The diversity of reaction to your statement is the begining of dialogue. The purpose of dialogue is not only to clarify one's deeply held beliefs but to find the piece of common ground that will allow us to co-exist in our diversity. May we all learn to extend the compassion we feel for those we love to those with whom we disagree.

Peacemaking takes time and patience; non-violence is a way of life. Let us be patient and wait for Jim, Harmeet and Norman to tell their stories of Iraq, of being kidnapped and detained, of prayer, survival, and faith, of suffering, pain, and mourning, and of joy and gratitude for their rescue and release. It is their story to tell.

It has been frustrating to listen to people suggest how Christian Peacemakers ought to act, behave, express gratitude, be effective, follow their convictions, live their lives. Their story, with all of it's curiosities, is treated like another commodity to be sold and consumed.

Jim and Harmeet have both asked for space and time and have promised to share their stories. When they do, we will all gain insight into our own violence, loneliness, isolation and suffering. And then maybe we can find ways to make the world more loving, hospitable, hopeful and peaceful.

Thank you Mr. Burman for reminding us to be patient, thoughtful and kind.

Mr. Burton, You err when you say that "most Canadians have little patience for this". Most Canadians have little time for naive actions from groups who have hijacked words like "peace" to further their agenda.

However, I am not surprised you feel this way. Your opinion is part of a long tradition of CBC bias, and further demonstrates how out of touch the CBC is with Canada as demonstrated by your low audience ratings.

I'm happy to see a positive article about the efforts of the Christian Peacemaker Teams; although some parts of the article make me uncomfortable. The goal of CPT volunteers is not to be 'good Canadians/Britons/Americans'... but to be good humans created in the image of God. In other words, CPT is an organization whose members identify themselves not so much with a national identity as with a vision for peace and shalom in our world.

I see no need for Canadians to pat ourselves on the back for being brave men and women that work for lasting peace. Our peacekeeping 'forces' use guns to keep war-makers in line; this is something that CPT and many other Christians would see as a futile way to build peace. Canadians may have some things to be proud of, but our pride should be kept in check as we struggle to become a more just and equitable society; focusing our efforts on issues such as the white-native divide in our rural and urban areas, are inablity to commit to Kyoto standards, and the sickening gap between the rich and the poor in our country and planet... I hesitate to draw strong parallels between the efforts of CPT, whose members are willing to die to build peace but not to kill for it, and the efforts of our 'great country' that could be characterized by greed more often than true charity.

Let's be honest before we lose ourselves in a pride that will throw us in with the same lot as our 'glorious' neighbors to the south.

I find some of the criticisms of CPT painful. I do hope, though, that at the basis of such criticism is a desire for dialogue and a willingness to consider a different view point.

Christian Peacemaker Teams, like similar groups such as Peace Brigades International, only go to areas of conflict where there are partner groups to work with. In order to go to places such as Iraq or Columbia or Sri Lanka, they have to be granted visas by the government. They work openly to support initiatives to peacefully respond to injustice and to military violence. I wish I had their courage and ability to work in community with those of such diverse backgrounds and experience as CPTers do.

There are many injustices arorund the world. It would be wonderful if the critics of CPT didn't ask why CPT isn't taking on everything, but instead took on some of the responsibility of addressing injustice, poverty and violence they identify as a priority. It would be wonderful if there were groups taking on the problems in Sudan and those of the Tibetans and the poverty in aboriginal communities and the soil destruction in Africa, working in partnership with affected people to address their needs. Instead of criticising a group of 100 or so for not doing everything, work to build additional movments for social change. W'd all benefit.

Mr. Burman, Thank you for the article about CPT and James Loney. I have just sent a reply to a columnist for Ottawa Sun whose emoting concentrated on James' lifestyle. I am sure that there is great pain caused to families of all the men when nastiness abounds. I know some of James friends -good, concerned people and all have spent lifetimes working for disadvantaged. Why is there such hatred?

As a Christian and non-violent activist, I thank you for your comments.

To those critical of the work of CPT, let me say this: You don't know what the hell you're talking about. Google Christian Peacemaker Teams and find out what they're really about. They put themselves between those who deliver violence and those who receive it. They go where western governments go because they are from the west and it is their job to keep and eye on what soldiers do in our name and in the name of our country(s). A lot of what our soldiers do is sick. Dirty violent killing, in the name of "peace". The west armed Saddam, they kept him in power, they did nothing when he gassed the Kurds, they gave Saddam the means to make the gas that was used. Iraq has been occupied through most of its history. It is was a political creation of the british and french. The soldiers who "resuced" the CPTers (my understanding is that the CPTers were alone and unguarded when they were found) were there under orders. It's their JOB to put themselves in harms way. that's what they signed up for. Wente, Murphy, et al are a bunch of flaks. always have been. Here's the bottomline. War is sick. The only way to stop the killing is to stop having wars. Get our troops out of other countries and look after our own business.

Thank you Mr. Burman for writing this article! It is truly courageous of you. To the readers who have commented negatively toward this article, I would suggest they get their stories straight. For those that believe the CPT are about Bible thumping and converting people to Christianity, they are SORELY mistaken. This group just happens to be Christian, that's all. I agree with the person who wrote asking why is it ok for soldiers to go in to countries with guns and bombs but it's not ok for peacemakers to go in. As for the person who asked where the CPT were at other times, I say this: they were in other places trying to help other people, places like Colombia where people are being murdered by paramilitary groups and we don't even hear about it in our safe little world. They cannot be everywhere, partly because there are not enough brave people like them in the world. I salute James, Harmeet, Norman and the late Tom Fox for their willingness to "get in the way" for peace!

