"Foreign Ministry officials were unable to comment on the report, which said Aso elaborated by saying Japan had never exploited the Middle East, started a war there or fired a shot."
...I must point out the fact that they sent troops of their own into Iraq. Which was not mentioned in the article. Info which can be found here:
..at bottom of page. An interesting read all-around, if anyone cares.
"The approval of the new defense guidelines came a day after the government extended the controversial deployment of non-combat troops to Iraq for another year. The dispatch of the 550 troops marked the first time Japan has sent its forces to a country at war in more than 50 years."
Even though the troops didn't actually fight, sending them does send a message of support of the war. It's the first time in 50 years Japan wants to get involved in a war and they chose NOW?
The war is very unpopular even in Japan, but to just generalize their 'non' involvement...it kind of ticks me off. It's just too easy for them to point fingers because they aren't even ALLOWED to declare war on anyone.
Does anyone remember what their troops were actually doing in Iraq? Just curious.
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