Hostage Recalls Basra Kidnapping Ordeal

60 Minutes: CBS News Producer Was Held By Gunmen For Months In Southern Iraqi City

(CBS)  Today, Basra is a different city. The markets are full. Women can once again walk the streets without fear of showing their faces. The waterfront is bustling with activity, all thanks to the nearly 40,000 Iraqi troops who have remained on hand to enforce the peace with the help of several thousand coalition combat troops and advisors.

"People in Basra now describe you know, a better sense of a wellbeing and security. The markets are open. But how fragile is this peace?" Logan asked Mansoor.

"Well, I think, throughout Iraq, the peace is fragile," he replied.

"Are you concerned about the fact that the militias haven't really gone anywhere? They still have access to their backers, their training and weapons support, and financial support across the border inside Iran," Logan said.

"The ability of the Iraqi government to combat the militias, and keep them from operating, keep them from dominating urban areas, these are the great issues facing Iraq, going forward," Mansoor explained.

Asked if Basra is a kind of blueprint for the rest of the country, Mansoor told Logan, "Well, I think in one crucial sense it is. And that is that it shows that Iraqi forces from all over Iraq can come together, can fight a successful battle against a fairly capable enemy and prevail."

Since the Basra assault in the spring, Iraqi troops have recently taken over other hotspots throughout the country, where like in Basra, a significant Iraqi troop presence is supported by U.S. advisors.

"Historians will look back and see Basra as a turning point in this war. One in which the war goes from being more of a coalition effort to one of being more of an Iraqi effort," Mansoor said.

"What does that mean, in terms of withdrawing troops, when, how, how fast, how many?" Logan asked.

"What it means is that we slowly withdraw our combat forces as Iraqi forces are able to take over the situation in various areas but you allow the Iraqis to fight their war, and I think that is the way ahead," Mansoor replied.

[rrozsa-2009]

Thank you, CBS, for finally showing a news story that actually shows the positive aspects of the war in Iraq! The improvement in women's rights alone is something I wish we heard more about in the media.

[notblue]

Most likely he would have been beheaded as the rest before him but in his case there must have been monetary gain for his release. Those who think he was better off with the militants doesn't give those savages enough credit or is just ignorant to the reality of what happens to their prisoners.

[nor-one]

What's all the crying about? It could have been worse, he could have been in Gitmo or Abu Grave? And for seven years at that!

[notblue]

Iraq is a success despite what the leftwing news outlets and the libs claim. It is no longer in the news because of that success. THe troops should be proud, America should be proud, we now ghave an allie in the heart of the middle east where once an enemy ruled.

[jkutilek1]

It is an interesting story about the changes in Iraq. I suddenly realized that the release of Butler took place in the spring of 2008. I don't think that story would have appeared on 60 minutes if Bush was still in office.