The trigger for Shinzo Abe's resignation was the refusal by opposition leader Ichiro Ozawa to agree to further deployments of Japan's Maritime Self-Defense Force to the Indian Ocean after authorizing legislation runs out on Nov. 1.
When the shouting is over, it's likely that the deployments will continue without a hitch. Still, the fuss shows that nearly two decades after the end of the Cold War, Japan's defense debate remains so bizarre that Ozawa thinks he can get away with blatant opportunism.
Ozawa is complaining that Japanese warships that provide fuel and water for Coalition of the Willing warships in the Indian Ocean are providing these services for ships taking part in the war in Iraq as well as Afghanistan. Does Ozawa think that the U.S. Navy designates some ships for Iraq, and others for Afghanistan?
With your current subscription plan you can comment on stories. However, before writing your first comment, please create a display name in the Profile section of your subscriber account page.