Japan to Send Troops to Iraq afterall

[He219]

http://photo.worldnews.com/PhotoArchive//uploads/2003/11/15/uploaded-38890_medium.jpg
Japan Plans to Send Troops to Iraq (http://wn.com/link/nph-link.cgi?worldphotos/photo.txt&24361650&http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Evoanews%2Ecom%2Farticle%2Ecfm%3FobjectID%3DC11C244A%2D252F%2D420B%2DBBC1C01B9DB99107%26title%3DJapan%2520Plans%2520to%2520Send%2520Troops%2520to%2520Iraq%26catOID%3D45C9C78F%2D88AD%2D11D4%2DA57200A0CC5EE46C)

VOA News
15 Nov 2003, 13:39 UTC


Japan's defense chief Shigeru Ishiba says his country still plans to send troops to help rebuild Iraq, but he gave no date for the deployment. Mr. Ishiba told reporters at a joint news conference with visiting U.S. Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld that Japan is monitoring the situation in Iraq before making its decision. But he said Japan wants to send non-combat troops to Iraq "as soon as possible."
On Thursday, Japan postponed deployment of its troops until next year after a suicide bombing in southern Iraq killed 18 Italians and nine Iraqis. A Japanese fact-finding team left Tokyo on Saturday to investigate the security situation in southern Iraq, where the Japanese troops probably would be based.

Defense Secretary Rumsfeld told the news conference that the United States understands Japan's decision to delay sending troops. He said every nation decides on its own about its "appropriate" involvement in Iraq's reconstruction.

Secretary Rumsfeld will visit U.S. troops based on Okinawa on Sunday, then fly to Seoul for talks with South Korean leaders about their plans to send troops to Iraq.

South Korea said this week it will limit the deployment to 3,000 troops - far fewer than the number requested by the United States. And it is not clear how soon the South Korean troops will go.

In Seoul, at least 1,500 South Koreans rallied Saturday to protest the government plans to send troops to Iraq.

[jlanni]

non combat? what the hell... what i dont under stand is why cant countrys just suck it up and take a few casualties.... i dont think we need desk jokeys..so much for the united nations

[Ratamacue]

Be grateful for any help at all. It's better to get non-combatants than none at all.

[EvanL]

non combat? what the hell... what i dont under stand is why cant countrys just suck it up and take a few casualties.... i dont think we need desk jokeys..so much for the united nations

Because if you know anything about Japan, you will know that theyre constitution which you guys helped form, prevents them from using their military as an offensive force unless Japan is attacked.

[Jack Mehoff]

We have 20,000(?) Marine Expedition Unit in Okinawa and we can use them in Iraq. Another 50,000 soldiers from 2nd Infantry Division in South Korea and we can also use them in Iraq.

Japan and South Korea pay a little price for all the protetion they get from U.S.

[ßå$tĮТHÏ¿ð]

jlanni be thankfull they are sending people in at all. In fact jlanni if your so worried about combat troops why dont ya head over there an show the japanese how its done ;)

[Jack Mehoff]

In Seoul, at least 1,500 South Koreans rallied Saturday to protest the government plans to send troops to Iraq.


I wish U.S. troops out of South Korea so South Korea can become N Korea's bitch. I guess 1,500 South Koreans are ungrateful bastards.

[Marxist203]

In Seoul, at least 1,500 South Koreans rallied Saturday to protest the government plans to send troops to Iraq.


I wish U.S. troops out of South Korea so South Korea can become N Korea's bitch. I guess 1,500 South Koreans are ungrateful bastards.

I dont really think the 20,000 American troops in South Korea really stack up against the 500,000 South Korean troops that they have in the Armed forces there.

Believe it or not, the US isn't contributing to much to the defence of South Korea itself, though the 70,000 plus troops in Japan would probably make a dent. So my point being, quit playing the guilt card...North Korea is acting up. You're lucky you are getting any help at all because frankly. Japan and South Korea will need all the troops they can get in the near future just in case North Korea tries to attack.

So uh...in short, Shaddap! :fork:

[Ratamacue]

Marxist, the fact is, if we had no presence in South Korea, then the North would not have to worry about attack US troops. By attacking US troops, they would be declaring war on the US. By declaring war on the US, they'd be fvcked.

