[TaMoDee]

AND SO IT BEGINS! THANKS, ZERO!

[BlueDragon]

As much as I dislike the present administration, I don't think this can be laid at Obama's feet entirely. In fact, hardly at all...

There is a "new" political party in charge in Japan. There has also long been grievance among some there, concerning our military bases in Japan.

Part of the political plank the party of Hatoyama ran on, made mention on some of this long simmering 'difference of opinion' among the Japanese populace concerning the relationship Japan has with the U.S., and the stated desire to amend the terms of the relationship.

It doesn't matter if we think it's right, or wrong. If they say they are wanting more equal standing, we should do what we can to accommodate them, as much as possible without hurting the long term security interests of the U.S., Japan, and other allies in the region.

It's easier to keep the friends one has, then to go find new ones (in that neighborhood particularly). A "friend" lost or offended, is harder won (back into friendship) than well a defended, walled city...

[AmericanInTokyo]

Blame is not in Tokyo. Blame falls squarely on Washington, D.C. That is, post January 2009 Washington D.C. In other words, this is the reaction we are going to get from allies around the world as they slip away from alliances with the USA over Obama, one by one, realizing he is highly unreliable. They will not come back to the fold until he has been removed from the White House by the People, elections, or his ownself due to mental breakdown.

If there is any anger to be fomented, it is necessary to be directed at Obama and not Japan, in my opinion.

[bmwcyle]

Don’t forget that Japan just elected a leftest government. This is more about their own election. I’ll blame Obama also but this is more about Japan itself.