[cyncooper]

Hamid, who once lived in Boulder for several years and attended the University of Colorado, went back to Iraq in early April. On his way to Baghdad from Amman, Jordan, he became wrapped up with the so-called Saraya al-Mujahedin, or Mujahedin Brigades, a name previously unfamiliar to the world—that is, until they kidnapped Japanese civilians (reportedly two humanitarian volunteers and a photojournalist) and threatened to burn them alive if Japan didn’t withdraw its 550 troops from Iraq. As of press time, various reports had confirmed those hostages were still being held, and seven Chinese citizens were taken captive on April 11.

On Thursday, April 8, Hamid was kidnapped and detained with seven South Korean missionaries, who claimed they were doctors and nurses instead of messengers of Christ. The Korean hostages were released seven hours later; Hamid was released within the hour, and faced even more peril in the middle of a firefight between Iraqis and American forces.

Maggie, I am going to read Hamid's first-hand account.

[soozla]

It sound like Hamid was in contact with some really scummy radical fundy groups.......I wonder if an association with Hamid could have been the bane of Nick Berg's demise????? If so, then that would be a definite link from Moore to Berg, would it not?????

[cyncooper]

Nick Berg and Urban Hamid both entered Iraq via Jordan:

SPECIAL REPORT "I Thought This Was the End" Journalist Urban Hamid kidnapped in Iraq.

Excerpt:

Hamid, who once lived in Boulder for several years and attended the University of Colorado, went back to Iraq in early April. On his way to Baghdad from Amman, Jordan,

~snip~

Nick Berg emails

excerpt (December 26, 2003):

So I safely reached Amman and found a really cool place called Firas Palace which featured an Elevator and a tape recorded sound track reminiscent of the Havana Inn in Kampala, circa 1998. (Michael Jackson, over and over again). Other than several beautiful Minirets and a good 600' tower, I can't say much about Amman.

I will give more detail on my next message. For the stockholders out there – we've made some contacts and I am seeing some opportunities here. Bear with me and I promise dividends. For the mean time I hope everyone had a safe and happy holiday of whatever form you chose. Feel free to respond anytime you like…

Sincerely

Nick Berg Prometheus Towers

~snip~

next email from Berg is in Iraq.

Date: Sun, 04 Jan 2004 11:43:44 -0600 Subject: Howdy from Prometheus Towers/Nick in Mosul

1935 4 Jan 2004

"Raya Net" internet services; Shara Ejammual Mosul, Iraq

~snip~

I am well here in Iraq – for the last two days I have been in and around Mosul

~snip~