By removing those 20,000 US troops (or however many it is), you're essentially removing the only dam holding back a second Korean War, which is the exact reason we've chose to maintain our presence on the Korean Peninsula.

[USMarine3521]

Marxist, the fact is, if we had no presence in South Korea, then the North would not have to worry about attack US troops. By attacking US troops, they would be declaring war on the US. By declaring war on the US, they'd be fvcked.

By removing those 20,000 US troops (or however many it is), you're essentially removing the only dam holding back a second Korean War, which is the exact reason we've chose to maintain our presence on the Korean Peninsula.

technically the korean war is still going on, and the S. Koreans are very grateful for the US troops in S.Korea.

in fact last year they prayed to Bush for them stay>>http://www.kimsoft.com/2003/dear_god.htm

[Jack Mehoff]

In Seoul, at least 1,500 South Koreans rallied Saturday to protest the government plans to send troops to Iraq.


I wish U.S. troops out of South Korea so South Korea can become N Korea's bitch. I guess 1,500 South Koreans are ungrateful bastards.

I dont really think the 20,000 American troops in South Korea really stack up against the 500,000 South Korean troops that they have in the Armed forces there.

Believe it or not, the US isn't contributing to much to the defence of South Korea itself, though the 70,000 plus troops in Japan would probably make a dent. So my point being, quit playing the guilt card...North Korea is acting up. You're lucky you are getting any help at all because frankly. Japan and South Korea will need all the troops they can get in the near future just in case North Korea tries to attack.

So uh...in short, Shaddap! :fork:

Really? You speak this from personal experience? Ever been over there?

Also, last time i check it was 50,000 soldiers and this is from the Army alone. Don't make me pull out the Air Force and Navy. US troops presence in SK detergent NK from attacking SK.

Is that mean U.S. should withdraw all our soldiers from South Korea since SK don't need us because they have their own army, correct?


I dont really think the 20,000 American troops in South Korea really stack up against the 500,000 South Korean troops that they have in the Armed forces there.

Of course you don't think, not much for me to expect from a 12 year old Canuck and his balls hasn't dropped yet.

[martinexsquaddie]

looks like the iraqis will get practice at building railways :P
you no work you no get cup of rice
as long as they stay well away from the south Koreans should be ok.
Bridge over the river Tigris anyone?

[jlanni]

jlanni be thankfull they are sending people in at all. In fact jlanni if your so worried about combat troops why dont ya head over there an show the japanese how its done

i am very greatful that they are sending troops... but i believe the thing we are lacking over in iraq are combat related troops patroling the areas in and around baghdad... and with your comment of me showing them how its done.. i go to basic june 11 looking at tryingto get in to flight school with in a couple years but first its off to ROTC to be an officer so i can persue my goal of flying helos.

i would go to iraq no problem its what i signed up to do. i have no problem following the orders of me government

[Uncle Chô]

non combat? what the hell... what i dont under stand is why cant countrys just suck it up and take a few casualties.... i dont think we need desk jokeys..so much for the united nations
Waooo... That's a smart answer big boy. Regardless of the UN policy, I think the relatives (like me) of the soldiers killed under the Blue Helmet would appreciate your great consideration.

By the way, I don't think you was even born in 1984 when the Marine from the Multi National Force withdrawn from Lebanon after the death of at least 250 men within 18 months. I doubt you would have had the same speech at that time.

[jlanni]

your right i wasnt born yet. but after doing some research i have discoverd one thing.
It can also be argued that the Western failure in Lebanon fueled the forces of political Islam and terrorism that continue to threaten stability today and that will threaten well into the next century. It is reasonable to conclude that Saddam Hussein of Iraq also reached some views on American resolve from the Lebanon debacle, which may have fueled his appetite for Kuwait.
http://www.rand.org/publications/CF/CF129/CF-129.chapter6.html

so tell me if that withdraw fuled terrorism... what wouldit look like in the islamic community if we withdraw from iraq early with out finishing the job... looks to me like its a free ticket to a USA all you can eat buffet.

[duck]

The obligatory warning from the afghani mountain dung hut.

