(CPOD) Nov. 26, 2003 – Japanese citizens believe their government must thoroughly explain its rationale before sending soldiers to Iraq, according to a poll by Sankei Shimbun and Fuji News Network. Only 10 per cent of respondents are satisfied with the official position.
(CPOD) Nov. 26, 2003 – Japanese citizens believe their government must thoroughly explain its rationale before sending soldiers to Iraq, according to a poll by Sankei Shimbun and Fuji News Network. Only 10 per cent of respondents are satisfied with the official position.
Prime minister Junichiro Koizumi wants to deploy the country’s Self-Defence Forces for non-combat duties in Iraq, but recent security concerns have swayed public opinion in Japan. A car bomb killed 18 Italian soldiers in Nasiriya on Nov. 12.
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
Are you satisfied with the government’s explanation of why the Self-Defence Force should be sent to Iraq?
Yes | 10% |
No | 89% |
