Members of the Iraqi resistance have taken three Japanese hostages and have threatened to burn them alive unless Japan withdraws from Iraq. A Syrian-born Canadian and two Palestinians are also being held. Japan has refused to pull its troops. But in Tokyo at least 600 people rallied in the streets to demand the Japanese troops return home.

U.S. Ceasefire In Fallujah Lasts 90 Minutes
The U.S. announced a ceasefire earlier today in the Sunni stronghold of Fallujah but it appears the suspension of fighting only lasted 90 minutes. This according to Agence France Press. Over the past five days US forces have killed an estimated 300 Iraqis and wounded 400. The U.S. had totally sealed off the city and blocked all incoming traffic. Sunnis and Shiites from across Iraq joined together to send aid to Fallujah but the Arabic newspaper Al-Hayat reported the U.S. turned away many aid vehicles carrying food, water and medicine.