I am persistently stunned by how often folks on this list have been blasting from the hip without a shred of research or evidence. CPT supports Saddam Hussein? CPT supports HAMAS? CPT are non-Christian extreme leftists? James Loney did not thank his rescuers ("For the British soldiers who risked their lives to rescue us... I am forever and truly grateful. It's great to be alive." - from Loneys first words to the press when he stepped off a plane)? CPTers are naiive (Loney is a 40 year old adult, who has been doing this for years, and has spent far far more time in war zones than the thousands of 18 year old kid/soldiers shipped off to war)? CPT is inciting civil unrest in Iraq? CPT is in Iraq evangelising? CPT has no support from groups in Iraq?

There is not a shred of evidence for any of these comments, and I'm appalled at the people who have written these comments, frequently with a level of vociferousness verging on hatred. GO TO THE CPT WEBSITE!!! http://www.cpt.org Read what they've been doing for two decades, all over the world! I am not a Christian, and I am not a pacifist, but I am decidedly humbled by their commitment and bravery. I also know Jim Loney well - an exceptionally gentle and passionately committed human being with a great love for children and a great sense of humour. It literally sickens me when I think about him reading some of the callous and ignorant statements that I've seen on this list.

If people want to be critical, by all means. But get off your lazy ass and do some research, and having done that criticise with respect, intelligence and decency.

Dear Mr. Burman. As a long time friend of Jim Loney, it was so refreshing to have your editorial sent to me by a friend and to read your kind reflections regarding the need to celebrate those who work for justice around the world. It was sad that in the days following the release of the captives so much misinformation was spread regarding the work of Christian Peacemakers and the motives of those who risk so much to promote peace and justice, and who attempt to share the stories and views of those who are too often voiceless and powerless. I am sending you a link to an article that attempts to address some of the misinformation that has been spread in recent days regarding CPT and the release of the captives which I hope will help others to get a clearer picture of what really happened. Thanks again, Kevin Anderson http://www.indcatholicnews.com/cptdisp123.html

And just who was it who asked the "peacekeepers" to go to Iran? No one, certainly no Muslim Iraqi. And while speaking of "naive" might it not be naive to entertain the notion that the Christian "peacekeepers" went without preconceived biases and agendas?

put the shoe on the other foot. As a fantasy only, let's assume Canada, a predominatnly Christian country, is in a state of crisis. A self-proclaimed Muslim group of "peacekeepers" enters the country uninvited to "help."

It is always much more beneficial to perceive rather than to just merely see.

Thank you so much. What relief, peace and truth. Thank you so, so much. I was so relieved and elated to hear the good news of the homecomings that the National Post headline on Saturday really threw me. I was shocked and saddened that in between Mr. Loney thanking Prime Minister Harper and asking that his genuine gratitude be passed on to all in the Canadian government who helped secure the release and writing that gracious press statement to be read on arrival, the National Post had time to stir up some mistruths and I think an agenda that is unCanadian. I was so disappointed to read the headline last Saturday. Thank you for this article here from CBC setting things right. Mr. Loney is all about respectfulness. I would hope he would receive the same basic courtesy and respectfulness that he is known for giving.

Thank you for this wonderful article, Cynthia Sharp

I am incredibly saddened by the hate and vitriol directed towards CPT and their members. It's okay to go blazing into a foreign country with guns and bombs, but not with aid and a message of peace. Soldiers who put themselves in harms way are never treated with such anger, but aid workers are accused of being thoughtless and careless and selfish.

I applaud the work of CPT members, and other aid organizations, who step up and fill the gaps left by military organizations and oppressive regimes alike. All people in the world deserve to be treated with humanity and it is people like Jim Loney, Harmeet Sooden, Tom Fox and Norman Kember - brave men who recognize the equality and humanity of all men and women. It's not just warm fuzzy feelings and great editorials - they actually stepped out of their cozy lives in North America and England, and put themselves in a dangerous situation because they believed it was more important to help others. They should be an inspiration to us all, not a source of ridicule.

Mr. Burman, Your article on the CPT was very refreshing. As a Mennonite, I am proud to support the Christian Peacemaker Teams, and have struggled with much of the ignorant, harsh condemnation of the organization and the men who were rescued. I would like to offer a rebuttal against the commonly discussed idea that Christian Peacemakers are leftist extremists, both anti-Western and anti-soldiers.

This idea thoroughly untrue. CPT's goal is not to take one political side or another. Their goal is to be faithful to the Christian Scriptures' witness for peace and justice for all of humanity. They do not solely work in areas affected by Western violence, either (though, as CPT is based in the West, there is some sense of responsibility to work toward correcting the violence done by their own society). For instance, one of CPT's project sites is in rural Colombia, where they work with displaced families and report human rights abuses to the Colombian government.

Neither is CPT anti-soldier. As many others have already commented, Christians committed to loving all people should love soldiers just as much as anyone else. And we certainly do. I love my brothers and sisters serving in the military, though I don't believe that what military forces in Iraq are doing is the right way to deal with the situation. In addition, James Loney remarked earlier today that it was the death of a Canadian soldier that prompted him to go and work for peace in Iraq in the first place. As Christian Peacemakers, we hold unconditional love for all human life. I appreciate the ability to hold this discussion, and thank you for being truthful regarding Christian Peacemakers.

Mr. Burman, Thank you for your insights on CPT and their work. As a Christian also dedicated to peacemaking and justice issues, I have been very frustrated by the barrage of criticism Christian Peacemakers, and these men in particular, have come under this past week. I would like to continue your dialogue by correcting this myth regarding CPT: Christian Peacemakers are naive and foolish, putting themselves and others needlessly into harm's way.

