MUSCAT, 9 February 2004 — The Japanese government’s decision to send its troops to Iraq has been received by the whole world with shock and disbelief. This unexpected step by Japan has surprised everyone who stands on the side of justice. The Japanese citizens have been vociferous in their condemnation, and made no secret of their anger and anguish at their government’s decision to support the US-led coalition, and not the international position on Iraq war.
Their logic is as clear as crystal: Dispatching troops to Iraq is an indirect recognition of the occupation of Iraq and the presence of the coalition forces in that country.
The decision, obviously, has created waves of discontent and dispute in the political circles of Japan. It split the members of Parliament. The streets of Tokyo and other cities witnessed huge protests against the presence of Japanese soldiers in Iraq.
It was the duty of the Arab countries to take the initiative and send troops to Iraq because Iraq is an Arab country. But the Arabs opted out because they knew that sending troops to Iraq would mean full support to the American occupation of Iraq.
Ever since World War II, Japan has been known for its support for right and just causes, always voicing its views freely and frankly. This has won Japan the respect and love of the whole world. In fact, Japan has become a role model for the rest of the world. The Japanese U-turn is, no doubt, a result of continuous pressure from the US. Obviously, the decision had something to do with pleasing the US administration. Perhaps, there was an American threat that Japanese companies would be denied their share of the reconstruction booty.
The US administration knows how to exploit the situation. Clever as they are, the Americans used it as a carrot to woo multinational companies and thereby their governments. This strategy worked wonders, especially as countries and their companies were hard hit by economic downturn.
The first consignment of the Japanese contingent has already arrived in Iraq. Schedules have been worked out to send more troops, in phases. The new stand of the Japanese government — which marks a big policy shift — would have serious repercussions on Japan’s image, both internally and externally. So it is but natural that Japanese citizens have taken to the streets in protest because they wanted their government to follow the example of France, Germany, Russia and China, the countries that have refused to send troops to Iraq.
Japanese are aware that all the countries that have sent troops to Iraq come from the Eastern bloc or Latin America whose economies depend on American aid.
Added to this is the blow to their pride. The image of Japan as a champion of peace and justice now lies in ruins.
— Essa bin Mohammed Al Zedjali is editor in chief of the Times of Oman.
