Hostage rescuers
should stand tall

Anyone who serves, or who has served, in special operations in any of the armed forces has a right to stand up a bit taller today after the rescue of eight hostages held by the Taliban in Afghanistan.

Details of the rescue of two Americans, two Australians and four Germans are scant as of this writing so we don't know how difficult or risky the mission was or who pulled it off. No matter. The crews of the three helicopters that went in from Pakistan and brought the hostages out illuminated their courage, skill, and training.

The joy and relief of the parents, families and friends of the eight, who had been arrested by the Taliban in early August for seeking converts to Christianity, must have them floating on air. Everyone in the civilized world, after all the death and destruction since September 11, would be within bounds to relish this news.

--Richard Halloran

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