] The American contractor kidnapped in Saudi Arabia, purportedly ] by al-Qaida, placed great value in Arabic culture and once sent a ] copy of the Quran to his sister, his son said. ] ] Paul Johnson Jr. highlighted passages from the Islamic ] holy text that he felt were especially important, said ] Paul Johnson III. I do not personally know Paul Johnson, but he is a friend of my extended family, and news of his kidnapping was greeted with sadness. My sympathies go to him and his family, and I hope for his safe return. |