A Wall Street Journal editor appealed for the release of reporter Daniel Pearl, saying in an e-mail released on Tuesday that he was prepared to work with the group that says it kidnapped the journalist in Pakistan to protest US treatment of Taliban and al- Qaeda prisoners.
In an emotional message to the kidnappers, Managing Editor Paul Steiger said it was pointless to hold the journalist because he could not influence the US global war on terrorism.
"I would like to work with you to bring about Danny's safe release. ... You should know that Danny has a wife. ... She is also six months pregnant with their first child," Steiger said in his message. "I would like you to know that she is greatly distressed over Danny's situation. She hopes that you will come to understand that keeping Danny will not alter US government policy or accomplish your goals."
Pearl disappeared in the southern Pakistani city of Karachi last week. Colleagues said he was working on a story about alleged shoe-bomber Richard Reid, who is in custody in the United States to stand trial on charges he tried to blow up an airliner. Bureau Report