Posted on 06/25/2005 8:31:30 PM PDT by naturalman1975
FREED hostage Douglas Wood has told how he feared al-Qaida was coming to execute him as US and Iraqi rescue forces swooped.
"It's throat cutting time again," Wood said to himself as he heard his saviours breaking in.
He has also revealed that he offered to stay in Iraq and help catch his kidnappers.
And that he was ordered to cry while begging for his life in the chilling first video shot by his kidnappers.
"I was told I had to cry. I physically had a problem that I had to cry . . . I am a male chauvinist and we don't do that," Wood said.
When asked how he maintained such a positive attitude throughout his harrowing 47-day ordeal he said he employed a number of strategies.
"When I was a footy player I never won the best and fairest but I won the most determined," he said.
In an interview to be screened on Channel 10 at 6.30 tonight, Wood discussed the details of his abduction, rescue and reunion with his family.
Journalist Sandra Sully, who has spent the past week with Wood -- paid up to $400,000 for the interview -- said he had maintained an upbeat and gregarious manner throughout the week.
In the hour-long interview, Wood also revealed he believed the kidnapping was a criminal act, rather than a political act, and that his kidnappers wanted money.
The program will feature never-before-seen footage immediately following Wood's rescue, his journey to Australia and the emotional reunion with his family.
The 63-year-old mechanical engineer said that despite his ordeal he wanted to remain in Baghdad to help find the terrorists who held him captive.
Mr Wood said he used his technical training and love of detail to mentally record information despite being blindfolded much of the time.
The freed hostage said he was disappointed he was flown out of the country while details of the men and his surrounds were fresh in his mind
.
And he told how he was held bound and gagged for most of the six weeks and was forced to leave the country just hours after Iraqi and American soldiers found him on June 15.
Mr Wood is recovering with his wife Yvonne Given and relatives in Melbourne.
He is believed to be working with celebrity agents Profile Talent Management to organise a book deal.
But family members said they were worried about his mental health.
Despite appearing his usual self, there were fears Mr Wood could suffer post traumatic stress disorder.
He received psychological and physical checkups this week. He was also being monitored after hours by his sister-in-law -- a psychologist.
Doctors have recommended ongoing psychological attention due to the length and violent nature of Mr Wood's incarceration.
Mr Wood said he witnessed the execution of a captive who was just 15cm from his feet.
While describing the incident Mr Wood made the shape of a gun with his hand and said he heard "bang, bang, bang."
He was gagged, bound, beaten and fed only bread and water. On May 6, a video of Mr Wood with black eyes and begging for his life was released.
Swedish man Ulf Hjertstrom who was also held hostage and shared a room with Mr Wood, said the Australian's health deteriorated after the executions.
Where's turban durbin, the red cross and the aclu? Doesn't sound like they respectfully presented a Bible in a gloved right hand or gave him a religiously appropriate diet.
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