The safe release of Amanda Lindhout and Nigel Brennan from captivity in Somalia has served as fodder for rather vigorous debate about exactly who should be called a journalist, whether they were foolish to think they could report safely in Somalia, among other side issues.

Here is a sampling of the Canada-side debate:

Andrew Cohen takes a rather harsh view of Amanda Lindhout. Frankly, this is over the top, as it ignores the fact that many fine journalists made their name by freelancing in rsky parts of the world. Among other factors, the difference with Lindhout and Brennan is that they got into trouble where others may well have narrowly avoided similar circumstances. His piece isn't helped by the fact that he opened it with such a well-worn anecdote about Margaret Laurence.

Chris Selley rather vehemently disagrees with Cohen's belief that Lindhout should not be called a journalist.

Toronto Star reporter Michelle Shephard, who as a reporter on national security issues has traveled in many dangerous parts of the world, weights in.

CTV web writer Bill Doskoch, whose blog often covers Canadian media issues, touches on the subject here and here.

The two most recent Radio Silence posts on the kidnapping, which include links to older pieces, are here and here.