"The bloodless and apparently brilliant operation to free 15
hostages from the Colombian jungle today became mired in
confusion, with some reports even claiming that the entire
episode was nothing but a sham to disguise the payment of a ransom.

Swiss public radio cited an unidentified source ¿close to the
events, reliable and tested many times in recent years" as saying
the operation had in fact been staged to cover up the fact that
the US and Colombians had paid $20 million for their freedom.

The hostages released on Wednesday, including Ingrid Betancourt,
the French-Colombian politician, "were in reality ransomed for a
high price, and the whole operation afterwards was a set-up," the
public broadcaster said."

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/us_and_americas/article4270908.ece

Fox Implies That John McCain Had Hand in Releasing Colombian Hostages

http://tinyurl.com/67b3jk

STATEMENT BY JOHN MCCAIN ON TODAY'S HOSTAGE RESCUE IN COLOMBIA

For Immediate Release
Contact: Press Office

Wednesday, July 2, 2008

Ken P wrote:

What humanitarian mission was an employee of Northrop/Grumman on down
there, I wonder.

On Fri, 04 Jul 2008 10:17:58 -0700, F.H. verizon.net> wrote:

Ken P wrote:

On Fri, 04 Jul 2008 10:17:58 -0700, "F.H." verizon.net>
wrote:

Ken might not have lasted, but I did....reminds me of arf'ers going
after aa. :)

On Jul 4, 5:50 pm, Tex hotmail.com> wrote:

That's right! ;o)