I used to be a producer with BBC News. It has been upsetting to read about the price paid in death and injury by journalists covering the war in Iraq. Stuart Hughes, John Simpson's producer in Northern Iraq, has had his foot amputated and he describes his feelings about the operation on [Link:stuarthughes.blogspot.com/|his own website]. When I read ihis account, I wondered at his motivation. I expect that he has been functioning in 'journalist mode' in all his waking hours for weeks. Despite his trauma he cannot stop and he attempts to deal with his feelings by continuing to function journalistically. I feel very much for him and wish him the best.