Reality: You bet they put themselves in harm's way. However, CPs are very conscious people and hold life in very high esteem. It is for this reason that they work to work to aid the lives of others. For comparison, my sister's husband is in Iraq right now with the U.S. Army Reserves, and she told me that many of the soldiers her husband was stationed with saw this as a fun trip, as getting to go in and shoot up some Iraqis. A CPTer would never go into a situation with this sort of mindset. They go through very rigorous training and evaluations to be sure that they are mature, dedicated, thoughtful people who understand and are sensitive to their situation (example: before going into Iraq, the leader of one team decided not to take a member, considering the person to not take security seriously enough). In addition, each CPTer signs a document before they go saying that they do not want to be rescued using violent means. They are so committed that they do not want anyone, including a coalition soldier, to be put at risk to save them.

Thank you again, Mr. Burman, for reporting on the Christian Peacemaker Teams with honesty and fairness, and not with misrepresentation.

Columns like this give me areminder why I choose CTV or Global News when I am home in NS.It is refreshing that we have some columnists with the intelligence and the integrity to write what they did. Remember, neither the CBC nor other networks or news media can tell Canadians what their values are or should be. Those hostages and/or their organization should have expressed their thanks to those responsible for their recovery immediately upon their release. Mr Burman your network reminds me of the FOX Network down here. They slant the news to the right and you folks to the left resulting in dishonest reporting on both sides.

I have deep respect and admiration for the people involved in CPT. In Iraq, they are trying to be a voice on behalf of Iraqis who have lost family members. Can any of us imagine what this would be like - to have a brother, father, sister, son, or mother vanish? CPTers are trying to reestablish connections between family members. They are also helping Palestinian-Iraqis who are seeking asylum out of Iraq. It is because of CPT that the Muslim Peacemaker Teams(MPT) have formed in Iraq. If we spread the principles of nonviolence, maybe this world can become a better place. When it comes to wars, mostly there are losers - many, many of them and on both sides. Not too many come out on the side of winning. Warring is a bad disease that affects all involved on both sides of the ocean.

Only when I understood the true nonviolent spirit of Christ, as I saw in the messages of those in CPT and MPT, was I really able to reconnect with my own faith and to renew my own efforts to help others. I too, hope to eventually work with CPT - someday soon. God Willing!

Some of the comments seem to imply that only military training and organization backed by huge economic and political interests deserves the title of "bravery". Soldiers do their duty and follow orders and fight if neccessary wherever our nation states send them.............the Christian peacemakers are not supported or are motivated by any of the above, they do what they do out of compassion and concern for the innocent victims of war...yet so many of us condemn them and characterize them as being either naive or at worst acting out of some "murky" agenda. Has the bloody history of the twentieth century taught us nothing about the futility and tragedy of warfare? Iraq is an unjustifiable conflict initiated by a very "murky" agenda precipitated on lies....thank God our previous political leadership saw fit to stay out of it....Afghanistan is painful and difficult enough for us. Thank-you Christian Peacemakers for reminding us that a moral and humane conscience however naive is infinitely more valid than state or otherwise sanctioned murder.

The rescuers should have asked these beatniks"who today would like to be rescued and protected by soldiers with guns?"

I'm sure that Saddam Hussein appreciates Jim Loney's efforts as well. I understand that a lot of Canadians agree with Jim Loney and the CPT and wish that Saddam Hussein was still in charge of Iraq. I guess I'm in the minority but I'm glad that the US and Britain have set the course for the common Iraqi people to decide and create the country they want.

Those brave soldiers are the real heroes.

I know this editorial probably won't change the minds of the people who find it necessary to spit on these men who have risked their lives--and no one else's but theirs--with grace and in service to a cause which is true and honest and good. But I'm grateful for it just the same, and I want to add my voice to the many who are thanking the Christian Peacemaker Teams for all the hard, courageous work they've done in areas of conflict all over the world. Welcome home, James and Harmeet.

How perfectly smug of you to suggest the goal of working toward a better world by doing your personal best is a "Canadian idea". What do you think motivates the participants of other nations involved in the Iraq conflict? Are the American and British soldiers there for the pay cheque or for their own personal glory? Or, are they there because they believe they are helping the world become a better place by putting their lives on the line each and every day. What about the countless relief workers from around the world who are currently in Iraq? Perhaps they too share in your "Canadian idea" of doing their best? The parallel you draw between Mr. Loney's group and the relief workers who have actually done something tangible to help is repugnant to me. Doctors and nurses are saving lives. Teachers are giving people the skills they need to better their lives. What did Mr. Loney accomplish during his tenure in Iraq that he could not have accomplished by petitioning his MP and marching in peace parades in his own country?

What exactly are you thanking Mr. Loney for? For going uninvited into a war zone, not to carry out relief work, but to "get in the way"? I imagine the families of the soldiers responsible for the successful rescue operation may also like to thank Mr. Loney and company. Thank them for creating a situation where their loved ones had to risk their lives to rescue a group of people who consistently demonize the military. Thank them for adding to what must already have been an unbearable amount of stress and fatigue. Thank them for "getting in the way" of the soldiers' assigned task of bringing order and stability to a nation on the brink of civil war

Mr. Burman I could not disagree more. A lot of people are upset at the lack of common courtesy displayed by these "gentlemen". Other people put their lives at risk to rescue them. They deserve to be thanked. A simple show of basic manners would have gone a long way. To couch their politically driven motives as some sort of "Canadian" values is disgraceful. Not this Canadian! So, on behalf of these graceless, ill mannered louts, I'd like to say thank you to the people who risked their lives to bring them out safely.

