Amman considers releasing convicted militants in exchange for hostages

Jordan may be willing to release a convicted terrorist in exchange for a Japanese journalist and a Jordanian military pilot believed to be held hostage by Islamic State militants, two members of the country's parliament told Kyodo News on Monday.
Bassam Al Manaseer, chair of the Arab International Affairs Committee, and Ali Bani Ata, chair of the Japan-Jordan parliamentary friendship league, suggested in separate interviews that Amman may comply with the Islamic State's demand to release the convicted terrorist Sajida al Rishawi from prison in Jordan if the group releases the Japanese journalist Kenji Goto and the pilot, First Lieutenant Muath al Kasaesbeh.
Amman has been in contact with the militant group through a third party, they said.