EXPLOITING THE WAR WOUNDED: Denis Boyles is very upset. Excerpt:

In the last week, Ali Ismail Abbas has sold perhaps more British newspapers and magazines than any other single person in Iraq, with the possible exception of Saddam Hussein. He’s been featured in virtually every newspaper in the UK, often more than once. In Europe and America, by now almost every major newsmagazine has run the pathetic photo of the boy along with his sad tale. . . .

In today’s Daily Telegraph, Ali Ismail Abbas finally hits back: “‘The journalists always promise to evacuate me – why don’t they do it now?’ he asked, his brow furrowed with pain and glistening with sweat.” Day after day, reporters and camera crews have wallowed into Ali’s view, making promises they can’t keep.

“The Mirror launched an appeal on Ali’s behalf and the London Evening Standard used his face to launch their Red Cross ‘victims of war’ appeal,” the Telegraph’s man reports. He has listened to the hacks and listened to their promises. But no more. “‘You are coming to make fun of me because I have lost my arms?’ he asked. ‘Doctor, doctor, no more journalists please.'”

Somebody get this kid some help. And a lawyer.

UPDATE: Howard Owens has more thoughts on exploitation. Meanwhile Ali is being airlifted to Kuwait by the U.S. military.