I am shocked that The Japan Times published the Oct. 10 AFP-Jiji article "Ancient prophecies of apocalypse give Islamic State jihadists hope." The article contains implied praise for Islamic State — the most horrifying terror group in the world. Carefully read, the article reflects a desperate attempt by the author to portray Islamic State from a cleaner angle.

Note that the United States is waging an air campaign against these terrorists, not just because they are a simple anti-government group but also because they are perceived as a threat to humanity along the lines of Ebola.

There are serious questions one may want to ask about the writer's intention in the portrayal of Islamic State. The article seems to covers up the actual dangers. What does the author gain from the attempt to mask the image of Islamic State?

The writer's lead paragraph — which includes the Sunni Muslim prophecy that "The Muslims are decimated but ultimately prevail and conquer the world" — is enough to make one question the motive behind writing the article.

Does the writer mean that Muslims will take any sort of measure to eliminate the people who do not convert to Islam? Is the writer suggesting that what Islamic State is doing — such as all the beheadings — is actually part of a plan?

This article is really confusing. I hope The Japan Times realizes the danger in letting any writer try to covertly justify elements of the world's most dangerous terrorist group.

nalee keram
iwate prefecture

The opinions expressed in this letter to the editor are the writer's own and do not necessarily reflect the policies of The Japan Times.