The murder by beheading of James Foley, the American journalist, enacted on video by the Islamic State, dominated coverage of the war in Iraq by the British press, partly because the propaganda voice of the ostensible killer on the video had a British accent. But Foley and his family were people with whom readers could empathise.A last letter home to his family, The Independent reported, had been memorised by a fellow captive. “I remember so many great family times that take me away from this prison,” he said. “Dreams of family and friends take me away and happiness fills my heart.“I know you are thinking of me and praying for me. And I am so thankful. I feel you all especially when I pray. I pray for you to stay strong and to believe. I really feel I can touch you