US journalist James Foley, who went missing in Syria in November 2012, is thought to have been killed by the Islamic State of Iraq and Greater Syria (ISIS) after they released a video of their members beheading a man thought to be Foley. Although there has not yet been official confirmation of the video, Foley's mother, Diane Foley, has released a statement indicating they know it was him:
We have never been prouder of our son Jim. He gave his life trying to expose the world to the suffering of the Syrian people.My condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues. Losing a loved one in any circumstances is difficult; I cannot begin to imagine losing someone in this way, and finding out about it so publicly. I am so sad for those who knew him.
We implore the kidnappers to spare the lives of the remaining hostages. Like Jim, they are innocents. They have no control over American government policy in Iraq, Syria or anywhere in the world.
We thank Jim for all the joy he gave us. He was an extraordinary son, brother, journalist and person. Please respect our privacy in the days ahead as we mourn and cherish Jim.
I don't even know what else to say. Or, rather, I don't know how to put into words my feelings about ISIS and their escalating, seemingly boundless, unfathomably cruel tactics.
Hayes Brown's piece on the context of Foley's murder is difficult but informative reading.
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I have not watched the video nor looked at images of Foley's murder, and I do not want links to either posted here. Anyone who is determined to find either can do so on their own.
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