The peacemakers may be naive or misguided, but their hearts are in the right place. They only want people to be given a fair chance. This is not something armies or some journalists believe in. As for thanking the British and American armies, the British citizen and James Loney did thank them publicly, even if they don't believe in the use of force. Just how much thanks do these armies want. I was always under the impression that doing thankless tasks was part and parcel of military life.

If CUT's purpose was to support Saddam Hussein, then they would have left when he fell. (This is fairly obvious, from an operational perspective.)

Something else to keep in mind: Ghandi's "non-violent" tactics only work in situations where you're not going to get shot. While Britain's soldiers were too civilized to "take care of the problem," Stalin's would not have been. Same goes for CUT: true, they could not today operate in China, but only because there is a different value placed on human life there. Could they have operated in Iraq without having Americans on the ground who were not willing to shoot them?

Canadians are upset, it seems to me, because people have put themselves in harm's way. But that's their choice. And the value of this -- for the rest of us -- is to highlight the need to ask questions: without the reminder that "otherwise sane people" are willing to sacrifice themselves to their ideals, might we not simply accept that "they way things are" is they way they "have to" be?

Thank you, Mr Burman, for reminding us that we need to ask the larger questions. And thank you also for enabling us to read and respond to your mail.

Dear Mr. Burman,

Thank you for your thoughtful insights into James Loney's return to Canada and the knee-jerk reactions it prompted in the press. I think you are correct in stating that the Canadian public wishes to see a higher degree of engagement in international affairs and good for Mr. Loney for having the courage of his convictions. Canada's role as peacekeeper is known far and wide and it is one of the things that Canadians can be proud of. The media's task of presenting the news should stimulate people to action, I don't mean having the arrogance or suggesting we are going to save them from themselves, but to assist, to help build bridges and recover from strife without foisting our political and religious beliefs on them. We must be careful though that our rush to aid one side or the other isn't seen as meddling in the affairs of others for our own benefit. Canada's non-confrontational approach to helping other nations is what makes it so successful as a peacekeeping force and a respected nation throughout the world. I am not as much worried about the press getting somewhat emotional about this issue, although, as you say, it is perplexing. What I find more perplexing though is the Prime Minister's current blockade of the press and his attitude while addressing the troops in Kandahar recently. He seems to be under the spell of another politician who refuses to "...cut and run.", even if means destroying a country and its people to set up a political system that may only be right for multinational corporations, and not the innocent bystanders of the war torn country. Again, thank you for your insight into the Canadian way of doing things and lets hope the media can be objective when it comes to people who are brave enough to at least try to do good work.

As a middle aged Canadian I have watched at home and abroad as our armed forces quietly erode into their present status. To me this is a disappointment and a shame on Canadians. As a tax payer I would willingly support additional funds allocated to support of Canadian peace keepers and peace initiatives. I will not dwell on the shameful waste of money which brought down Mr. Martin's government.

I do not support the actions of the Christian Peacekeepers and I do not support their willful disregard of their own safety and the safety of those who participated in their negotiations and search and rescue. I do admire anyone who promotes peace and good will(this includes to the Americans and British as well). I just am not convinced that this is what the CP are about. When abroad, I have observed more than a few christian based charities and related NGO aid groups who were in "the business of aid and Christianity". I have seen to many western government loans to 3rd world countries go into the pockets and treasury of despots and the thieves who support them and keep them in power.

The traditional role of Canadians as peace keepers is admirable and as a nation of multicultural peoples living in relative peace and prosperity we are uniquely positioned to give voice to our beliefs and to provide knowledgeable and reasoned assistance to others.

I am particularly proud of our foreign local initiatives programs and support of women's issues in these troubled locations. Our presence in Afghanistan is a good example, but we could do more.

The peace and prosperity that Canadians and westerners enjoy only comes about when the population of a country reaches a general level of health, education and economic success. If the western countries wish to bring peace and democracy to the emerging nations investments in peace, education, small business (90% of all jobs are created by small business, not multi-nationals), and agriculture are the most significant contributions we can make.

Unfortunately simply making available money for these things available is not enough. It is a sad part of human nature and totalitarian regimes that western tolerance and acceptance of diversity is frequently seen as weakness and moral degeneration.

I believe that a strong arm (well funded and equipped Canadian Peacekeepers)coupled with tolerance, education and informed economic assistance will prevail over intolerance and despotism.

I am proud to be Canadian and I support strongly our initiatives abroad.

Dear Tony,

You da' man! You described the Canadian spirit in deed and in truth. Thanks again.

Larry Williams

I wish I could live in the black and white moral world of Murphy, Wente, Bush and their type. I wish I could find an algorithm into which I could plug some numbers, and, presto, the choice I should make would be made for me. Sadly I am human. I am free. I am not a robot, a calculating machine, a computer. I value my freedom and humanity and value this country that values my freedom and humanity. But moral freedom means I will make mistakes. It is the price I pay for freedom. The members of the CPT acted as free men. All honour to them for not staying in Canada to enjoy their SUVs and comfortable life styles. In acting as free moral agents they do honour to human freedom and dignity. Murphy and Wente want us to be mindless, contented, obedient sheep-robots. Thank you Mr. Burman

The Christian Peacemakers remind me of the foolish people who went to Iraq to become human shields prior to the invasion.

Statements by the captives that they were treated well given that their friend Mr. Fox was murdered, and their initial reluctance to show any gratitude to those that risked their lives to rescue them, is instructive.

I appreciate Mr. Burman's comments and point of view. Those who criticize Mr. Loney and the Christian Peacemaker Team seem to consistently misrepresent two important points:

1. Misrepresentation: The CPTers, by opposing the military presence of the US in Iraq must, therefore, support the old Iraq regime of Saddam Hussein - the classic "if you're not with us, you're against us" argument. Truth: The CPT does not have a political agenda, they simply are attempting to document and help the plight of civilians - those who have no voice.

