now that Alan Johnston is free what about Gilad Shalit or will the world continue to forget him?

Simon Lipert, Hobart,, Tasmania, Australia

Delighted as we are to hear the news of Alan Johnston's release and whilst we would agree that in normal circumstances it would justify a full 30 min report in the BBC World News we cannot help but feel that the BBC has lost its sense of proportion.

The release of one Western journalist alive and well after 114 days in captivity is no doubt a momentous event for his employing news agency. However given this news agency reported the 'reduced' death toll of 1200 people in Iraq for the month of Jun in a 15 second soundbite yesterday, yet sees the release of one of its own as warranting 120 times the coverage, this seems disproportionate.

I would ask that they soon get over their euphoria. Civilians and coalition soldiers alike are dying every day in Iraq; this should dominate the headlines.

This said, may we reiterate our happiness at Mr Johnston's release and pass on our best wishes for the future.

Neil, Washington DC, USA

May Hamas, Army of Islam, and all their ideology-driven murderous brothers & sisters see Truth for who He really is. Then they will see what He desires for them to be and the true change can begin--the transformation from evil to good. It is then their lives will be filled with true peace--not based on external forces & conditions, not based on force--and genuine unconditional love. You know, the kind of love that is willing to lay down it's life for another, but isn't willing to take others' lives with it. At that time, they won't have a need to kidnap & terrorize anyone anymore...ever. And the world will be a better place.

I hope Mr. Johnston recovers psychologically from his ordeal.

Maricela, Hacienda Heights,

Happy news for Alan Johnson and his family. His professional position, however, is problematic. He was happy in captivity to parrot the kidnappers' distorted views, which in his mouth resembled to the nonsense the BBC habitually peddles about Israeli history. He said: "From history, the British worked to bring about the state of Israel". He must know the untruth of this - why then did the Jewish underground blow up the British HQ in Jerusalem? Why did the British prevent boatloads of refugees from Hitler landing in Palestine? Unless he publicly retracts this statement, he is contributing to the great cloud of Arab denial whch stands in the way of Palestinian relief, and he has no further legitimacy as a reporter.

Tom, London,

What about rumours that AJ was involved in the planning of his "abduction" for mercenary reasons? Will he be debriefed by the FO as well as the BBC?

Martha, Leeds,

This seems a little like saying that the bank robbers rescued a kidnap victim. While I appreciate the fact that they did save the life of one British news person, I can't help but remember that just a short time back they were dragging people out into the streets and executing them simply because they were connected to the legitimate government there. Aren't these the same people who want Israel wiped off the face of the earth?
Before you decide that they are our new buddies, think about what they have said about us in the past. Most of them were probably among the cheering crowds on 9-11.

Lynn Fallis, Bellingham, Washington

Some good news for once. Welcome back Alan!

Now let's not forget all those other hostages who are not lucky enough to have the politically convenient support of Hammas and do not have the backing of probably the largest and most respected media network in the World.

Am I right in thinking prisoners were released in return? Is this really going to stop future kidnappings in the region or assist in the release of other Western hostages elsewhere in the World?

What a mess.

Mark, Birmingham, UK

Why is it that journalists seem to believe that captive journalists are more worthy of compassion than other human beings? All news outlets have abandoned all objectivity and covered this story like it's a great boon for mankind. Come out of your cocoons.

John Q. Public, New York, USA

We should thank Hamas for their brilliant work and to uphold the true picture of Islam and show the world that not all parties which terrorize in the name of Islam are not Islamist. Rather they can be called a mere terrorists and against the teachings and beliefs of Islam

Abubakar Rahil, Dhaka, Bangladesh

Doubtless it is good publicity for Hamas who are trying to show the world that it and no other group controls Gaza.It is wonderful news for Mr Johnston and his family.The BBC can repeat the dramatic liberation of their reporter ad infintum culminating in the inevitable extended interviews of him and his family.

Yet we should not forget that this event in itself has no bearing on the so called peace process in Israel and the Occupied Territories nor will it bring about reconciliation between Hamas and Fatah each of which control separate parts of what are meant to comprise an independent Palestinian state.When the hype dies away and the BBC's man in Gaza is looking for a new posting the problem of two nations one land will remain.

BILL JACKSON, Nottingham, UK

We are beginning to see perhaps why the Palestinian people voted democratically for Hamas instead of Fatah. They appear more capable of restoring order and eliminating the chaos and corruption that was a hallmark of the Fatah era. Possibly the world's refusal to accept the results of a democratic election will come to be seen as yet another mistake, just as the invasion of Iraq now clearly is seen to be.

Graham Hawker, Marbella, Spain

Terrific news! I am sincerely elated for Alan Johnston and his family. What a relief. Still, I found it extremely ironic, that in part he was freed after Hamas police cut the electricity and water and set up roadblocks. Imagine how Alan Johnston would have reported such unfjust actions, when Israel attempts similar tactics to protect its own citizens.

Mike, Raleigh, USA/ NC

Welcome back! Happy you are alive and well!

Erez, jerusalem,

Hooray!!

DannyJ, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire

Thank God for some good news for a change.

Christine of Hayes, Hayes, Middlesex, England

Wonderful news! I do hope the BBC funds some psychological aftercare for Alan.

Sheelagh , Cheadle, Cheshire

Thank god for Mr. Johnston safe release, and one piece of good news amidst all the current panic.

Richard Davis, Vienna, Austria

The "Army of Islam" held Alan Johnston for about 4 months and now he's freed by HAMAS' actions against the AOI; what about HAMAS freeing Gilad Shalit - who has WAS KIDNAPPED BY HAMAS and still being held by HAMAS (the RULING political party in GAZA) for OVER A YEAR? And WHY didn't your article even mention him at all?

Chaya, Tel-Aviv, ISRAEL

"In the 114 days of his captivity Muslim leaders, journalists and politicians have united to condemn his captors"

What I remember is tepid, rare condemnation. Had Muslim leaders around the world truly united to condemn his captors this would have been over long ago. Where was the universal, horrified outcry from any Muslim community or leaders?

Way to give credit where credit is not due. Muslim leaders need to start uniting for peace & peaceful actions, so false credit is unhelpful to asking for them to move in that direction.

sheri, rockville, usa