I am happy that the three Japanese hostages have been released by their captors. The news stations have been showing footage of the three people while they are in the care of other Iraqis. I am unsure when they will return to Japan but I hope that when they do arrive in Tokyo, they are escorted to the Diet and asked to apologize to the the citizens of the country for their actions.
These three people were warned by the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the dangers of going into Iraq. Refusing to heed that warning, they entered the country and were apprehended by rebels. (Japan Times)
I do not condone the actions of the rebels/terrorists but I also do not understand how the three Japanese and their families have pulled the attention of the nation away from other boring and mundance issues, such as chronic unemployment, homelessness, increasing crime rate, etc. I know the hostage situation plays great in the media while trivial matters of how many people committed suicide today does not make for great headlines.
In Japan, it is estimated that more than 30,000 people commit suicide each year. This figure has never been released by the government - nor do they ever want the country to know. But estimates put it at or near that number. Now, here is the kicker - this level has been steady for the last 7-10 years. Now, think of that number again. Since, let's say, 1994, close to 300,000 people have decided to take their own lives. I don't want to sound morbid here but, I believe Japan has much more pressing concerns than worrying about how 'three people' decided to enter a dangerous country on their own initiative despite warnings from their own government.
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