Bush: encouraging decapitation in order to save face

As the fate of Kenneth Bigley hangs in the balance, disturbing news is emerging from Iraq that America might have ordered the continued detainment of one of the female prisoners Bigley's kidnappers demand be released.

Why would the US do such a thing, when a joint committee of Iraqi governing council deputees and US military already decided it was safe to release her? The answer, apparently, is that America is scared it might be seen as weak if the Iraqi scientist in question appeared to be released at the demand of the kidnappers.

Never mind that her release merely coincides with this kidnapping; the message from the US is: we're more concerned about not appearing weak or merciful than saving the life of a foreign citizen.