Hostage

I am particularly touched by the story of Jill Caroll for a few reasons. The background: Jill Caroll is a freelance writer for the Christian Science Moniter. She was kidnapped in Baghdad on January 7, and has appeared only in released videos since that date.

Jill is from my home town, only two years older than me, and graduated from my high school. Although I don't know her personally (by name/face only), it hits home.

She is not a CNN reporter who has just plopped herself down in Baghdad to report from the roof of some journalist-safe building. She arrived in Iraq in 2003; she has learned Arabic, studied Iraqi history and culture, and - according to many sources - really become a part of that society.

I admire any journalist who takes the plunge whole-heartedly into their career. It is impressive for me that a peer has done so, and I admire her courage during what must be a terrible experience.

That's why I guess it was sort of moving to see that Parisians are rallying around her - and former French hostage Florence Aubenas played a part. At least there is some solidarity - somewhere - even in the midst of all this mess.

Juliette Binoche in Paris on Tuesday at a rally for Jill Caroll.