French captives&#39; fate mulled
624999
BAGHDAD, Iraq - An Islamic militant group that claimed to have kidnapped two French journalists said it would soon decide their fate, according to a message posted on a Web site Friday, and an Iraqi negotiator called the chance for their release &quot;excellent
130389
A French Muslim delegation in Iraq trying to win the release of two French journalists held hostage by Islamic militants said Thursday they had received proof the men were alive and well. The kidnappers have demanded that Paris rescind a law banning Muslim headscarves.
574981
DUBAI/PARIS  - Hopes that Islamic militants will  soon free two French hostages in Iraq rose on Friday, despite  confusion over which group is now holding them.
760212
The images coming out of the latest hostage crisis in Iraq - capped by dramatic video of British captive Kenneth Bigley begging for his life - have transfixed Britons, left governments looking helpless, and revived a classic dilemma about whether to negotiate with terrorists.
613865
Defense minister believes two French journalists kidnapped in Iraq are in good health, their release is possible. PARIS - France on Monday urged patience and caution as the country awaited word about two French
169409
The kidnapping of two French journalists in Iraq has injected new tension into France&#39;s debate over banning Islamic headscarves in schools just as Paris was hoping for a smooth start to the school year this week.
659697
CAIRO, Egypt  - France scrambled to secure the  release of two French journalists kidnapped by Iraqi militants  who gave Paris until Monday evening to drop its controversial  ban on Muslim headscarves in schools.
235317
A shadowy Iraqi group has released two French news reporters, who have spent almost four months in captivity. France reacted with joy Tuesday at the news that reporters Christian Chesnot and George Malbrunot had finally been released.
468755
Militants holding three hostages in Afghanistan are divided over what to do after issuing a series of deadlines and narrowing their demands, the BBC reports.
19601
The captors of two French journalists allegedly put forward new demands for their release, but French officials cast doubt on the authenticity of the demands and remained cautiously optimistic about securing their release.
145922
The fate of a British hostage kidnapped in Baghdad is looking increasingly perilous after his captors threatened to kill him if their demands are not met.
297497
The fate of a British hostage remains unclear amid conflicting reports around the release of an Iraqi prisoner.
126663
It has become all too familiar: the pale, shocked face of a hostage, crumpled in fear and despair, begging Prime Minister Tony Blair to concede to the captors&#39; demands and spare another Briton from the savagery of the executioner&#39;s sword.
286078
DUBAI/PARIS  - The French government held crisis  talks on the fate of two French journalists held hostage in  Iraq Wednesday amid growing uncertainty over whether their  kidnappers had demanded a ransom and two-day deadline.
29825
Authorities were last night scrutinising the identity of a suspect believed to be one of Saddam Hussein&#39;s top lieutenants, as the fate of two French journalists held hostage remains unknown.
10690
Hopes for a speedy release of two French  hostages in Iraq gave way to expressions of doubt and concern  Tuesday after a statement setting out new demands for their  release was posted on a Web site.
482469
Iraqi officials struggled today to clear up confusion over whether the most wanted member of Saddam Husseinâs ousted dictatorship had been captured in a shoot-out north of Baghdad.