JAPAN MAY SEND TROOPS TO FIGHT ISLAMIC STATE IN SYRIA
In September the upper house of the Japanese parliament passed a law allowing the country’s military to use force overseas. The law reinterpreted Article 9 of Japan’s post-World War II pacifist constitution. The article strictly prohibited sending troops abroad.
Backed by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, the move was opposed by more than half of the Japanese people and resulted in massive demonstrations in Tokyo and a fist fight on the floor of parliament.
“The new measures adopted by Japan today will contribute to international peace and security while strengthening the vital alliance between our two countries,” the bipartisan leadership of the Senate Foreign Relations and the Armed Services committees said in September 19.
On Tuesday cabinet minister Taro Kono said Japan is worried about a terrorist threat following the Paris attacks.
“What we need to be most concerned about is Islamic State progressing to cyber attacks on important infrastructure from using the Internet for public relations and recruiting,” Kono said.
Kono said Japan is working closely with the CIA and MI6 to gain expertise and prepare for the 2020 Olympics to be held in Japan.
It may also be preparing to send troops to Syria to join the coalition conducting airstrikes against the Islamic State.
On November 29 Germany said it will deploy troops to assist France in its fight against the Islamic State following the Paris attacks.
The British House of Commons is expected on Wednesday to authorize airstrikes in Syria.
