FREE AT LAST



After more than 110 days in captivity, my colleague Alan Johnston is finally free.

Yesterday was one of the greatest days I've ever spent in the BBC newsroom. Even the most grizzled hack had a smile on his or her face.

Yesterday evening, we celebrated Alan's release at the Amnesty International Media Awards, where his parents Graham and Margaret received a standing ovation.

And after thinking long and hard about it, I've decided to use Alan's release as an opportunity to draw this blog to a close....for the moment at least.

The sad fact is that with the demands of my beautiful baby, work and assorted other projects, I just haven't had the time or energy I'd like to devote to this blog recently.

I don't like doing things by half measures, so I'd rather stop completely than continue half-heartedly.

Although I haven't decided yet, I'm tempted to continue podcasting and would be interested to hear about any projects which might be of interest to a cynical, one-legged hack.

It's been a fascinating, stimulating, if at times tragic four years.

Thanks to everyone who's followed the journey.