2. Misrepresentation: The CPT has a evangelical mission and is trying to convert people to Christianity. Truth: CPTers do not in any way attempt to convert those they interact with. Their mission is to simply document the situation and help those in need.

Before people blindly criticize the Christian Peacemaker Team, I would invite them to do a little research - perhaps visit their website at www.cpt.org - to get the real story.

A fine editorial. It makes its case in clear and unambiguous terms. The one thing which was said in it which I find truly disturbing, and which has gone unnoticed, is this, referring to "...a major study the CBC has conducted about what Canadians "want" and "need" from their news media. According to this study, ...news shouldn't be a passive process. It should stimulate action and engagement, and help connect Canadians with the major challenges of our times." Mr. Burman clearly implies, but does not state, that this is where CBC News is headed.

Mr. Burman seems to be stating as CBC News Editor in Chief that the network sees itself as an activist organization - not simply reporting, but processing the news through the filter of what it sees the 'challenges of the times' may be, to generate action - which necessarily involves having an editorial and thereby a political opinion to define the filter, and using the news and how it is presented to rally Canadians to this action, which is to achieve a necessarily political end.

I thought that reportage was a function of explaining the facts of a story as gathered from a range of sources by a reporter, stitched into a coherent whole which ties together and finds commonality in very diverse recountings (she shot him / he shot her) - and editorialism was informed commentary which voiced an opinion. It seems to me that the CBC is moving towards a blended approach in which the news is opinion, and opinion, news. All to achieve an end. Which is...?

I neither support the CPM's nor do I support the (now past) invasion of Iraq. I see the former as well-intentioned, deeply motivated members of the Christian Left trying to 'stop the slaughter [by the US & its proxies like Canada of the poor victims in most cases]' - and the invasion as having a murky motivation which has nothing to do with the advertised causes.

But having said that, I begin to see the CBC's activism as having a similar thrust, and its motivations equally murky.

Had you been on that plane, but instead of a rescued 'peacemaker' you'd found his beheaded corpse returned for burial, which section of the newspaper would you have reached for?

Sorry, I don't buy your praise of this lunatic organization. And I suspect the last thing the residents of Iraq want in their midst, just at the moment, are Christians of any sort.

Hey, I'm all for peace. But in the middle of a war -- civil or otherwise -- a Bible and fuzzy thoughts aren't going to cut it. (Just ask the recently released Mr. Rahman, formerly of the 'democracy' of Afghanistan.)

Maybe I'm ignorant but I never heard of this Christian Peacekeeper Team supporting Saddam or protesting the US led invasion, as others have suggested. I only heard of them trying to help the innocent people affected by it. Of all the people in the world, or Canada for that matter, some folks feel the need to attack these guys. I question their motivation for doing so.

I think your editorial is naive and misguided. Perhaps what Mr. Loney did is brave--but I don't believe so. Where were the Christian Peacemakers when Saddam Hussein was murdering his people? Where were they when the Taliban were killing people and taking away personal freedoms in Afghanistan? Where indeed were they during the debate about the poor fellow in Afghanistan who was condemned to death for converting to Christianity? It seems they are only prepared to protest the things Western democracies do to help some of the above noted travesties. I do not support the Christian Peacekeepers and Mr. Loney. It is good that they were saved but they are dangerously misguided.

No matter what his calling, business, or politics, simply by virtue of being an expatriate Mr. Loney would have anticipated the "triple whammy" you saw confronting him in the papers upon his return to Canada. As an expatriate, I believe Mr. Loney would have long since learned to skip the editorials altogether and just focus on the news.

All expatriate communities share your puzzlement at the commentary of those Canadian media personalities who make opinions for a living. Even from 1,000 miles away, it is easy to see who is talking through their hats. However naive or callous or ineffectual might be the expatriate, at least they walk their talk and will always earn respect for this. I can't say the same about some of the big talkers not doers of the media, or sometimes of the government. Even if all they were doing is historical research or fact-checking, this would at least be doing something. But rarely is even this in evidence.

The people with opinions not facts are the same ones who shoot before they look. I therefore find them to be a very dangerous lot indeed, people to avoid whenever possible. When there is no escape from being in their company, I regularly ask in conversation whether they are talking fact or fiction, and this question always surprises them, even when they cannot answer it. With nothing to say, they quickly slink away. I therefore can most highly recommend this tactic.

Where facts cannot be unearthed, I would much rather read about someone's feelings and intuitions in columns full of passion, poetic musings or humour, as often are Rex Murphys, rather than those full of pompous intellectual formulations based only upon gossip. Fortunately, with the increase in various types and categories of soapboxes on the planet, loose talk is becoming more and more cheap. We can say that finally, and not a moment too soon for my taste, the fine-feathered blowhard is on the verge of extinction.

I find that both main arguments presented from the readers have validity - one can be well meaning and selfish, idealistic and biased, loving and hateful - and all of these attributes characterize the CPT - and maybe many of us.

I want to comment on a point I haven't read yet however - and it pertains to Mr. Burman's advocacy of press censorship. He would have "quietly snatched" away opinions from the free press which he disagrees with. Presumably he can justify his reasoning as he only wants to protect Mr. Loney (the argument for all censorship). But something tells me Mr. Loney is quite capable of engaging different opinions.

I am concerned that censorship should be advocated by none other than the editor-in -chief of CBC news!!!! I am increasingly concerned with the bias and falling standards of our CBC - now I can see why it's happening.

