German Chancellor Angela Merkel, the first female German Chancellor in history, said in her first speech that she is not going to negotiate with terrorists. After the constant soft spined approach of Gerhard Schroeder this is welcome news and a sign that decisions will be made rather than stalling and backpeddling.

The statement comes on the heels of a German Archaeologist, Susanne Osthoff, being taken hostage by terrorists in Iraq.

USA Today

In a confident first speech to parliament, Merkel also vowed that her government will "not let ourselves be blackmailed" by militants who kidnapped German archaeologist Susanne Osthoff and her driver in Iraq.

"The government is doing everything in its power to bring the German citizen and her driver as soon as possible to safety," Merkel said.

Tipped by: The Jawa Report