Islamic State group silent as deadline passes with no swap

[Omaha Steve]

Source: AP-Excite

By ELAINE KURTENBACH and KARIN LAUB

TOKYO (AP) — The fates of a Japanese journalist and Jordanian military pilot were unknown Friday, a day after the latest purported deadline for a possible prisoner swap passed with no further word from the Islamic State group holding them captive.

"Government institutions are working around the clock on the case of pilot Muath al-Kaseasbeh," Jordanian military spokesman Mamdouh al-Ameri said in a statement. "We will inform you of any developments in due time."

He urged Jordanians not to listen to rumors.

Japanese officials had no progress to report after a late night that ended with the Jordanian government saying it would only release an al-Qaida prisoner from death row if it got proof the airman was alive.

FULL story at link.



Japan's Defense Minister Gen Nakatani answers reporters' questions at the prime minister's official residence in Tokyo, Friday, Jan. 30, 2015. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)

Read more: http://apnews.excite.com/article/20150130/as--japan-islamic_state-8749388237.html

[Bosonic]

1. Jordan 'could fast-track execution' of Isis prisoners if hostage fighter pilot is killed

Jordan 'could fast-track execution' of Isis prisoners if hostage fighter pilot Muath al-Kasaesbeh is killed

Jordan has reportedly threatened to expedite the trials of prisoners affiliated with Isis, some of whom may face the death penalty, if the group kills a Jordanian pilot it is holding hostage.

In its most recent video, Isis demanded Sajida al-Rishawi be released to the group by sunset in Mosul on Thursday, warning that it would kill Muath al-Kasaesbeh “immediately” if this did not happen.

Al-Rishawi was sentenced to death by hanging in Jordan after being linked to bomb attacks that killed 60 people. She is appealing her sentence.

Elijah Magnier, chief international correspondent for Kuwait's Al Rai newspaper, said he was informed this morning by a contact related to the Jordanian Government that Jordan had passed on a message threatening to fast track al-Rishawi's appeal and the executions of "jihadist prisoners close to Isis".

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/jordan-could-fasttrack-execution-of-isis-prisoners-if-hostage-fighter-pilot-muath-alkasaesbeh-is-killed-10013262.html

[freshwest]

2. ISIL doesn't negotiate in good faith, anymore than Ayn Rand's hero William Hickman did.