I also see a problem in Mr. Burman declaring what is un-Canadian (or un-American, un-Iraqi, etc.) Report the news - and let us determine such questions - and I for one find such determinations troublesome as they lead to the labeling of people and shutting down alternative view points.

These points are cause for concern and on another topic point to the need for a major overhaul at the CBC, and of the role of the state in controlling media in a free society.

CPT are zealots minus the energy. They were in Iraq not to help, merely to make a point. Rescuing them put the lives of brave men in danger. Perhaps they might like to try Zimbabwe or Iran next.

Like many westerner, my pleasure in the remarkable rescue of the 'Peacemakers' was immediately overrun by their detestable self righteousness, ingratitude and inflammatory dogma. Mr. Burman should know that he presumes to celebrate an ideology of 'peace', that most westerners have come to suspect is largely complicit for creating the conditions we are now at war trying to contain. The implied suggestion that 'our' refutation is motivated by anti Christian sentiments should be corrected by considering 'our', alarm and indignation that an Afghan convert was nearly murdered by a state sanctioned court for the crime of being a Christian. Sure, there is plenty blame all around and there really are no simple solutions. So when I see liberal and artsy people, and the extremist religious left, all of whom I once thought of as exemplifying our western values, go out and incongruously show empathy toward and embolden our enemies in spite of us and while ministering these pious works, get summarily kidnapped by the object of their affection, rescued, and then snub us after delivering them from evil, don't pretend, Mr. Burman, to not understand what it is about that raises our ire!

Your article is indicative of an alarming trend in our country. We are increasingly becoming self congratulatory and tend to view others in the world (particularly the US) with contempt. Your evidence of "classically Canadian" behaviors are no such thing, they are rather examples of classically human behaviour. To claim it as uniquely Canadian displays a hubris I am sure you would be only too quick to ascribe to our southern neighbours.

Mr. Burman's comments regarding the Christian Peacekeepers, especially, Mr. Loney, are genuine, but pathetically out of touch.

The Christian Peacekeepers were negligent in exposing themselves to risk and needlessly put their rescuers in harms way. They also managed to get one of their friends killed, after being tortured by his captors.

As the Army Padre said, it's difficult to extol the virtues of vegetarianism when you are surrounded by wolves.

Dear Mr. Burman,

I found your editorial quite refreshing. Whether people agree or not with what Jim Loney did, You have to admit it took courage. With out peace willing to stand up for peace, the world would be a far darker place. How many people would put them selves in harms way for their beliefs? Many people can say they would, but few people would really do it. That's what I admire most about James Loney and Harmeet Singh Sooden.

While one cannot deny the idealism behind the name Christian Peace-maker Teams, it is my contention that most of those involved are neither Christian, nor peace-makers. They are left-wing idealists at war with America and Israel, in most of their incarnations. They are not neutral. They oppose the use of force only when it is exercised by Western interests. They think nothing of offering their support to tyrants, thugs and fascists if such folks are in opposition to American or Israeli interests.

Their website says that we must love our enemies. Since their enemies are American and Israeli soldiers, when will they prove loyal to their convictions and demonstrate their love for them? You know, there is no record of Christ telling soldiers not to do their jobs.

Tony Burman wants to support Canadian idealists who are making a difference. Good for him.

I would say that not all differences being made are positive and laudable.

Thank you for giving voice to these sentiments.

The criticism of the CPT members took me somewhat by surprise. I do not understand how someone can praise the willingness of soldiers to die for democracy and simultaneous denigrate the willingness of the CPT members to die for peace. If soldiers are permitted to make such decisions, why not civilians?

It is precisely this kind of boldness, this willingness to risk life for a cause, which will eventually bridge the culture gap between moderate Muslims and the West.

The CPTers may or may not win respect from local Muslims by their actions, but respect will never be won by the dropping of a bomb.

Dear Mr. Burman

Than you for your column on the Christian Peacemakers. What I am hearing is that when vigils were conducted for the peacemakers a number of Muslims were present. There were many Muslims involve in advocating for the freedom of the hostages. We are evaluating the work of CPT without any mention of how they have built bridges between Muslims and Christians. Could you please find out and report more on this, So far no one has talked in detail about this important contribution.

Frankly I am stunned and saddened at some of the venom I have seen directed towards Loney and the CPT. One example of CPT's actions: escorting Palestinian refugees out of Iraq, at the request of said refugees. Palestinians are now one of the most vulnerable groups in Iraq, though there has been little media reporting of it. I cannot for the life of me understand how it is possible to misconstrue such selfless advocacy work as "support for Saddam Hussein's regime". Because CPT is opposed to the foreign troop presence this means they support Saddam?? I don't believe simply pulling out foreign troops is the answer to today's situation, but nevertheless I have nothing but respect for CPT's volunteers. They are not foolish or naive. They simply have the courage of their convictions.

Great article Mr Burman. I was traveling in S America by bus in the mid 70s too, and that twigged my attention. But I think you make a good point that Wente and Murphy jumped too soon. It is easy to find fault with a victim, it eases our guilt. I do think however, that the CPT are a bit extreme in placing themselves as human shields. I do think that they are lacking in some class by not immediately issuing a thanks. Too bad that their captors turned out to be mercenaries, and not idealists.

Dear Mr. Burman,

These Christian Peacemakers are not humanitarians providing food, medical care or education. These people are leftist political activists (with a religious veneer). They showed up in Iraq before the liberation. What were they there to do? Get in the way of Saddam and his thugs in the torture and murder of Iraqis? NO. They were there to protect Saddam and his thugs. And now they are still there to protect those Iraqis who are killing other Iraqis.

They go to places where Americans or their allies are to get in the way. Why aren't they in China to get in the way? Or Tibet? Or Myanmar? Oh, I forgot. That's not where the Americans are. They wouldn't even be let in those countries, because those are where the real abuses are.

