June 07, 2004

The Front Page/Line

I've read a lot of hyperbolic stuff about journalists - usually opinionated columnists sitting in comfortable air-conditioned offices - taking "brave" or "heroic" stands over the last year or two, so here's a sobering reminder of the genuine dangers that some members of the press face in their everyday line of work. Here's hoping that Frank Gardner makes a swift and complete recovery.

Posted by Alan Allport at June 7, 2004 06:23 AM
Comments

> Here's hoping that Frank Gardner makes a swift
> and complete recovery.

Hoping, of course. Always hoping.

But, unfortunately, it doesn't look likely. From the BBC report of the incident

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/3783799.stm

>> Gardner underwent hours of surgery, after which
>> he was critical but stable.

and

>> BBC Director of News Richard Sambrook said Gardner
>> had undergone "extensive surgery" overnight, having
>> suffered wounds mostly to his abdomen.

'Hours' of 'extensive surgery' on his guts suggests that the chance of a "complete recovery" is slim indeed.

Posted by: Henry Larsen at June 7, 2004 07:38 PM

Damn. Wishing him well, yes.

Posted by: Martha Bridegam at June 8, 2004 10:26 AM