World IN BRIEF : LEBANON : Shiite Leader Hints at Hostage Release

At least one British hostage could be freed if the British government expels author Salman Rushdie, accused by Iran of blaspheming Islam in his novel “The Satanic Verses,” a pro-Iranian religious leader said. “Britain should make a good-will gesture to achieve a breakthrough in the British hostages’ dilemma. . . . One captive would be freed if they exile Rushdie,” said Hussein Moussawi, the leader of Islamic Amal, a Shiite Muslim faction financed by Iran. Moussawi’s remarks came during an interview at his heavily guarded residence in Baalbek, Lebanon, after reports that Iran had low-profile contacts with Britain to find ways to improve strained ties over the Rushdie affair.