No Mr. Burman. These people aren't Canadian heroes or role models. I hope they did read the articles you mentioned, although I doubt they would change. They are too arrogant and holier than thou to do that.

Thank you for the article Mr. Burman. I felt the media was wrong and I was secretly proud of our Canadians. I too have met men and women of incredible conviction and courage in my travels who quietly serve in remote and dangerous places below the media's radar. These are local ambassadors of our country. American citizens in this type of work are ten times as courageous since they deal with the burdens and prejudices against American people when they travel. Perhaps CBC can do a story about them too one day. Like Mr. Fox, there was a young girl (in her 20's) killed in Iraq a few years ago. She was a volunteer serving in Iraq from California. No flak jacket or weapons, she was only armed with good intentions. No media reported her sacrifice or courage. It seems a waste if only a few people remember her.

So, how can one describe the Christian Peacemakers Team (CPT) who were rescued from Iraq? Are they selfless heroes or are they just fool-hardy, misguided (but well intentioned) souls?

It seems obvious to me where Tony Burman stands on the issue - simply that they were bravely doing what so many other Canadians have quietly done in many other places around the world.

What was left wanting in Buman's remarks was something I feel is germane to the whole "issue" That is, how much support did the CPT have amongst the Iraqi's? Who invited them to play a role in Iraq? Did some identifiable group inside Iraq, either explicitly or implicitly, want them or need them to be there? Was this support identifiable or even quantifiable? Or, did members of the CPT arbitrarily decide to intervene with simple Christian charity?

I was thinking about the other examples Tony Burman gave of Canadians in action in other places around the world. Did those Canadians in those places share any common ground with the people in whose lives they were intervening? For anything to have been achieved, I suspect it must have been so.

So, what did the Christian Peacemaker Team share with a land soaked in the sectarian violence of it's Islamic heritage? What was their shared base of ideology? Did they get their support from an indigenous, like-minded religious group who reached out to them? Were there cries for their services to help relieve famine, drought, disease or political intolerance? Or, did the CPT enter Iraq with the best of Christian intentions and then try to sell itself there by doing "cold calls" on the Iraqis? Could they have been moderately successful with that technique - only to have overstepped their bounds in a country so non-Christian and so ardently Islamic?

Not for one minute do I believe the CPT got what they deserved at the hands of Islamic extremists. But, were they well intentioned? Yes. Were they misguided? Probably. Were they "crazy brave"? Maybe. Were they heroes? No!

Mr Burman

Thank you for your comments about James Loney. I was starting to feel very lonely hearing and seeing the comments form those that support this horrendous stupid war (Is there any that are not?).

Barry Walker

Thank you for another point of view. Right on as far as I am concerned. I depend on CBC to provide a variety of opinions and comment to thoughtful Canadians.

Frankly, I passionately disagree. What he did was endanger himself and the lives of the numerous rescuers, not to mention the monetary resources involved, and all to continually bash the "occupation" of Iraq. Where were these do gooders when the Kurds were getting chemically sprayed? Where was the outcry over Saddam's numerous cruelties? Give it a rest. These people were there to incite civil unrest within Iraq, and frankly their lack of class in not acknowledging the tremendous energy and effort to get them out speaks volumes. If he was so unconcerned about his safety why didn't he acknowledge his homosexuality while there? Could it be that the rights and freedoms he enjoys at home, and that the military contingent are fighting for over there, conflicts with his message. It would have been interesting to see the kind of reception an openly gay activist would have gotten from Saddam. This man certainly does not speak for me, and to call this classically Canadian leads me to say that you don't speak for me either.

You have got to be kidding! These people put themselves into harms way, consistently upheld the actions of a corrupt and despicable government, then when, at risk to coalition forces , they were rescued from their kidnappers, they have the audacity to denigrate those same kidnappers to further their supposed "cause" - you have the audacity to say that is "Canadian". You sir, are sadly mistaken about how the "majority" of Canadians really feel!

Mr. Burman,

Many thanks for your insightful comments. As a convinced and biblical pacifist, and a supporter of CPT, I don't want to shrink from the significant and necessary critique of the moment. Questions raised by the commentators you mention, whether cavalierly or not, do help sharpen the focus. However, your affirmation makes that sharpened focus more useful and inspires further commitment. Thanks again for your thoughtful reflections.

An excellent editorial by Tony Burman, Thanks Mr. Loney, Don't just read the news, March 27th. We need more journalists like Tony Burman who truly understand the essence of courage, and have the grace to recognize it in others.

Thank you !! As someone who has known Jim Loney (and the Peacemakers) for many years,

As someone who spent 11 years in Peru (during the "dirty war" of the 80's),

I am deeply grateful for your compassion and your invitation to find the deeper side in our identity as a people.

I could not agree more! I too am grateful for the efforts of James Loney and his kind. The negative media did not surprise me. It is all too typical of a definite media bias that colours much of what passes for so-called impartial coverage. Thanks!

Thank you for the comments. From first hand observation, I think the Canadian essence is to reach out and try to help. The help is not to impose our solution but to help people to come together and solve their own problems. I salute our forces for the rescue, and whether I agree or not with the method I salute Mr. Loney for trying. I welcome him home and I wish him lots of hugs to get through the very difficult days ahead.

