December 31st Morning Readbook

An image grab taken from a videotape broadcast in 2008 by the Al-Arabiya news network shows British hostage in Iraq, Peter Moore. Moore, kidnapped with four others in Iraq in 2007, has been freed and is in good spirits despite a hostage ordeal in which four bodyguards also seized died or are feared dead, Britain said. (AFP/Al-Arabiya)

General Petraeus 'absolutely certain' that Peter Moore was held in Iran
The former US commander in Iraq is “absolutely certain” that Peter Moore was held secretly in Iran for part of his 31-month kidnap ordeal. General David Petraeus’s claim that the British IT consultant was held captive in Iran is likely to intensify the bitter diplomatic relationship between London and Tehran. Mr Moore was set free yesterday after the United States handed over an Iraqi insurgent suspected of planning the deaths of five American servicemen.


Revealed: evidence of Iran's involvement in the kidnapping of the five Britons in Baghdad
Following a year-long investigation, GuardianFilms has exclusively uncovered the story of what happened to the five Britons kidnapped in Iraq on 29 May 2007, as the only survivor, Peter Moore, is released


Iran link to 2007 kidnap of Britons in Iraq: reports
A British computer expert and his four bodyguards kidnapped in Iraq in 2007 were seized in an operation masterminded by Iran's Revolutionary Guard, media reported Thursday.

US releases ‘dangerous’ Iranian proxy behind the murder of US troops

Qais Qazali, the leader of the Asaib al Haq or the League of the Righteous, was set free by the US military and transferred to Iraqi custody in exchange for the release of British hostage Peter Moore, US military officers and intelligence officials told The Long War Journal.


Afghanistan suicide bombing kills 8 CIA officers
The Taliban takes responsibility for the explosion at a U.S. base in Khowst province where the agency has a major presence. No U.S. or NATO military personnel are hurt.


Pakistan army hits 'militants' in Waziristan hospital
Pakistani soldiers have raided a hospital in South Waziristan, killing at least four suspected militants and capturing 18, the military has said.


Obama to Receive Prelim Report on Airline Attack
President Barack Obama is to receive a preliminary report Thursday on how a 23-year-old Nigerian with suspected terrorist ties managed to board a plane he is accused of attempting to bomb on Christmas Day, along with recommendations on how to prevent a sequel.


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