Iraq Abduction Puts Japan Gov't in Crisis (AP)

Grok Headline matches for Iraq Abduction Puts Japan Gov't in Crisis (AP)

Iraq abductions leave Japan in crisis

Iraq abductions leave Japan in crisis 04/09/2004 04:03 PM

Networks crisis puts 3G on hold

Networks crisis puts 3G on hold 09/19/2004 05:47 AM
Evening Standard Sep 19 2004 8:53AM GMT

Group claims abduction of Egyptian in
Iraq

Group claims abduction of Egyptian in
Iraq 07/06/2004 06:35 PM

Group Claims Abduction of Egyptian in
Iraq (AP)

Group Claims Abduction of Egyptian in
Iraq (AP) 07/06/2004 04:44 PM
AP - An insurgent group in Iraq said Tuesday they had kidnapped an Egyptian truck driver working in the country and released video to the al-Jazeera television station of the man.

Japan seeks end to hostage crisis

Japan seeks end to hostage crisis 04/09/2004 11:53 PM
A senior Japanese official arrives in Jordan to co-ordinate efforts to rescue three citizens caught in Iraq.

Government trying to use hostage crisis
to squash NGO's in Japan

Government trying to use hostage crisis
to squash NGO's in Japan 05/11/2004 10:54 AM

The Japan Times

Kidnap crisis poses a new risk

In Japan's case, laws are being proposed to punish those entering designated "danger zones" without an official reason.

Victims -- or their families -- will foot the bill for their rescue, which will amount to airfare, if not more. "This is standard practice for mountain rescues," one line of reasoning goes.

But consider two things: One is that an aid mission to a danger zone is not a forest stroll gone astray. The very comparison indicates a misunderstanding of what aid missions do.

The second is policy overstretch and political abuse. This law would place a degree of government control over aid organizations, something many don't want. Particularly NGOs (by very the nature of their title) eschew government support, especially when they take on problems governments would rather avoid.

Under this law, they would effectively need official permission to work in some places overseas. Those "unsponsored" who get unlucky will face a "rescue fine" -- which could bankrupt the person or the organization. Thus this new system of rents will curtail Japanese volunteerism.

The Japanese government is taking this way too far and totally agree with the author of this article that this is a bad bad thing. As I've said before, legislation during emotionally charged times often ends up being stupid and poorly thought through. The ramifications of such a law would be devastating for NGO's and aid workers from Japan, just when such activity is becoming recognized. It almost feels like some stupid conspiracy to use this incident to squash the NGO's in Japan. Bah. I have less and less respect for the Japanese government every day.

Iraq Hostage Crisis Spirals

Iraq Hostage Crisis Spirals 07/25/2004 04:11 AM
Reuters via Wired News Jul 25 2004 7:30AM GMT

Cook Quits Over Iraq Crisis

Cook Quits Over Iraq Crisis 03/19/2003 10:27 PM
David Mitchell, a 38 year old cook from South London, dramatically quit his high-school canteen job today in a personal protest over the looming war in Iraq.

According to a press release later issued by Mitchell, he took his dramatic action following the decision yesterday by the US, UK and Spanish governments to give Saddam Hussein one final day to comply with UN Convention 1442. Mitchell, who had been employed by Vauxhall Education Authority for 6 years, took his kitchen co-workers by surprise with his anti-war outburst shortly after 9am this morning.

"I'm fed-up to the back teeth with the oppressive and imperialistic stance that the US and British governments have taken over this bleedin' Iraq issue." said Mitchell in a prepared press release. Mitchell went on to say, "It's about bloody time people took a stand against this unfair and unlawful action and I for one feel very strongly about this however, I do very much regret that my actions today could mean that many of our pupils will not be able to benefit from a full and nutritious menu this lunchtime. I just hope that the kids don't hold it against me and that history will prove to be my judge."

