Alan Johnston Released

Alan Johnston, who had been held by Hamas or Army of Islam or the Doghmush clan (a group aligned with Hamas until recent disputes focusing on Johnston's captivity) depending on who was reporting the story, has been released. I'm happy that he is able to be reunited with his family and friends.

Charles Johnson wonders what Johnston might have to say about his experience.

I'm actually more interested to know if a ransom was paid or whether a quid pro quo was arranged between Hamas and the UK, BBC, Israel or any other entity/nation. That, more than Johnston's comments, will shape events going forward. For if a ransom was paid, that means that terrorists will be able to use that money to continue terrorizing Gaza and consider kidnapping an acceptable means of sustaining their operations.

Also, it's good that Johnston was released, but he was far from the only one held in Gaza. Gilad Shalit continues to be held, more than a year after he was taken by Hamas in an invasion of Israel that resulted in two other Israeli soldiers killed. Hamas has been holding him hoping to force Israel to concede a prisoner release.

Hot Air also has coverage.

UPDATE:
Others blogging Johnston's release: The Jawa Report, Gateway Pundit, Kim at Wizbang.

UPDATE:
Hamas is touting Johnston's release as proof that they're providing law and order in Gaza. Except for those pesky kassams fired into Israel, that is.