The cowardly reaction of the Philippines Government to the kidnapping of one of their citizens, agreeing to withdraw from Iraq, is already causing blowback problems for Japan. According to the AP

The Islamic militant group blamed for deadly attacks on foreign and local interests in Iraq threatened Japan on Tuesday that car bombs would strike its troops if they were not withdrawn.

"To the government of Japan: do what the Philippines has done. By God, nobody will protect you and we are not going to tolerate anybody," said an online statement signed by the Khalid bin al—Waleed Brigade, the military wing of the Tawhid and Jihad group.

"Lines of cars laden with explosives are awaiting you; we will not stop, God willing," said the statement, carried by an Islamic forum, known as a clearinghouse for statements by extremist groups.

"You didn't come to support the people of Iraq but to protect the Americans. Your destiny will be the same of Americans," the statement said.

Japan is not the Philippines. Japan has already dealt with the question twice before, when its citizens were kidnapped. Japan is not a country that you want angry at you, either. A word to the wise.

Posted by Thomas  07 20 04