April 9, 2004

The battle for Japan's soul

By Thomas Lifson
The Iraqi kidnappers of three Japanese civilians have launched another front in the War on Terror: a battle for the soul of Japan.   Prime Minister Koizumi has resolutely ruled—out capitulation to the demand that Japan withdraw its Self Defence Force [army] contingent deployed to Samawah. But the Japanese people are far from united in the spirit of defiance.   Social Democratic Party leader Muzuho Fukushima told reporters Friday: "I thought there was a possibility of such an incident occurring, and now such an incident has happened. The government should withdraw the SDF from Iraq. We'd like to urge other ruling parties to cherish life and ask the prime minister to make the withdrawal." Relatives of some of the hostages are understandably distraught.   Shuichi Takato, the younger brother of 34—year—old hostage Nahoko Takato, left his home in Hokkaido for Tokyo shortly before 7 a.m. "I want the government to try to solve the crisis immediately," he...(Read Full Article)