The Common Ills: Turkish hostages released

16 people who were kidnapped have been released in Iraq. September 2nd, in the Sadr section of Baghdad, 18 people were abducted -- Turkish workers and a translator. Two were released earlier this month leaving 16 still held hostage.

The Dow Jones Business Wire notes that the 16 were released in Mosayeb and then taken to the Turkish Embassy in Baghdad. CBC quotes Ugur Dogan, the head of their employer Nurol Holding, declaring the workers are safe.

Sputnik reminds, "This is not the first case of Turkish citizens being kidnapped in Iraq. In June 2014, militants from the terrorist group Islamic State took 49 employees of the Turkish consulate in Mosul in northern Iraq hostage. The hostages were released after three months in captivity."

Rumors swirl on Arabic social media regarding whether a ransom was paid.

Kidnapping is an occupation in Iraq -- one that brings in lots of money.

Along with individual Iraqis having to pay hefty ransoms, many companies (including news outlets) and governments have paid ransoms throughout the ongoing Iraq War.

While many politicians -- especially in Turkey -- are attempting to shine their own images and increase their own profiles over the release, one politician's too far from the scene and too busy with other photo ops.

‏@brett_mcgurk

Earlier tonight with @VP Biden and #Iraq PM @HaiderAlAbadi on the margins of #UNGA

discussing reform initiatives.

29 retweets 12 favorites

Iraq's prime minister, Haider al-Abadi, is in the United States. Above he shakes hands with US Vice President Joe Biden.

Outside of glorified selfies, there is so little Haider can take credit for these days.