[Leto]

The Japanese are being a good friend here. Do they want the Iraq issue concluded so we can focus on the PRNK. Do they want the US to talk one on one with Kim or do they support a regional discussions with Kim?

[AmericanInTokyo]

It's all quid pro quo, Leto, as you suggest. The Japanese call it "gibbu ando teiku" :-)

[DontMessWithMyCountry]

Actually, they were quite cooperative and supportive when we were planning to go to Afghanistan; it was their Constitution which proscribed their offering up more direct assistance (i.e., militarily). And, for some odd reason, of the world leaders who came to view the NYC site post-9/11, and to offer their condolences, Prime Minister Koizumi's visage is the one that remains, to this day, etched in my memory. I think he had sincere sympathy...and to a great degree, possibly given Japan's own history...great empathy, for our losses.