Thank you Tony, for your encouraging and positive words. Life is complicated. Peacemaking in the form that CPT does it is also complicated. Few of their members would be unaware of the nuances and fine points - most of them have a great deal of life experience and know the paradoxes and complications deeply. Yet I too agree with you that looking at their actions as attempts to address the wrongs of a "wrong war" -- an opinion held by thousands around the world -- is something worthy of affirmation and support. I admire their courage to be willing to risk life and limb in the cause of (non-violent) peacemaking in the same way but with different tools than soldiers. Yes, others are put at risk to protect them; but as another CPT'er, Allan Slater pointed out, politicians ask others (soldiers) to also risk their lives all the time. Extreme sports enthusiasts sometimes do that as well!

The way of peace and hope and healing in this world is made by the many people you introduced who quietly and hopefully try to redress the world's wrongs - often out of a profound faith. Jim and Harmeet were not looking for fame and attention; in fact the attention is most likely seen as an impediment to their work. Thank you for turning down the harshness of the stage lights to a softer glow.

Mr. Burman, Speak for YOURSELF, not for "Canadians". As for your words, "I suspect most Canadians have little patience for this. Most of us not only felt genuine relief and happiness about the rescue but, more profoundly, saw in these "peacemakers" something that was quite admirable, courageous — and classically Canadian." - this absolutely does not represent ME, or any other sane, living breathing Canadian I know. There is / was absolutely nothing "admirable" or "courageous" about those people. Nothing. Before those idiots decided to hop on a plane and put themselves in harm's way, they should have considered the lives they'd put in jeopardy having to rescue their stupid hides. They are no heroes. They are morons. They are an embarrassment. And the VERY LEAST they could have done was to be thankful for their lives. THEN be willing to be debriefed. Mr. Loney is NOT welcome into MY part of Canada, not for one second. I pray for those who rescued him, and thank God they are safe.

BRAVO, refreshing Canadians care and are appreciated for our way of showing it, globally

Thank you for your kind perspective on this story. It is so easy and cool to sit back and criticize. It is much more Christian and kind to go out and help. The fallout from this story continually ignores the fact that the Christian Peacemakers were in Iraq 6 months before George Bush. I respect and envy them and grieve for Mr. Fox, the man who was killed.

Dear Tony, Thank you for your timely commentary about the release and return of the Canadian peacemakers in Iraq. It is apparent that the British and US military think they are God's gift to the world. I think the world would be a safer place if they had stayed at home. George Bush and Tony Blair have given us a legacy of terrorism that will take many years to play and tried to deceive us all in the process. And Bush would have us believe that God is on our side. This is the same God that the Loney and Sooden were representing in Iraq. Whose God should we believe in? And why is there so little respect in the media for those who do chose to follow the God of peacemaker's rather than the God of war? People have been serving and dying in the name of peace for eons with little fanfare and attention. Only when a tragedy such as happened to the Canadians happens do they come to the forefront and even then the focus is not on what they were doing there but on how ungrateful they seemed to be. Give me a break. How immature can the military and pres be? I'm sure they are profoundly grateful and I'm sure they thanked their rescuers profusely. Too bad that didn't get into print. Let's give them time to reintegrate before throwing stones at them and their organization.

Your thoughts encapsulate a social progressiveness and mindfulness which deserves recognition and consideration. A Canadian vision of international engagement beyond missile defense systems

thank-you

I am very heartened by your comments about the Christian Peacemakers and agree that they are putting their lives on the line and are making a sincere effort to make a difference in an otherwise gruesome intervention by self-interested states. They should be congratulated for their incredible courage and commitment.

Thanks for some sanity. It's not hard to imagine how different the situation would be in Iraq had the Americans funded 100,000 of Mr. Loney's ilk over the last decade, rather than the 100,000 or so armed jugheads they choose to support. Has the American strategy worked? How many Christian activists are kidnapped and executed? Too many I'm sure, but what is the current total of young men and women in uniform who have died? Perhaps the fingers are pointing in the wrong direction.

Thank you Mr. Burman, for writing and posting your thoughtful piece on media reaction to the Christian Peacemakers' rescue. I, and others I have spoken with, found the criticisms of the Peacemakers to be spiteful, vicious, and without foundation. If that was not the intent of the journalists in question, then the only remaining explanation for their responses is ignorance of the causes of the region's most recent woes, and the reasons that folks like the Christian Peacemakers are there.

Perhaps Ms. Wente, Mr. Murphy and the editor of the National Post include _The Nation_ (as just one example among many) in the list of "useful idiots", as Ms. Wente so colourfully described them. If they haven't read it, or several other fairly mainstream American publications highly critical of the war (even Vanity Fair for pete's sake), then I wish they would let readers know that their opinions are uninformed.

Thanks again for renewing my faith in the CBC. And thank you to the Christian Peacemakers and other folks from NGOs in dangerous places around the world.

Sincerely, Cheryl Schulz

PS I have absolutely no involvement with, nor do I know anyone in, The Christian Peacemakers.

I think that you missed the point entirely. The reason people are upset is that these people knowingly and willfully endangered themselves for a purely political reason. The Christian Peacemakers went into Iraq not to protect the people but to help Saddam Hussein stay in government. These groups will never have my sympathy.

Groups like OXFAM and other non partisan NGO’s bring relief to the need. That is not the Christian Peacemakers, they have a purely partisan message and it is one I think people should be terrified of. Pacifism will not help the innocent people and will not bring freedom to the oppressed.

My sympathy is for the women and poor, the people that don't have a voice and can't defend themselves. To let tyrants and terrorist rule and to keep oppressive regimes in power brings a false notion of safety to Canada. Canada will not be safe until everyone everywhere has a free and democratic voice in how they live.

I would suggest that although living in the USSR or Nazi Germany might have felt peaceful and made the world safer. In the end, these regimes both fell and did little to bring safety or security to their own people.

Canada must not rest until every person is free to live under what ever elected representation they want. Until every one is free, no one is free.