How should Japan deal with the Iraq crisis? The question is gaining urgency as the United States gears up for a military campaign. Yet the government has so far given only vague answers, though the ambiguity is not difficult to understand. During a Diet debate on Wednesday, Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi said he will wait and see how the U.N. Security Council responds to an additional report from arms inspectors.

Of course, Iraq must disarm itself in full compliance with Security Council resolutions. However, military action is not the only way to enforce disarmament. War, even if justified as a last resort, could make things worse, not better. The prime minister has expressed tacit support for a U.S. strike, but "acting as a U.S. ally" does not obviate the need for Japan to make maximum diplomatic efforts toward a peaceful solution.

International support for a war against Iraq will increase significantly if the Security Council passes a new resolution authorizing the use of force. But with or without such a vote, the potential cost of a military solution remains high. War would not only cause heavy casualties and collateral damage; it would also split the international community, possibly derailing the U.S.-led campaign against terrorism as well.