Al-Qaeda warns of attack on Japan, claims bombing of Italian post

DUBAI (AFP) - A London-based Saudi newspaper, Al-Majallah, said it has received a statement from Al-Qaeda warning of an attack in Tokyo and claiming responsibility for last week's anti-Italian bombing in Iraq (news - web sites).

Abu Mohammed al-Ablaj, purported to be an Al-Qaeda leader, warned the Japanese against sending troops to join the US-led coalition in Iraq, in an e-mail received by the Saudi weekly.


"If they want to destroy their economic power and be trampled under the feet of the combatants of Allah, let them come to Iraq," he said. "Our strikes will reach the heart of Tokyo."


A day after an anti-coalition suicide bombing in southern Iraq that killed 19 Italians and nine Iraqis, Japan last Thursday toned down an earlier pledge to send troops to Iraq by the end of this year.


Japanese Defense Agency chief Shigeru Ishiba has since said that Tokyo remains committed to aiding with the reconstruction of Iraq, but the timing of a deployment of Japanese troops depends on the situation.


Ablaj also claimed the strike on the Italian police post in Nasiriyah on behalf of Al-Qaeda.


"Our strikes ... will be painful, and what we did to the Italians in Iraq, against their command base in Nasiriyah in the south of the county, is an example," said Ablaj, who often communicates by e-mail with Al-Majallah.


He also renewed threats against the United States and Israel.


"Let America and Israel mourn their dead from now, as well as the destruction which they will suffer," the statement warned. "The Jews and Americans will never be safe so long as we are alive."

[Pandy]

I think theres about 36,000 American Soldiers (Army or Marines) in South Korea, plus another 1,000 Air-Force/Navy. United States doesn't have more then 37,000 in South Korea.

Plus another 550,000 some South Korea Active-Duty Soldiers, with about one more million in reserves.

The North Koreans have anywhere from 1.2 million in active duty soldiers, but another one-two million in reserves. If anything happens in Korea... it would be bloodly as hell.

[GoyaGokou]

Besides the USA and Britain what other countries are sending or have combat troops in Iraq. Are the South Korean's sending combat troops???

[budanski]

BANZAI!!!!!!

[[AFSOC]]

You know who should send in Troops.........CHINA! Cause they have lots....only makes sense:D

[Flagg]

You know who should send in Troops.........CHINA! Cause they have lots....only makes sense:D

I couldn't agree more....

But it's to their political advantage to allow the US to police the world for now(as well as foot the considerable bill)...meanwhile, the Chinese economy enjoys a massive and growing trade surplus with the US.

Once the world is cleaned up...China can then play a bigger role(not necessarily in Iraq, but elsewhere) with a big upside(trade), for very little downside(no cost of securing the 3rd world, and a "clean" reputation).

Just my opinion....but I recon China's sitting pretty right now

[army cadet_ngcsu]

I would not be surprised if Rumsfeld ends up asking China to send troops. After all, he asked nearly every other despot oppressive government in the world (Turkey, Pakistan, Russia, etc.). I can not believe he asked India to send troops. Everyone knows that muslims hate hindus. What was he thinking?

[WARPIG]

In Seoul, at least 1,500 South Koreans rallied Saturday to protest the government plans to send troops to Iraq.


I wish U.S. troops out of South Korea so South Korea can become N Korea's bitch. I guess 1,500 South Koreans are ungrateful bastards.
Just when I think you couldn't possibly say anything stupider......................


Really? You speak this from personal experience? Ever been over there?

Also, last time i check it was 50,000 soldiers and this is from the Army alone. Don't make me pull out the Air Force and Navy. US troops presence in SK detergent NK from attacking SK.

Is that mean U.S. should withdraw all our soldiers from South Korea since SK don't need us because they have their own army, correct?
....you go and prove me wrong.
Jack, ROK has been a faithful ally to US since WWII. I really can't name anyone that has been more loyal. They were our most loyal supporters during Nam. That says a lot.
Just cause some punk assed 18-19 year old Korean students want to protest sending troops doesn't mean Korea has become less of an ally. If they wanna send 3000 troops instead of the origina 10,000 then that is up to them. If we get help at all right now it is a friggin miracle. Sending a bunch of troops to Iraq is political suicide right now. At least Japan and ROK are contributing something. Can't say that for too many other countries.
Most of the South Korean Anti US population is college students. Just like any college in the world.. protesting is just part of campus life. "US colleges seem to protest sobriety more these days."
Pull your head out of your 4th point of contact before you attempt to speak Jack! Young, dumb and full of.. well you know.

