On the Right

There is a feeling of recrimination out there against President Fujimori. In chiaroscuro, what he accomplished in rescuing the hostages has to rank with the Entebbe rescue and the escape of the Prisoner of Zenda. Why is it that the mincing reservations get so much play?

The perspective was slanted on one broadcast channel at the outset. The announcer went through the historical motions: What was it that happened in December? 1) The Túpac Amaru guerrillas in control of the Japanese embassy gave out the word that unless their four hundred fellow terrorists were released from prison within 24 hours, the hostages would be executed. 2) President Fujimori said he would not bargain with the terrorists. “When the deadline came,” the announcer said, “neither side made any concessions.” But of course the terrorists did indeed make a concession: the hostages were not executed.

About the Author

William F. Buckley Jr.

William F. Buckley Jr. founded National Review magazine in 1955.

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There is a feeling of recrimination out there against President Fujimori. In chiaroscuro, what he accomplished in rescuing the hostages has to rank with the Entebbe rescue and the escape of the Prisoner of Zenda. Why is it that the mincing reservations get so much play?

The perspective was slanted on one broadcast channel at the outset. The announcer went through the historical motions: What was it that happened in December? 1) The Túpac Amaru guerrillas in control of the Japanese embassy gave out the word that unless their four hundred fellow terrorists were released from prison within 24 hours, the hostages would be executed. 2) President Fujimori said he would not bargain with the terrorists. “When the deadline came,” the announcer said, “neither side made any concessions.” But of course the terrorists did indeed make a concession: the hostages were not executed.