Mitchell gave his employers little notice of his intention to walk out and school headmaster, Reg Harris OBE, was said to be somewhat "Distressed and shaken" at the prospect of a limited lunch menu on a Monday, notoriously the most depressing day of the week for many schools. Arrangements were being made to provide counseling for pupils unable to cope with the fact that chips would now be off the menu for the foreseeable future. Mitchell was unavailable for further comment.

Tribal Sunni Chief Will Lead Iraq Gov't
(AP)

Tribal Sunni Chief Will Lead Iraq Gov't
(AP) 06/01/2004 09:56 PM
AP - Iraqi officials prevailed in their choice for president over the candidate favored by the United States, allowing a U.N. envoy Tuesday to appoint an interim government reflecting Iraq's religious and cultural diversity to rule after the return of sovereignty June 30.

Shiite Leader Accepts Iraq Interim Gov't
(AP)

Shiite Leader Accepts Iraq Interim Gov't
(AP) 06/03/2004 08:32 PM
AP - Iraq's most influential Shiite figure gave tacit endorsement to the U.N.-appointed government Thursday, breaking nearly three months of silence over the country's political future. But the supreme religious leader in neighboring Iran dubbed the body a "lackey" of America.

Sunni Muslim chief will lead Iraq gov't

Sunni Muslim chief will lead Iraq gov't 06/01/2004 05:30 PM

Iraq Hostage Crisis Spirals (Reuters)

Iraq Hostage Crisis Spirals (Reuters) 07/25/2004 02:43 AM
Reuters - Two Pakistanis working for a Kuwait-based company were missing and feared kidnapped in Iraq on Sunday, as the country's hostage crisis deepened with at least 22 countries so far affected.

Iraq Hostage Crisis Unites France Behind
Law (Reuters)

Iraq Hostage Crisis Unites France Behind
Law (Reuters) 08/30/2004 05:00 AM
Reuters - French critics and defenders of a ban on Muslim headscarves in schools united in support of the law on Monday, pledging to stand firm against militants holding two French journalists hostage in Iraq who want the law scrapped.

Heavy Clashes in Iraq; Hostage Crisis
Spirals

Heavy Clashes in Iraq; Hostage Crisis
Spirals 07/25/2004 10:46 AM
Reuters via Wired News Jul 25 2004 1:39PM GMT

Revolts in Iraq Deepen Crisis In
Occupation (washingtonpost.com)

Revolts in Iraq Deepen Crisis In
Occupation (washingtonpost.com) 04/19/2004 09:36 AM

Short Takes: Iraq E-gov't. Shrinking
Loyalty. Spam Figures

Short Takes: Iraq E-gov't. Shrinking
Loyalty. Spam Figures 08/20/2004 07:46 PM
1to1 Aug 20 2004 9:49PM GMT

Iraq Delegates Say Sadr Agrees to End
Najaf Crisis (Reuters)

Iraq Delegates Say Sadr Agrees to End
Najaf Crisis (Reuters) 08/18/2004 10:25 AM
Reuters - Iraqi delegates to a conference choosing a national assembly said Wednesday that radical Shi'ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr had agreed to demands to end an uprising in the holy city of Najaf.

Hopeful White House admits Iraq crisis
could worsen

Hopeful White House admits Iraq crisis
could worsen 05/04/2004 03:24 PM

Protest at Iraq Forum Reshapes Najaf
Crisis (washingtonpost.com)

Protest at Iraq Forum Reshapes Najaf
Crisis (washingtonpost.com) 08/15/2004 09:25 PM
washingtonpost.com - BAGHDAD, Aug. 15 -- More than 1,100 Iraqis convened Sunday for the start of a conference aimed at selecting a national assembly, a milestone in the country's transition to democracy, but the high-security meeting was roiled by a dispute over the use of military force to confront militiamen loyal to a rebellious Shiite Muslim cleric.

