Iraq Coalition Vows No More Kidnap Concessions

In a late response to the Philippines' move to join the Coalition of the Wilting, the U.S. is now saying that the nations remaining in the Iraqi theater of operations have sworn off further concessions to kidnappers.

In an effort to present a united front against a wave of kidnappings, the United States issued a policy statement that it said was supported by the coalition hoping to send a message to hostage-takers they would not win their demands.

"We understand that conceding to terrorists will only endanger all members of the multinational force, as well as other countries who are contributing to Iraqi reconstruction and humanitarian assistance," the statement said.

The United States has faced an erosion in its coalition this year and insurgents have tested the will of governments to keep troops in Iraq by targeting their citizens with kidnappings and beheadings.

The article goes on to include the obligatory doubts about the actual strength of the message and to detail some of the terrorists' criminal successes and current threats.

I had to sign a waiver to play lacrosse. Maybe all foreign workers should have to sign off on a waiver acknowledging that their native country will not pull a Philippines or a Spain and fold up like an origami boulder.