Beheading of hostages in Iraq

There are a few things these groups must realise in the present circumstances. And that is all who have been murdered by them were innocent civilians. They were not a part of any military operation by the US against which they are supposedly fighting. They were basically there to serve the Iraqis as part of the reconstruction process. We agree that until the full military power is handed over to the Iraqis, the term 'sovereignty' will not mean anything. But at least the Iraqis have been entrusted with running the administration and that's also with UN blessings. Many may have different opinions on the issue, but it was the best option in the worst of circumstances.

Therefore abducting innocent people and killing them after making an absurd demand for their release like withdrawing soldiers of their respective countries are repugnant to human sensibilities. Especially in a situation where the process for holding election early next year is on and the UN is reopening its office in Baghdad for the purpose. Such atrocious behaviour like beheading a hostage exposes a new dimension to extremism. This is certainly not the way to have grievances redressed. Trying to exact the fulfilment of unjustified demands by killing an innocent in such a gruesome manner is not only reprehensible but also patently cowardly.

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