Abe defeat could impact support for U.S.

[madokie]

http://fe19.news.mud.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070803/ap_on_re_as/japan_us

TOKYO - Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's electoral defeat may threaten Japan's support of U.S.-led operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, as an energized opposition seeks to redefine the country's relationship with Washington.

As the top U.S. ally in East Asia, Japan was a staunch supporter of the invasion of Iraq, dispatching troops there in 2004. Ground troops no longer remain, but Japan's air force continues to transport coalition personnel and supplies from Kuwait to Iraq, while Japanese ships in the Indian Ocean provide logistical support for U.S.-led operations in Afghanistan.

While those missions have been unpopular with the Japanese public, many of whom say they violate the nation's pacifist constitution, Abe's ruling Liberal Democratic Party has always had enough political clout to keep up its support.

That is quickly changing.

Fresh off its victory at the July 29 elections for parliament's upper house, the main opposition Democratic Party of Japan has declared it will oppose extending the military's operation supporting coalition forces in Afghanistan.

[Theduckno2]

1. I liked the State Department response.

Terra! Terra! Terra! :sarcasm:

Is it me or does it sound like this country is running a protection racket? You know, do things the way I say or who knows, some tragedy may befall you.

The Times They Are A Changin'