On March 19, 2007, Taliban militants released kidnapped Italian journalist, Daniele Mastrogiacomo two weeks after his abduction. According to the Italian media, Afghan President Hamid Karzai released five Taliban members in exchange for Mastrogiacomo. This kidnapping is the latest in an apparent change by Afghan insurgents – to include the resurging Taliban. The tactic is to capture politically sensitive targets, including European aid workers, civilians, and in this case journalists to impact policy changes in the nations whose citizens are abducted. The goal is to fracture the coalition forces currently operating within Afghanistan.
For example, the Taliban has called on Italy, among other European nations, to withdraw its approximately 2,000 troops in Afghanistan. Mastrogiacoma was ultimately kidnapped in an effort to affect this withdrawal. This method is viewed by insurgents as a means to affect the European citizenry and leaders alike, and as a growing avenue for terrorists to impact foreign policy changes. Concern is high as a sustained wave of kidnappings over time could sway public opinion and ultimately governmental support. However, Europe needs to remain constant and not give in to insurgent demands. It is feared that the appearance of complying with the insurgents – withdrawing troops or ceasing military aid – could possibly lead to more attacks and encourage further kidnappings.
Journalist Pleads for Life
On March 5, 2007, Taliban insurgents kidnapped Italian press La Repubblica reporter Daniele Mastrogiacomo in Afghanistan’s volatile Helmand Province. Mastrogiacomo was working in the region as a staff correspondent. Born in Karachi, Pakistan, he holds dual Italian-Swiss citizenship and travels on an Italian passport. A video released on March 12, 2007, showed the Pakistani-born reporter pleading for his life. Exhausted, he spoke in Italian, “My name is Daniele Mastrogiacomo. Today is March 12 and it is eight in the morning. I am okay. I am sure everything will turn out fine. Do everything you can as I have just two days left.”
Also depicted in the March 2007 video is a man believed to be Taliban leader, Mullah Dadullah. Dadullah’s presence indicates how important kidnappings have become. It is evident that the perpetrators have been given authority to kidnap foreigners and place them in the public eye. At the conclusion of the tape, Taliban spokesman, Shahabuddin Atal, blamed the Italian government for the circumstances of the kidnapping. Shahabuddin declared Italy is responsible for its citizens, placing them in significant danger by refusing to withdraw from Afghanistan.
On March 18, 2007, the Taliban reportedly transferred Mastrogiacomo to tribal elders, however maintained control over the situation stating they would recapture him if ransom demands were not met.
A New Tactic
It is clear kidnapping has become a favorite tactic in Afghanistan. Recent kidnappings targeting European citizens can be viewed as a more sophisticated method of attack. For instance, instead of bombing a local market where uninvolved Afghan citizens are likely victims, targeted abductions is seen as a tactic that will bring higher reward with less room for unnecessary, and thus unpopular bloodshed. In recent weeks the Taliban has detained several journalists including an Al-Jazeera crew. One year prior to Mastriacomo’s abduction another Italian journalist, Gabriele Torsello, was kidnapped near Kandahar for 23 days until he was released unharmed.
In an alarming show of solidarity, two German civilians were kidnapped in Iraq on February 6, 2007. After the kidnappings, the Iraqi insurgents demanded that Germany withdraw from Afghanistan. In a video released by the kidnappers, a little known Iraqi insurgent group calling themselves the “Righteous Arrows Battalions” threatened to kill the two hostages if the German government did not withdraw its troops from Afghanistan. Germany is most likely a primary target for kidnapping due to its lead role in the NATO engagements in Afghanistan.
Europe Responds to the Tactics
The Taliban and similar-minded groups are demanding that European nations withdraw their forces from Afghanistan. In addition to Italy, Afghanistan militants have also made demands of other European countries including Spain, Germany, and an unlikely casualty – Austria. Presently, these terrorist demands are gaining international attention, leading independent organizations and individuals to express frustrations against the war. However, despite the new tactics being utilized, there have been no substantive changes in European support to the war to date. In fact, responses by European leaders and lawmakers have consistently maintained the status quo in ongoing support. In one response to an al Qaeda linked threat, Spanish Defense Minister Jose Antonio Alonso reiterated Spain’s intention to stay the course stating, “We can never give in to this pressure or threats suffered by several countries who are fighting for a more fair and more stable world.” In addressing the case of Mastriacomo’s kidnappings and subsequent pleas, Italian Prime Minister Romano Prodi assured the country that no efforts would be spared to secure the journalist’s freedom. However, just three days after Mastriacomo’s abduction Italy’s parliament voted to keep its roughly 2,000 soldiers in Afghanistan.
Because of the reported release of five Taliban members by the Afghanistan government in exchange for Mastrogiacomo, the insurgents may now believe they have the upper hand when using abduction as a means of leverage. As a result, fears of new kidnappings are growing. However, despite intensified targeting, European leaders must remain steadfast in their commitment to the Afghan incursion. Policy changes leading to decreased troops in Afghanistan would further encourage politically motivated kidnappings. As the conflict continues, it is likely we will also continue to see insurgents targeting Europeans for abductions.