[Royal]

i am very greatful that they are sending troops... but i believe the thing we are lacking over in iraq are combat related troops patroling the areas in and around baghdad...

I couldn't agree less :lol:

What we need are more HumInt operators, more linguits, more PsyOps specialits, more CIMIC teams and more engineers.

not more heavy metal and trigger happy grunts (of whatever nationality) with no experience of CT and PS Ops. :(

[Jack Mehoff]

In Seoul, at least 1,500 South Koreans rallied Saturday to protest the government plans to send troops to Iraq.


I wish U.S. troops out of South Korea so South Korea can become N Korea's bitch. I guess 1,500 South Koreans are ungrateful bastards.
Just when I think you couldn't possibly say anything stupider......................


Really? You speak this from personal experience? Ever been over there?

Also, last time i check it was 50,000 soldiers and this is from the Army alone. Don't make me pull out the Air Force and Navy. US troops presence in SK detergent NK from attacking SK.

Is that mean U.S. should withdraw all our soldiers from South Korea since SK don't need us because they have their own army, correct?
....you go and prove me wrong.
Jack, ROK has been a faithful ally to US since WWII. I really can't name anyone that has been more loyal. They were our most loyal supporters during Nam. That says a lot.
Just cause some punk assed 18-19 year old Korean students want to protest sending troops doesn't mean Korea has become less of an ally. If they wanna send 3000 troops instead of the origina 10,000 then that is up to them. If we get help at all right now it is a friggin miracle. Sending a bunch of troops to Iraq is political suicide right now. At least Japan and ROK are contributing something. Can't say that for too many other countries.
Most of the South Korean Anti US population is college students. Just like any college in the world.. protesting is just part of campus life. "US colleges seem to protest sobriety more these days."
Pull your head out of your 4th point of contact before you attempt to speak Jack! Young, dumb and full of.. well you know.

Why i am not surprise considering you are half Korean. :bash:

The younger generation is the future of South Korea and they want America out of their country. I think U.S. should make their wish come true.

[WARPIG]

Really weak. Yes I am half Korean.
Still doesn't change the fact that your wrong. I know about the Korean issues because I pay attention to them. You just made comments based on a few media blurbs.
College kids protesting US troops is a common occurance. I know of several stories of young students harassing soldiers and even assaulting them, when ROK soldier comes to their aid. I was told a story of some kids cursing at a friend of mine stationed there and a ROK Army vet grabbed the kids and whooped their asses with a stick.
I also know that the ROK treats our Korean War veterans better than we do.
Get your facts straight before you talk out of your ass. Simple. 1500 protesters and you condemn the whole country? What about the thousands of protesters here in the US?

[IDFM203]

To WARPIG or to anyone else for that matter…

This is not an attempt at a flame war or anything of that nature but I think your rebuttals to jacks comments fall a little short as to the realities and some of the negative attitudes that a lot of south Koreans have now towards the U.S.

The fact is that a recent while ago there were a few rallies with over a 100,000 people!! That were chanting anti U.S. themes and there were even some people burning U.S. flags. Besides that, correct me if I am wrong, but the leader of South Korea was elected based on his campaigning on what’s considered a hostile and negative attitude towards the U.S. presence there.

Now I don’t discount your or anyone’s else views on how the U.S. military personal have been treated and I grant you that it is true and that south Korea is a good ally, but these past events are quite troubling and do need to be explained a bit more then what you have done until now.

I mean to me I find it very disheartening that a nation that was saved from the north’s aggression by the help of U.S. soldiers and have had over 35,000 U.S. troops on the ground for every year since, which has enabled the south to become one of the most prosperous nations in the world and yet to have over a 100,000 people march in the streets against the U.S. is a bit ungrateful to say the least.

I will admit that I have not been to that region and I am not fully updated to it and as such I defer to you (for as you admit you are half Korean ) or to anyone else that has personal involvement there to have a better grasp of the reality there. As such I await your response and explanation to this post.

Shalom :D