It Makes a Difference to the Sheep

Japan Today reports one possible snag in the release of Japanese hostages in Iraq: The group that is holding the hostages (and who has threatened to decapitate them if Japan does not withdraw its troops from Iraq) might take umbrage at being labeled a "terrorist group" by Japanese Prime Minister Koizumi.

The militant group holding three Japanese hostage in Iraq is delaying the hostages' release because it has been branded by Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi as a 'terrorist" group, Radio France reported Tuesday, quoting a member of the Islamic Clerics Association.

Well, not exactly:

The French public radio quoted Muhammad Ayash al-Kubaisi as making the remark. But his remarks were believed to be his personal observation rather than a statement he directly heard from the militant group.

So the headline really should read: "Self-appointed spokesman of the militant group says that ...."