Horror of perpetual re-execution

After the execution of James Foley, the old framework in which reporters are generally tolerated may be coming to an end, writes Jack Shafer.

BY uploading a video of its execution of journalist James Foley to the web on Tuesday, the Islamic State achieves the impossible — it re-executes him every time somebody presses play.

The horror of perpetual re-execution was obviously the Islamic State’s goal. Nobody with a soul, knowing what’s coming, can listen to Foley’s speech without their hearts going full-throttle and shuddering at the murderous climax.