Two Japanese men have been threatened with death by the Islamic State group if their government doesn’t pay a huge ransom. A look at hostages and Japan, and its interests in the Middle East:
WHO ARE THE HOSTAGES?
One seems obsessed with weapons and military goods. The other is a freelance journalist who has reported on children in war-torn areas. Their paths have crossed previously.
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Government spokesman Yoshihide Suga said that Tokyo remains committed to working for stability in the region and providing non-military, humanitarian aid. Abe and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu agreed Sunday during Abe’s visit to Jerusalem to cooperate on counterterrorism.
Japan relies on the Middle East for most of the crude oil it needs to run the world’s third-largest economy. Japan has been stepping up its efforts to build wider economic ties and has increased exports as Abe has crisscrossed the region peddling Japanese technology and investment. Abe’s Middle East mission included more than 100 government officials and presidents of Japanese companies.
