Daniel McGrory of the Times of London reports that three EU countries have sent $45 million in rtansom to terrorists.

FRANCE, Italy and Germany sanctioned the payment of $45 million in deals to free nine hostages abducted in Iraq, according to documents seen by The Times.

All three governments have publicly denied paying ransom money. But according to the documents, held by security officials in Baghdad who have played a crucial role in hostage negotiations, sums from $2.5 million to $10 million per person have been paid over the past 21 months. Among those said to have received cash ransoms was the gang responsible for seizing British hostages including Kenneth Bigley, the murdered Liverpool engineer.

The article is well worth reading, especially its final section which contrasts what the governments of France, Germany and Italy said, and what the documents allegedly show they did. Notice also which country put by far the most money into terror hands. I bet you can guess....

Hat tip: Ed Lasky 

Thomas Lifson   5 22 06