Astigmatism

"In optics, astigmatism (from Greek: α- a- "without" + στίγματος stigmatos, gen. of στίγμα stigma "a mark, spot, puncture"^[1]) is when an optical system has different foci for rays that propagate in two perpendicular planes. If an optical system with astigmatism is used to form an image of a cross, the vertical and horizontal lines will be in sharp focus at two different distances." Wikipedia on astigmatism.

Here again, the action: take hostages.

The reaction, generally: no negotiations--

Followed by negotiations.

And this too will resolve.

Without question, there will be another action and of a similarly circular nature.

In Afghanistan's Korean hostage crisis, the sweetest of do-gooders, a group of Christians from an affluent Korean district set out to provide humanitarian services in what they may have perceived as a country recovering from war rather than one still mired in it.

The wisdom of that thinking has been soundly and roundly criticized and dismissed here and elsewhere.

Beyond that tragically parochial decision-making lies the practice of delivering to a xenophobic Islam services of an Islamic cast--i.e., not the "Red Cross" but the "Red Crescent"--and recognizing the traditional sanctity of a country's prevalent and legitimate customs and laws.  However, when adventurers violate such, expulsion and escort, if appropriate, to the border generally suits.

Kidnapping serves other and varied purposes.

In this episode, Digital Chosunilbo, a leading information resource for Korea, notes the efforts of the Korean Muslim community to pray for and urge the Taliban to release the 22 so far surviving hostages. [2]

In another article, Chosunilbo passes along the world's indignation and puzzlement over the point of further bloodshed. [3]

One of CNN's Associated Press dispatches begins, ""Afghan clerics and tribal elders are negotiating for the release of 22 South Korean hostages . . . ." [5]

The latest deadline I've read for the Taliban resolving how the hostages will fare is 4:30 p.m. Korean Standard Time, [6] about three hours from this post.

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1. "Astigmatism."  Wikipedia.

2. "Korean Muslims Pray for Safe Return of Hostages." The Chosun Ilbo, July 24, 2007.

3. "Taliban Denounced Around the World."  The Chosun Ilbo, July 27, 2007.

4. "South Korean hostage pleads for help." BBC News, July 26, 2007.

5. "Afghans negotiate with Taliban over 22 Korean hostages." CNN, July 26, 2007, 10 p.m. EDT.

6. "Korean Hostage Tells Media of Group's Plight."  The Chosun Ilbo, July 27, 2007, 8:57 KST.

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Correspondence and Permissions: James S. Oppenheim

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