(CPOD) Dec. 3, 2003 – Japanese adults are having second thoughts about sending their soldiers to Iraq, according to a poll by Mainichi Shimbun. 81 per cent of respondents say they have “reservations” deploying the country’s troops.
(CPOD) Dec. 3, 2003 – Japanese adults are having second thoughts about sending their soldiers to Iraq, according to a poll by Mainichi Shimbun. 81 per cent of respondents say they have “reservations” deploying the country’s troops.
Prime minister Junichiro Koizumi wants to commit the country’s Self-Defence Forces for non-combat duties in Iraq, but recent security concerns have swayed public opinion in Japan. On Nov. 29, two Japanese diplomats and their Iraqi driver were killed in an ambush near the northern city of Tikrit. Two days later, Japan postponed a planned visit by a team of civilian specialists, who were to assess rebuilding operations.
Aside from small detachments to East Timor and Cambodia, Japanese soldiers have not been placed in a conflict zone since the end of World War II.
Polling Data
Do you have reservations about sending troops to Iraq?
Yes | 81% |
No | 17% |
