Slain Iraq Hostages' Families Sue Syria (Beheaded Contractors)

The Guardian (UK) ^ | 8-26-2006 | Giovanna Dell'Orto

[blam]

Slain Iraq Hostages' Families Sue Syria

Saturday August 26, 2006 2:01 AM

By GIOVANNA DELL'ORTO

Associated Press Writer

ATLANTA (AP) - Survivors of two civilian contractors taken hostage and beheaded in Iraq filed a federal lawsuit Friday against Syria, which they claim supported the group who murdered him.

``This is a step they can take to deter states who sponsor terrorists,'' said John Salter, an attorney for Jack Hensley's widow, Pati Hensley, and their teenage daughter, Sara.

The plaintiffs also include Francis Gates of Michigan and Holly Pettis, now living in Canada. They are the mother and sister, respectively, of Eugene ``Jack'' Armstrong, who was taken hostage and slain along with Hensley and a British co-worker.

The families are also seeking hundreds of millions of dollars in damages. ``The trick is collecting,'' Salter said.

[river rat]

Suing Syria is a pointless exercise in futility...

Much of Syria will not make it into the next decade....and none of the ruling Bathists will remain in power.

Semper Fi

[elhombrelibre]

At least the law suit makes more people aware of Syria's role in the "insurgency." It is a role that, if stopped, would not end the terrorists and sectarian violence, but has made it worse. Syria is in many ways killing Iraqis, Americans, and Israelis. A law suit may be futile, but making sure people know who and what states are aiding and abetting terrorism is not an empty gesture.

[Pontiac]

Suing Syria is a pointless exercise in futility...

If you can get enough press coverage it could be useful in educating the general public to the truth of Syria’s and Iran’s involvement in international Islamic terrorism.

The problem will be in getting access to the expert witnesses and intelligence.

Then the perhaps even a bigger problem keeping the trial in the news (especially in Canada).