In view of the hostage crisis, what do you think of Japan's decision to provide $200 million in non-military humanitarian aid for those displaced by conflict in the Middle East?

I think they should be spending the money on the people directly affected by 3/11. It is disgusting when Abe talks about "humanitarian aid" to people in other countries when his own people are still suffering. How many houses would $200 million build in Tohoku?

Probie,

I totally agree with you. Japan is not responsible for causing all the conflicts in the middle east. Those that are responsible for these wars are the ones who should be giving aid. They seem to have plenty of money for the bombs and weapons used. There is only one place that I could agree with giving aid, and that is for the Palestinians who are suffering under the occupation of Israel.

I agree. It's a nice idea to help other countries, but take care of your own people first.

Good comments guys.... giving excuses like 200 Millions to ISIS is not very clever. I hope the families of those two understand the connection.

Japan isnt doing it out of the goodness of its heart, it imports most of its energy from the region so has a massive interest in making supply smooth and regular to keep prices down.

I wonder how many of those that oppose are also members of the "no nukes!" shouting group. You cant have your cake and eat it!

Should have been military aid.

There is only one place that I could agree with giving aid, and that is for the Palestinians who are suffering under the occupation of Israel.

You're forgetting the Palestinian terrorist attacks...

Japan shouldn't provide aid in Middle East. If japan want help to poor countries then help to Bhutan, Burma, Cambodia, Thai etc. there children dying cause of poverty.

No one should provide "aid" to these countries in the middle east. Let alone anywhere else. Aid should be strictly limited to domestic issues. This "aid" money comes from the tax payer and is funneled by force. The tax payer does not work and pay tax for the benefit of some needy person in a far off country, but for someone within his/her country.

Pretty much what almost everyone else said: Fix your own problems first... Tohoku is years in and still people are basically homeless.

The economy is floundering and the Gov't is trying to justify why I have to pay an additional 3% tax (soon 5%?) when they just piss it out the window...fairly regularly it seems. Can't really follow this logic.

Probie: Agreed!

America, Japan, and the rich Europian countries give billions away, only to have it grossly mismanaged and used by the families in charge to make them billionaires. It never trickles down at all.

'America, Japan, and the rich Europian countries give billions away, only to have it grossly mismanaged and used by the families in charge to make them billionaires.'

Keeping corrupt but pliable despots sweet has always been, well, how can I put this, at least at the back of the minds of some offering 'humanitarian aid'.