Japan OKs rescue missions for SDF in South Sudan

“The SDF is carrying out activities that only it can do in a tough environment.” Thus spake the Ali baba in chief whilst sending forth his fourty thieves. Woe be to Africa as the scourge of God is bearing down its way.

What?

“The SDF is carrying out activities that only it can do in a tough environment.” Thus spake the Ali baba in chief whilst sending forth his fourty thieves. Woe be to Africa as the scourge of God is bearing down its way.

"Opponents of the move fear the mission will ensnare Japanese troops in fighting for the first time since World War Two." ......................................................................................................... Have no doubt that Japanese soldiers will engage in fighting and body bags will come back to Japan. It would be ironic if Japanese UN Peacekeepers served next to those from China and came to their aide or vice versa.

UN peacekeeping is the oxymoron of the millenia

Hark now UN volunteer 55 years

Japan now can send troops to its allies in crisis. South Sudan replaced Trump'''''s USA.

This is all part of a plan to give Japan a wedge in the UN Security Council veto power

To begin with, Japanese SDF is not supposed to operate outside its national border. Japanese constitution renounces war, and therefore, SDF can not engage in combat outside its border.

In 1991, LDP argued that SDF can be sent to outside of Japan, if it is not to engage in combat. Since then, SDF has been sent to many places outside of Japanese territory, but skillfully avoided any engagement in combat.

Now, Abe administration is arguing that protecting other civilian and military groups by SDF from armed attack by armed groups is NOT ENGAGEMENT in COMBAT, because it is collective self defense and because, since any person, civilian or military, can exercise the right of self defense, SDF may exercise its self defense in civilian capacity.

This is about the most twisted logic I have ever heard.

Based on this logic, 武器の使用 use of weapon (in self defense in civilian capacity) is strictly distinguished from 武力の行使 use of military power.

I wonder if SDF members are eligible for POW treatment, since Government of Japan argues they are defending themselves in civilian capacity.

It'll be good experience for the military if they do have to use their arms - prepare them for any trouble in their own region.

"The deaths of a young Japanese UN volunteer and that of a Japanese police officer serving with the civilian police, who were taking part in a PKO for the first time, just as the SDF was, aroused much mass media interest and shook UNTAC to its foundations. However, UNTAC persistently continued with dialogue and its operations..."

http://www.nids.go.jp/english/event/symposium/pdf/2002/sympo_e2002_09.pdf The PKO in Cambodia – Lessons Learned: The Japanese Perspective MG Takashi Watanabe Ground Self Defense Force, Japan.

Geographically correct or not, I certainly agree with Sherman's first sentence :

Just wait until the first casualties start coming back to Japan...

Sherman, Aleppo or Mosul have nothing to do with UN peacekeeping. Your geographical prowess is worthy of a job in the White House or a run for President as a Libertarian. This is a logical move that should have been done years ago. In Iraq protected by Dutch, Australian and British troops were tied down to prevent the Japanese troops from having to defend themselves. stupid.

Just wait until the first casualties start coming back to Japan. That will be the real reaction of the Japanese people. If they are hungry for real action, send them to Aleppo or Mosul, that will give them some fat to chew.