Caroline Hawley has been the BBC correspondent in Iraq since before the fall of Saddam Hussein, but is packing her bags to move to Jerusalem to take up a new role as Middle East correspondent. As she leaves Baghdad, she reflects on the memories she will be taking away with her.
I have found her reporting excellent throughout the past few years, many correspondents took the option to sensationalise and take advantage of the war and it's aftermath - she imo didn't.
Caroline Hawley has been the BBC correspondent in Iraq since before the fall of Saddam Hussein, but is packing her bags to move to Jerusalem to take up a new role as Middle East correspondent. As she leaves Baghdad, she reflects on the memories she will be taking away with her.
I have found her reporting excellent throughout the past few years, many correspondents took the option to sensationalise and take advantage of the war and it's aftermath - she imo didn't.
I wish her well in her new role.
Agreed, an excellent journalist who doesn't rely on spin and presents the facts and their implications clearly and intelligently. You really got the feel that she had close ties with the country she was reporting on, and certainly knew her stuff.
But I imagine over two years is quite enough time for anyone to spend in Baghdad at the moment - and I'm sure she'll be excellent in her new Middle East posting.
Away from a religious civil war to a religious occupation. Poor her. Mind you she does deserve a break from Iraq, I'm sure the BBC will find another pretty face to put there for our viewing pleasure.
Away from a religious civil war to a religious occupation. Poor her. Mind you she does deserve a break from Iraq, I'm sure the BBC will find another pretty face to put there for our viewing pleasure.
The pretty face that will replace Caroline is Andrew North - currently Kabul Correspondent
There was just a mention of Caroline Hawley's departure from Baghdad on N24, followed by a package of some of her reports from Iraq over the past three years. There was a live two way marking her final report from Baghdad.
She said that she was mildly saddened to leave Baghdad, but that it came with a hint of relief to finally be leaving. She also said that she's never been particularly scared living in Baghdad, but that she's had many nightmares of being kidnapped. She added that she was sad that the circumstances in the country prevented her from travelling around the country openly, as it would be an open invitation for kidnapping. Finally, Jon Sopel wished her well in Jerusalem, and her final sign-off was a simple - and seemingly relieved - smile.
It's quite unusual for the BBC to make any specific point out of any journalists being reshufled - it shows how much of a household name and face she has become whilst reporting from Baghdad. It's just expected that she will be on every time you are watching the news.
Hopefully she can have a relaxing Christmas break ready for 2006. - Thanks for the stories!
I think personally she deserves a long break as it is well deserved. She has spent a long time in Baghdad and most possibly has had very little time off.