] A little known group of Islamic militants called Saraya
] al-Mujaheddin -- which released a video Thursday showing
] the hostages being threatened with guns and knifes -- has
] pledged to burn the three Japanese alive if Tokyo does
] not withdraw its 550 non-combat troops from Iraq by
] Sunday night.

What a horrible decision to have to make. Stay resolute and possibly watch your people be killed, or submit to demands and know that all your citizens abroad are at risk that they too could be kidnapped to force your hand.