Tokyo
Japan this week ended its first deployment to a foreign war zone since World War II. The 600 noncombat troops spent two years assisting in reconstruction projects in southern Iraq. Most Japanese were opposed to the deployment, believing it violated their pacifist constitution. But Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi insisted that Japan take a greater role in helping to manage international crises. He defended that decision this week as he welcomed the troops home. “We carried out our humanitarian and reconstruction tasks without firing a single shot,” Koizumi said, “in fact, without pointing a gun at anyone.”
The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
-
The elite falcon trade in the Middle EastUnder the Radar Popularity of the birds of prey has been ‘soaring’ despite doubts over the legality of sourcing and concerns for animal welfare
-
A running list of the international figures Donald Trump has pardonedin depth The president has grown bolder in flexing executive clemency powers beyond national borders
-
Mixed nuts: RFK Jr.’s new nutrition guidelines receive uneven reviewsTalking Points The guidelines emphasize red meat and full-fat dairy
