Iraq in a shambles impeded mediation (Indian hostages)

[bemildred]

New Delhi, Sept 4. - The greatest obstacle for the government in its efforts to get the Indian hostages in Iraq
released was the lack of a proper government in Iraq with which it could communicate, government sources
said.
Despite having an embassy and ambassador in Baghdad, and sending a special envoy to assist the efforts, the
security situation in that country was so bad that every step was an ordeal, they said. Beyond making
appeals on television and using contacts among clerics, there was little the Centre could do, although
authorities in Kuwait "were very cooperative".

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"It was sheer good luck that they came out," he said. "That we managed to get them out without
compromising any of our national interests was because the people of Iraq think highly of India," he said.
India was lucky even in Poland, local residents of Warsaw say, with Mr Harish Hitange having been
released. The "flashy lifestyle" of Indian businessmen makes them easy targets, a local said, and most people
routinely "keep a little something aside" to pay off kidnappers, he said. At least two or three businessmen are
kidnapped for ransom every month in Poland.

The Statesman (India)