The Diet, although in recess, discussed the Iraq issue on Monday and Tuesday. The debate followed the government's decision last week to send ground troops to Iraq and, of course, Sunday's breaking news of the capture of Saddam Hussein. The government's answers, however, proved mostly unconvincing.
The issue should be discussed further in the Diet even before the next ordinary session opens on Jan. 19. The Defense Agency is reportedly planning to send an advance air force contingent by the end of the year. Ground troops are expected to be dispatched to southern Iraq early next year. Security in the area is said to be relatively good.
Government officials hope Hussein's capture will improve the security situation in Iraq and smooth the way for the deployment of Self-Defense Forces units. That may be optimistic, though, for now at least. In Baghdad, for example, fresh terrorist attacks have occurred, causing many casualties. It is likely that insecurity in the country will continue for some time.