What makes journalists so special?

[TylerD]

British journalist released from Iraqi captors (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/3563032.stm)

I am truly relieved that he has been released, but why does the fact that he is a journalist make him anymore "innocent" than other captured civilians who have not been released.

[Jaycie]

I think they just capture journalist so that they can stay in the news. If they killed them then it would be "Oh my gosh that is terrible!" for a couple days then it would be over. If you let them go though the talk about it forever.

[bwana devil]

Journalists are typically viewed as messengers of the war rather than a reason for it. Other foreigners are seen as invaders by either using the people's land or the people themselves for their livelihood. Journalists are usually seen as reporting the injustices rather than be a part of the injustices.