Tokyo
Japan’s Cabinet this week agreed to send 1,000 troops to Iraq in the country’s largest overseas military deployment since World War II. The deployment will include transport planes, armored vehicles, and two destroyers—all intended only to support reconstruction and humanitarian aid, not to engage in any fighting. Japan’s pacifist constitution forbids it from participating in foreign conflicts, and Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi’s insistence on sending the aid is deeply unpopular. “We are not going to war,” Koizumi said. “But we have been put to the test to show with action, not just with words, our commitment both to the Japan-U.S. alliance and to international cooperation.”
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 struggles of Aston MartinIn the Spotlight The car manufacturer, famous for its association with the James Bond franchise, is ‘running out of road’
-
The end of ‘golden ticket’ asylum rightsThe Explainer Refugees lose automatic right to bring family over and must ‘earn’ indefinite right to remain
-
Grecotel Luxme Dama Dama: Greek luxury with a breezy beach vibeThe Week Recommends Rhodes is reimagined in this refined and relaxed resort
