Support for Jill Carroll

The Monitor and its reporters have done an excellent job keeping us informed about Iraq - a difficult and complex subject that is too often over-simplified. The fascinating thing is how the Monitor has been able to dig for the truth and tell all sides of the story. We now know that only by the reporting of selfless, dedicated, and brave journalists like Jill Carroll do we learn that Iraqis have families and problems, needs and desires, just as we do, and that they are not caricatures, insignificant statistics or just collateral damage. In this mean time we seem to be in, she has proven there is humanity and goodness.

David Neal, Kitty Hawk, N.C., USA

Following the progress of this whole occurrence has raised my thought to a whole new level and scope. Not only am I profoundly moved by the human story involved, but I have become aware of a greatly increased sense of the incredible opportunity for the captors of Jill Carroll to prove to the world that the true justice they seek does not lie in hatred, terror, and brute force, but in love and goodness and understanding.

I see this as a vitally catalyzing event in the ongoing story of this people, and in its peaceful resolution are the seeds of great things.

Wanda Yvonne Richard, Estacada, Ore., USA

I have been aware of and grateful for Jill's reporting in Iraq for a couple of years. To me, she epitomizes the freshness of outlook that can be brought to bear on a situation when truth and love are the motivators. I miss her and pray for her rapid release and safe return. Godspeed, Jill!

Susan Gualandi, Memphis, Tenn., USA

Bad things happen to good people because only good people can take bad things and make them great. Jill Carroll will be in my prayers for a long time to come, whatever the outcome. I hope God's plan includes a reunion with her family and a long, happy life.

Djamila Nesuvic, Sarajevo, Bosnia - Herzegovina

Courage is something Jill Carroll already has in abundance. If her captors interact with her as another human being, surely they will find her intelligent, empathetic, and ethical. They must endeavor to release this young woman in a safe place as soon as possible. Jill's is a voice which should not be silenced. We all look forward to reading her account of this misconceived abduction once she is freed.

Not all our knowledge of this US invasion and protracted war of resistance should come to us through military-embedded reporters who do not speak the local language, or through correspondents under virtual house arrest inside secure offices.

Hang in there, Jill. The world is watching.

Jan McGirk, Bangkok, Thailand

The worldwide outpouring of support for Jill Carroll's release is heartwarming. It is especially encouraging that much of it comes from Muslims of many different backgrounds who recognize that if any harm were done to Jill, to one who has been so supportive of justice for the Iraqi people, it could only hurt the cause of Islam and do violence to its basic beliefs. The one God, worshipped by those of the three great religions that came out of the Middle East, loves her dearly and softens the heart of her captors, leading them to wise decisions culminating in her ultimate safety and freedom.

Louis Garinger, W. Chesterfield, N.H., USA

Thank you for the opportunity to join in support for Jill Carroll. I truly appreciate the courage and loving purpose of her honest reporting, to help people in Iraq and everywhere understand each other and so reach wise, peaceful solutions to the many challenges there. I prayerfully trust that this challenge to her and her work is proving to be an opportunity, to free her, her captors, and others the world over from misunderstanding and fear and, to find peace.

Patricia M. Udall, Guilford, Conn., USA

As I read through many of the messages already sent, I see how effective Jill Carroll has already been in this incident. Never before has support been so united against terrorism, and never before has it been so clearly articulated that this behavior is not in tune with the ideals of Islam. She will have her freedom, I am certain of that. And more than she might know this very moment, God is working His purpose out for her, which is evident by the unified support from the world. This is changing world thought regarding Islam.

Heidi Hester, Fort Lauderdale, Fla., USA

Jill Carroll is an innocent person with nothing but good intentions for the Iraqi people. It is time for her captors to rise up against personal ego and do what they know is inherently right. This is to peacefully let her go. This transcends religion, as we are all created the same and we are all brothers and sisters under the one supreme being. Many of us have been a part of prayer watches praying 24 hours a day for the safety and security of Jill. I'm sure both Jill and her captors feel this prayer and are responding accordingly.

Justin McKinney, Albuquerque, N.M., USA

Jill, like all of the Monitor reporters, seems like part of our extended family. We felt our hearts had been pierced when we read of Jill's kidnapping. As the Quakers say, we are holding Jill and her family in the light.

Jeannie and Dave McDermott, Roeland Park, Kan., USA

It has been several years since I worked and studied with Jill at UMass, but every day that goes by with her held captive I feel closer to her than I ever did then. All of my hopes and prayers go out to her - my fellow journalist, academic, woman, and friend. Although with each moment that passes my concern for her grows, my respect and admiration for this brave young woman grow as well. I look forward to her safe return.

Sarah Kimmel, Easton, Mass., USA

Jill's desire to understand is the spirit that will move the world forward. That desire, that spirit, cannot be stopped. My wife, 10-year-old son, and I are with you, Jill - and millions of others are too.

Paul Schierhorn, New Orleans, La., USA

I have been praying that "Our Father" from the Lord's Prayer is the same God for Jill, providing her comfort and safety, for her captors providing them wisdom and compassion, and for us, providing us hope and steadfastness. May this Father keep us working toward finding peace and understanding in the midst of chaos and ill will, giving us strength to carry on.

Marcy Froehlich, Los Angeles, Calif., USA

Jill, I am impressed by your dedication to sharing the stories of the Iraqi people with such kindness, compassion, and honesty. Your respect and generosity - as well as your bravery - are an inspiration to us all. Thank you for teaching the world the value of thinking and acting unselfishly. I pray daily for your safe and speedy release.

Jen McLaughlin, Johannesburg, South Africa

It took courage for Jill to report from Iraq. And it will take courage for her captors to liberate her. But if they can muster it, Jill will be free to report on their side of the story in this terribly cruel ongoing conflict. As a respected journalist with a record of honesty in reporting, Jill will be listened to. Surely her reporting will be of more value to the world, and to her captors, than her forced silence.

Judith Fogels, Plaisir, France