Watch CBS News

James Foley Colleague Calls Him Inspiration To Fellow Journalists

BOSTON (CBS) – The shock and horror felt worldwide after the execution of war correspondent James Foley was even more acute for his fellow journalists covering the Middle East.

Dominique Soguel, a reporter for the Christian Science Monitor who has covered the front lines of the Middle East since 2009, was a close friend of James Foley. On Thursday, she recalled her feelings when hearing of Foley's death.

"Like many, many of his friends, I was very, very upset and very distraught. I couldn't really believe it. I didn't want to believe it," said Soguel.

"James embodies journalism, and embodies journalism the way it should be done in the Middle East."

Watch Full Interview With Dominique Soguel

Soguel, who is currently reporting in Istanbul, said she has done her share of frontline reporting, and has had close calls when she felt her own life was in danger. But the reporter said she and her colleagues are willing to risk their own safety.

"I think I would be doing them a huge injustice if I stopped," Soguel said.

When asked what message she would have for Foley's parents, who live in Rochester, N.H., Soguel said she would want them to know how many lives their son touched.

"I would just want to give them a big hug. Your son is an inspiration to a very, very, very wide tribe of journalists who are working here," said Soguel. "We are all deeply, deeply feeling his loss. He brought understanding to the people whose stories he covered so you should be - and I know you are - very proud of him and I am deeply, deeply sorry for your loss."

MORE LOCAL NEWS FROM CBS BOSTON

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.