ISIS now threatens to kill 2 Japanese citizens in 72 hours.

via Jerusalem Online.

The murderous terror organization Islamic State threatens to execute two Japanese hostages while the Japanese Prime Minister visits Israel. In another chilling video clip that Islamic State published this morning, John the Jihadist, who is known from previous video clips holding a knife in his hands, appears and beside him are the two Japanese hostages on their knees. According to him, if $200 million won’t be transferred to the terror organization within 72 hours, they will be executed.
“Mr. Japanese Prime Minister, despite the fact that you are located over 8,000 kilometers from Islamic State, you are part of this crusade,” John the Jihadist stated in the video. “You donated $100 million in order to help kill women and children, as well as to destroy the homes of Muslims. Therefore, for the life of one of these hostages, you will raise $100 million.”
“In order to prevent Islamic State from spreading, you will donate $100 million more. Therefore, the life of the other hostage is worth a similar sum,” he threatened while turning to the Japanese people, demanding them to pressure their government to pay the ransom within 72 hours or the two would be executed.

I don't know whether to be pissed off, amazed or both.

Why are Western govt's not declaring this entire region off limits to civilian travel?  Why is ISIS still being able to lay its hands on our nationals, not by subterfuge but because some "world citizen" and humanitarian types decide that they want to travel to the region to change the world?

Fantasy trumping reality is a theme that is gaining traction with me and its infuriating.

I will be saddened when these two men are murdered.  I will also think they brought it on themselves.  You don't head into a danger zone and not expect bad things to happen to you.

What will be interesting is the Japanese public reaction to this atrocity.  Will it strengthen their resolve or will they wilt.  Culturally, beheadings are nothing new for them (at least in ancient times).  This will bear watching.

NOTE:  The Western govts have all expressed concern about citizens going to Syria to fight with or for ISIS.  They haven't said a word about nationals that go to the region to help with refugees or to distribute humanitarian supplies.  Law abiding citizens should be the main concern.  If you tell citizens that travel to these areas are restricted then a law abiding citizen will not go and ISIS will not have victims to behead on YouTube.  That's where I'm coming from.