In the line of duty

NBC News chief foreign correspondent Richard Engel's harrowing ordeal in Syria put an exclamation point on the always-current dangers involved in being the world's eyes and ears in troubled times and places. Sadly, however, it was only the latest in a growing number of incidents that have resulted in anything from psychological torture -- Engel and company had to endure mock executions -- to injury and death. The Committee to Protect Journalists says 70 journalists were killed in the line of duty around the world in 2012, one of the deadliest years since CPJ began keeping detailed records in 1992, according to the group. Syria was by far the most dangerous place to be; 28 journalists were killed there covering the fighting last year.