Global Disaster Information Network in
the Works to Help Remote Crisis-Stricken
Areas Around the World;Preliminary
Findings to Be Presented at World
Conference on Disaster Reduction, Kobe,
Japan, January 18-22, 2005

Global Disaster Information Network in
the Works to Help Remote Crisis-Stricken
Areas Around the World;Preliminary
Findings to Be Presented at World
Conference on Disaster Reduction, Kobe,
Japan, January 18-22, 2005 01/05/2005 03:28 AM
In the aftermath of the tsunamis that devastated Asia in late December 2004, observers pointed out that lack of official, credible information gave victims and governments in the area little prior warning of the impending disaster. Although still in the developmental stages, a partnership of the Global Disaster Information Network (GDIN) and the Organsation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) is creating an information system that may significantly reduce the impact of future natural and manmade disasters. Native American Pueblo and Navajo Nations in Arizona, New Mexico, Utah and Colorado are providing pilot sites for the GDIN system. [PRWEB Jan 5, 2005]

U.S. Base in Iraq Attacked, Allawi Puts
Security Top

U.S. Base in Iraq Attacked, Allawi Puts
Security Top 06/02/2004 10:52 PM
Reuters via Wired News Jun 3 2004 3:19AM GMT

Japan reporters attacked in Iraq

Japan reporters attacked in Iraq 05/28/2004 12:38 AM
Gunmen fire on a car carrying two Japanese journalists in Iraq, with one of them believed to have been killed.

Japan clears Iraq troop dispatch

Japan clears Iraq troop dispatch 01/26/2004 02:21 AM
Japan is expected to formally approve the dispatch of 600 troops to Iraq despite widespread public opposition.

Japan PM Re-Elected, Iraq Dispatch on
Hold

Japan PM Re-Elected, Iraq Dispatch on
Hold 11/19/2003 02:48 AM
Reuters via Wired News Nov 19 2003 1:43AM ET

Japan cabinet approves Iraq plan

Japan cabinet approves Iraq plan 06/17/2004 10:50 PM
Japan's cabinet passes a proposal to allow its troops join a new multinational force in Iraq.

Iraq Overshadows Cheney Visit to Japan

Iraq Overshadows Cheney Visit to Japan 04/10/2004 03:28 PM
Reuters via Wired News Apr 10 2004 7:45PM GMT

Japan firm on Iraq hostage demand

Japan firm on Iraq hostage demand 04/09/2004 04:13 PM
Japan's PM says his country will not withdraw its troops from Iraq, despite threats to kill three Japanese hostages.

Reaction of Japan to the Japanese
Hostages in Iraq

Reaction of Japan to the Japanese
Hostages in Iraq 04/30/2004 03:22 AM

Several people have asked me to comment on an article in the NYT about the reaction of to the Japanese people to the three Japanese taken hostage in Iraq. The article describes how everyone including the politicians in Japan are angry at the hostages for causing trouble to the Japanese government and being irresponsible.

There are many conflicting reports about whether they were reckless or not and what their motives were so I won't comment on that. I also don't feel strongly personally on this issue so I'm not going to make a judgmental point either. What I would like to describe is a bit more background on how Japanese think about responsibility and apologies.

I think one of the things that made many Japanese I know upset were the parents of the hostages making public statements about how the government should help get the hostages back without apologizing first about causing trouble for the government. Even if they didn't believe it, it would be proper Japanese etiquette to say this first. It's quite cliche, but it's true that if you get into an automobile accident in Japan, even if you think it's probably the other person's fault, you apologize first. Japanese are warned not to do this in the US because apologizes imply responsibility. In many cases, apologies in Japan are a formality and skipping them is rather rude. I think many people thought these parents were "rude" on a national scale. Another example of a throw-away apology is that when you ask for a waiter in a restaurant, you say, "I'm sorry... or excuse me." We often apologize profusely when in doubt or are requesting any kind of favor.

An important psychological element is that even though we are individuals, we often represent the group. I have something like 16 or so generations before me on my gravestone and I often feel like a mere blip in the history of my family. Taking risk or tainting my family name is not something that I can freely do without feeling the guilt and responsibility to my ancestors.

