Johnston kidnappers' deal with Hamas?

[steevo]

Palestinian Sources: Johnston Released In Deal Between Hamas, Jaysh Al-Islam

Sources close to Jaysh Al-Islam have revealed that the organization received $5 million and a million Kalashnikov rifle bullets in a deal for the release of BBC correspondent Alan Johnston.

According to Palestinian sources, Jaysh Al-Islam commander Mumtaz Daghmoush received a guarantee from Hamas that he would not stand trial for crimes he was suspected of carrying out, and that Hamas would release Jaysh Al-Islam's spokesman, whom it was holding.

Further, Hamas and Jaysh Al-Islam agreed not to reveal which operations they had carried out jointly.

Dismissed Palestinian prime minister Isma'il Haniya denied that there had been a deal or preconditions in the matter of Johnston's release.

Source: Al-Hayat Al-Jadida, Palestinian Authority, July 6, 2007

The MEMRI Blog

[ascendinglark]

Terrorists making deals with each other.

Ugh! Kill them all.

[Teddy Bear]

I wonder who's paying the ransom and providing the bullets, it's certainly not Hamas.

The west should expect more kidnappings from previously obscure groups - it's great PR for the kidnappers and very profitable.

Here's a story about a Palestinian official who confirms that Hamas and the Dugmash clan were in complete cahoots over the kidnapping - from beginning to end.

BBC reporter's freedom 'really staged for movie'
Palestinian official claims terror group in cahoots with abductors of Johnston

[steevo]

Talk about major news.