tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32776756.post4336253072415789150..comments2023-10-20T18:03:01.821+09:00Comments on GlobalTalk 21: What the Islam State Is Doing to the YazidisJun Okumurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00291478225274759649noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32776756.post-48761703733847553672014-08-22T18:33:20.616+09:002014-08-22T18:33:20.616+09:00Yakimi:
If I had to make a guess, no, the Japanes...Yakimi:<br /><br />If I had to make a guess, no, the Japanese government will do its best not to have to ransom the young man. For sympathy for this and other Japanese freebooters who get into trouble in Middle East combat zones typically runs low compared to the US and European equivalent for their nationals trapped in similar cases. (The US does not ransom, but will not hesitate to use force if it believes that it will be effective.) We Japanese have few historical connections to the region and Islamic society, and there are specific circumstances regarding this particular individual that runs counter to such action. That said, the Japanese government will do its utmost to negotiate his release, and some cash may change hands along the way, albeit strictly sub rosa.<br /><br />The “private military contractor based in Tokyo” is indeed a very special circumstance. However, it appears to have existed mostly in his imagination/aspirations. The task of the Japanese government lies in convincing the ISIS/IS of said fact.Jun Okumurahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00291478225274759649noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32776756.post-56161824197653781882014-08-19T01:49:29.697+09:002014-08-19T01:49:29.697+09:00Speaking of ISIS, what's your take on the Japa...Speaking of ISIS, what's your take on the Japanese man they captured in Syria?<br /><br />http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/08/18/us-syria-crisis-japan-idUSKBN0GI04M20140818<br /><br />http://blog.livedoor.jp/charosuke0127/archives/51969499.html<br /><br />He appears to work for a private military contractor based in Tokyo. He is acquainted with a few diplomats and politicians.<br /><br />Do you think the Japanese government will pay his ransom? And are there any laws concerning private military service in conflict zones by Japanese citizens that could complicate his return?Yakiminoreply@blogger.com