It's also interesting to note that most Japanese children's cartoons have story lines where they are a team. Often one of the members get in trouble or drop out of the group and the whole show is about how the group tries to help the drop out get back in tune with the group. It's usually the group saving the single "problem" member. On the other hand, many American cartoons are super-heros who are independent and save the world through taking risk and being different. I know I'm generalizing here, but people who watch a lot of Japanese TV will understand what I'm saying I think.

I once talked to one of the directors of the Sumo Wrestling association. She said she always had a great deal of difficulty explaining one of the core principles of Sumo to foreigners. Sumo wrestlers are not supposed to show anguish when they lose or happiness when they win. They are to be emotionless and stoic. "Like a rooster carved out of wood," she said. This is a very central theme to many of Japanese aesthetics. This Japanese stoicism is central to much of the Japanese lack of sympathy to heroics, I think.

Although I understand what the NYT article is saying and I don't necessarily agree with the way the hostages are being treated and picked on right now, I think that lack of initial apologies and the feeling of Japanese to heroics in Japan is behind the reaction. Having said that, I think this attitude is what is hampering Japan's entrepreneurism as well as Japan's ability to participate as a leader in global affairs. It's a fairly deeply rooted cultural theme that won't change very easily though.

As usual, I'm happy to hear dissenting opinions.

Japan PM Seen Buoyed After Iraq Hostages
Freed

Japan PM Seen Buoyed After Iraq Hostages
Freed 04/18/2004 04:40 AM
Reuters via Wired News Apr 18 2004 7:48AM GMT

Japan unsure of safety of hostages in
Iraq

Japan unsure of safety of hostages in
Iraq 04/12/2004 08:39 AM

Japan Awaits Release of 3 Iraq Hostages
(AP)

Japan Awaits Release of 3 Iraq Hostages
(AP) 04/11/2004 11:42 PM
AP - Japan waited anxiously Monday for the release of three Japanese civilians taken hostage in Iraq, as the government struggled to determine whether they were safe and if armed captors planned to set them free as promised.

Iraq test looms for Japan troops

Iraq test looms for Japan troops 01/16/2004 11:04 AM
Japan sends its first troops to a combat zone since World War II, as a small force sets off for deployment in Iraq.

Japan PM Firm on Iraq Despite New
Hostages Report

Japan PM Firm on Iraq Despite New
Hostages Report 04/15/2004 01:10 AM
Reuters via Wired News Apr 15 2004 5:07AM GMT

Japan PM Gets Boost, Iraq Hostages
Return

Japan PM Gets Boost, Iraq Hostages
Return 04/18/2004 07:08 AM
Reuters via Wired News Apr 18 2004 10:43AM GMT

Japan Stalls Iraq Deployment After
Suicide Bombing

Japan Stalls Iraq Deployment After
Suicide Bombing 11/13/2003 01:46 PM
Reuters via Wired News Nov 13 2003 11:54AM ET

Zarqawi Demands Japan Withdraw from Iraq
(Reuters)

Zarqawi Demands Japan Withdraw from Iraq
(Reuters) 07/20/2004 07:43 AM
Reuters - Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, an Islamic militant with suspected ties to al Qaeda, has demanded that Japan pull its troops out of Iraq or face attacks, according to a statement posted on Tuesday on an Islamist Web site.

Japan Hostages Said Safe in Iraq,
Relatives Anxious

Japan Hostages Said Safe in Iraq,
Relatives Anxious 04/11/2004 04:18 AM
Reuters via Wired News Apr 11 2004 7:50AM GMT

Japan Minister Appeals for Iraq Hostage
Release

Japan Minister Appeals for Iraq Hostage
Release 04/10/2004 12:38 PM
Reuters via Wired News Apr 10 2004 4:43PM GMT

Japan Envoy Seeks Rescue of Iraq
Hostages

Japan Envoy Seeks Rescue of Iraq
Hostages 04/10/2004 01:01 AM
Reuters via Wired News Apr 10 2004 4:43AM GMT
Grok Description matches for Iraq Abduction Puts Japan Gov't in Crisis (AP)
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Iraq Abduction Puts Japan Gov't in Crisis (AP)

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