Uniting in a call for freedom....

Anyone who regularly listens to or watches the BBC will be familiar with the remarkable reporting of Alan Johnston who is stationed in Gaza. He is said to be the only Western journalist in that strife-torn area.

His kidnapping a month ago has brought all-round condemnation and calls for his immediate release. The news tonight is that he is safe and well - yet still not released.

Today therefore marks not only one month since his seizure but also a unique joinder of major news networks seeking Johnston's release - as gulfnews. com reports:

"Some of the world's major news television broadcasters will simultaneously participate in a day of action for abducted BBC journalist Alan Johnston.

For the first time, the BBC, Sky News, CNN and Al Jazeera will all concurrently broadcast a series of programmes including a rally in Gaza City and a press conference held by BBC Director-General Mark Thompson, who will make a direct appeal for Johnston’s release."

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Robert Fisk's predictions for the Middle East in 2013

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Mahler's Prodigal Son

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