Well, it's been an interesting news week - especially since the 4th of July week is usually a slow news time.  

In between all the news stories about men and women serving overseas, and various parades and celebrations around the country, we learned that BBC reporter Alan Johnstonwas released after 16 weeks in captivity.    I had been following this story since I listen to NPR and BBC World Service most mornings.  But I'm frustrated to say that I barely understand the politics of why he was abducted, and by whom, and why he was released.  I was glad to see his smiling face on the NYTimes site this morning, but still wish I knew more about Palestinian politics.