The pro-whaling position anguishes those nations that resent Japan's apparent cruelty.

But believe it or not -- like it or not -- Japan's case for the resumption of commercial whaling is strong enough to have IWC nations reconsidering their positions. Change is unlikely to occur this year, due to the two-thirds majority required to effect it, but it's on the horizon.

According to the whaling convention (ICRW), Japan's catches are legal, and technically, as no profit is made from the sale of whale meat, not commercial -- check Article VIII. But is it just a loophole ripe for exploitation?