Japan halts Iraq troop dispatch

CNN ^ | November 13, 2003 | AP

[yonif]

TOKYO, Japan (AP) -- The attack on Italian forces in Iraq will force Japan to postpone its dispatch of troops to that country until sometime next year, a top government spokesman said Thursday.

Japan was hoping to send its first batch of troops to Iraq to help rebuild the country by the end of 2003. But Chief Cabinet Secretary Yasuo Fukuda said the security situation is not yet stable enough.

[Destro]

The Japanese were not sending combats troops per say. If we are going to treat allies that want to help (but have difficulties)in this disrespectful manner-we deserve neither allies or victory.

"Thank you to the Japanese for trying. We understand that we promised that this type of violence would not be a factor in Iraq when we discussed your contribution of mostly humanitarian and some security forces. We understand our failure to end this type of violence, please forgive us and we hope to share the burden of the mission with the people of Japan soon."

[Destro]

We promised the Japanese that they would enter an Iraq where violence was in decline-not the other way around.

[Pro-Bush]

This surprises me. Thumbs down to Japan, thumbs up for Italy. We'll remember, don't worry.

[Jeff Chandler]

please forgive us

Please forgive us for assuming that you are men.

[KellyAdmirer]

Let me understand, we should apologize for the fact that there are terrorists in the Middle East and they go around killing people? Are you high?

[Destro]

I suggest you dig up Gen. MacArthur's bones and then piss on them because he helped write the Japanese constitution tha created the Japanese state. We Americans made it illegal for the Japanese to send troops outside their borders. They are not allowed to fight wars. The Japanese were sending a small humanitarian with some security forces. I do not begrudge them their current decision.

[Jeff Chandler]

I do not begrudge them their current decision.

No, rather you prostrate yourself in shame.

[Destro]

We promised an Iraq safe for Japanese troops. Oops!! The Japanese apologize for everything. They are a very polite people. We should be too.

[Pro-Bush]

We promised the Japanese that they would enter an Iraq where violence was in decline-not the other way around.

Oh, A quagmire, can't contribute, sorry. ...snicker

[Destro]

Prostrate? Me? Yea, I posts lots on how Islam is the way of peace.

[Destro]

Bingo!!!

[KantianBurke]

Why should Japan be sending troops into that sewer of a nation when, if Bush's recent meeting with Bremer is any indication, we're planning on cutting and running as soon as someone labeled "President of Iraq" can be installed? Smart move on Japan's part.

[Jeff Chandler]

Understanding the Japanese situation is one thing, apologizing to them is another.

[Z-28]

Must be a reaally great Japanese army.

[Destro]

I do apologize to them for the remarks being made to them here I also apologize to them because we promised an Iraq in a certain safer condition and we failed to deliver. Thus, it is polite to do so. I would also apologize to the American people for promising an Iraq in which they threw flower petals at our soldiers rather than home made bombs.

PS: I am for trade restrictions on Japan. So let try again to label me somthing else again.

[Jeff Chandler]

we're planning on cutting and running as soon as someone labeled "President of Iraq" can be installed

[wideminded]

The film Mishima was excellent. It is based on a combination of incidents from Mishima's life, his fictional writings, and his autobiography: Confessions of a Mask. Great soundtrack by Philip Glass. Highly recommended.

[Mortimer Snavely]

The Japanese want to help build hospitals and stuff. What they choose to ignore is that we were asking for uniformed military personnel in non-combat positions, not a group of civilian specialists.

Inherent in the idea of wearing a uniform is identifying yourself as a target. This is exactly what the Japanese want to evade.

Don't get me wrong, I'm glad the Japanese have a pacifist constitution and do not wish to extend their military influence, I mean I'm really glad, but it is impossible to have a credible Self Defense Force without risking loss. The problem is that they wish to avoid the potential harm of being in the line of fire, but want the prestige which comes with being on the winning team.

Last Gulf War, after, in all seriousness, they figured out what side they were on, they sent some mine sweepers... after hostilities had ceased. They were then upset that they weren't invited to the party afterwards.

The Japanese government is trying to avoid the chagrin of the last Gulf War by repeating the actions which caused that chagrin.

[Jeff Chandler]

I would also apologize to the American people for promising an Iraq in which they threw flower petals at our soldiers rather than home made bombs.

War is not a TV show which can be resolved in half an hour.