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Do you think Japan will pay the $200 million ransom to Islamic State for the release of the two hostages?

17 Comments

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17 Comments
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No...

0 ( +1 / -1 )

They should not. Where would that money come from? These men were incredibly foolish.

4 ( +4 / -0 )

Some countries say no because it leads to more kidnappings and other countries say yes because it is unfair to the hostage families and that they should negotiate with the terrorists. So it depends on the country. Of course behind closed doors we know what happens discreetly through intermediaries. Some even suggest a unified policy in paying. However they will never get any ransom money from a American, British or Canadian government. On the other hand if you are a European it is a jack pot. In the end the action that is most likely to be successful is to try to escape if that's even possible.

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

Japan's only got whatever's left of 72 hours to pay that, and how will they explain it if the hostages all of a sudden turn up safe and sound?

Non-disclosure agreement with ISIS, such as other countries apparently had for the past many years when paying ransom with similar organizations, would be useless after the media deluge. Who'd believe they weren't paid off?

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Adults have a personal responsibility. Going over to the this part of the world is silly. In fact, the government should let it be known that individuals who get in trouble there will be on their own.

6 ( +6 / -0 )

They should not, but I think Japan track record in remaining resolute in the face of terrorism is not good.

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

I think probably, although the current government cares very little about its citizens. If they do it will be to avoid being embarrassed by them being killed

0 ( +1 / -1 )

It's not about caring or not caring about Japan's citizens.

It's about setting precedent. If they were to pay, then they will paint a huge target on all Japanese people who are overseas.

These two guys, whilst they do not deserve to die, were there at their own decision. They knew the risks.

Japan will not pay.

3 ( +3 / -0 )

Probably.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

I'm sorry for the two fellows, but it won't happen. Japan would be accused of funding terrorism.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Yes, what for Abenomics is there...massive printing of Yens !

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Ramzel

It's about setting precedent.

That horse has already left the barn. Back in 1999 or so Japan paid $2,000,000 for a kidnapped businessman; earlier, in Peru, a $500,000 was paid for another businessman.

I suspect Abe et al are negotiating for a percentage of the ransom and non-disclosure. Between two and five million and ISIS will say the hostages were released for 'humanitarian' reasons.

If Yukawa and Goto are still alive.

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

No chance. Some people seem to think that because Japan didn't say they won't pay, that Japan are considering it. If they came right out and announced they aren't paying, the hostages would be killed immediately.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

The IS army is estimated to be about 20,000. A better use of the $200 million would be to pay $10,000 to anyone who kills one of them.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

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