, if you’re falling for the Hamas-as-misunderstood-angels line, you probably haven’t read about their summer camp. The kiddies get a hot lunch, play some soccer, and fire off a few rounds on an AK-47. Memories to last a lifetime!
...At least at Summer Explosives Camp in Iowa, where teenagers get to blow up watermelons and concrete while learning about the construction industry’s demolitions management practices, the idea is to make things go “boom” for a benficial purpose.
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