A New Hope

Posted on May 5th, 2011

This week has seen a frenzy of obsession over the US military mission that resulted in the killing of Osama Bin Laden, the world’s most wanted man. Amid the vast array of opinions about every facet of the operation there is an over arching sense that we can move on here in the United States.

706469

Photo Ira Block

A week ago the task of finding Osama Bin Laden seemed to be an impossible one that was never going to come to fruition. Just shy of ten years is a long time. Unbeknownst to the American people, the intelligence services had indeed located Bin Laden and were conferring with President Obama about how best to proceed. The President acted quickly and decisively. In spite of losing a helicopter, our special forces completed their mission with lightning speed and extraordinary precision.

The mission was a dangerous one to be sure, but perhaps that’s why its successful completion has resonated so profoundly with the American people. We’re risk takers here, and we thrive on accomplishing the impossible, no matter how long it takes.

It is my sincere hope that this week will provide closure for the country, and especially for those who lost loved ones in the attacks of September 11th 2001. Because after the events of this week, it feels like a good time to move on.

Categories: Feature Stories

Two Photographers Killed in Libya

Posted on April 21st, 2011

It is with great sadness that I have to report that photojournalists Tim Hetherington and Chris Handros were killed yesterday in Misurata, Libya. Two other photographers working alongside Hetherington and Handros were also injured.

From the New York times piece reporting the event.

About 3 p.m., Mr. Liohn said, the four were struck by a rocket-propelled grenade. Nicole Tung, another journalist in Misurata, who helped the wounded photographers, said she thought the men might have been hit by a high-explosive mortar blast. Both weapons are in use by the Qaddafi forces fighting for Tripoli Street.

Today on the NY Times Lens blog there are two pieces entitled Parting Glance: Tim Hetherington and Parting Glance: Chris Handros.

Both photographers have been described by friends and colleagues as truly humanitarian individuals. As people recount memories of the two journalists, stories are surfacing about how Hetherington and Handros selflessly put their life in jeopardy to protect the people around them in the field on more than one occasion. Both these photographers were heroes.

It’s a hard day here today. Our heartfelt thoughts and prayers go out to the friends and families of Tim Hetherington and Chris Handros.

UPDATE: Andre Liohn, a colleague of the photographers who was at the triage center when they were brought in after the attack, and, who first reported the incident via facebook, has made arrangements with Human Rights Watch to have the remains of the photographers evacuated to Benghazi. There consular officials from England and the United States will arrange to repatriate Hetherington and Handros.

Categories: Feature Stories