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Doubts raised over Japan's ability to handle international crisis

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Uhm.. I am not arguing about why and who are the members of that coalition... my argument is Aid can be done with or without WorldWide broadcasting and keeping it confidential is less risky considering the enemy is irrational! consider how the enemy thinks! KNOW YOUR ENEMY so you know how to handle them, that's common sense!

I hate going back and forth with related articles but as I told smith, you only knew how irrational they could be after the fact. Hindsight they say is and always will be 20/20,

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Slumdog

Why should Japan or any other country allow irrational murderers such as ISIS to dictate how they conduct their affairs?

who said Japan should ALLOW irrational murderers like ISIS to maneuver their policies? you didnt understand my point as you are only finding bits to crticize. The reason why I mentioned they are irrational is to point out that HUMANITARIAN AID and COMBAT support is the same for them! Im not suggesting the world to adjust to ISIS but more of KNOW how they think and operate so leaders like Abe would know how to defeat them, that is common sense !

Actually, it is a guess. You do not know. So, you are guessing.

Uhm You didn't answer my question meaning you cannot prove yourself "it's common sense, why would you think they kept Yukawa Alive for so long? why take a burden prisoner for months if they can just kill them anytime they want! THINK! "

Again, why should Japan or any other country allow irrational murderers such as ISIS to dictate how they conduct their affairs?

Its not about ALLOWING ISIS to dictate their affairs, it's about knowing how the enemy think and how to beat them, commom sense!

ISIS should never be allowed to dictate Japanese foreign policy

I never said that Japan should allow ISIS to dictate their policy! READ all my posts properly!

nigelboy

And it's their irrational and barbaric behavior are the reasons why such Coalition was formed

Uhm.. I am not arguing about why and who are the members of that coalition... my argument is Aid can be done with or without WorldWide broadcasting and keeping it confidential is less risky considering the enemy is irrational! consider how the enemy thinks! KNOW YOUR ENEMY so you know how to handle them, that's common sense!

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

Yes indeed only a humanitarian aid, but in the eyes of irrational ISIS what's the difference? you support their enemies in any form for them it’s the same crime! japanophiles dont be so naive.

And it's their irrational and barbaric behavior are the reasons why such Coalition was formed. You saw the list of countries and their respective pledges that I linked. Did you for once think what would happened if such efforts by these nations didn't happen? Kidnapping of hostages would be the least of the problems.

Obama had indicated that he would double the efforts. Abe had already stated that they will increase the humanitarian aid. This is a rational response to a irrational organization.

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

but in the eyes of irrational ISIS what's the difference?

Why should Japan or any other country allow irrational murderers such as ISIS to dictate how they conduct their affairs?

Why would you want a world in which Japan or any other country allow irrational murderers such as ISIS to dictate how they conduct their affairs?

It's not a guess,

Actually, it is a guess. You do not know. So, you are guessing.

why take a burden prisoner for months if they can just kill them anytime they want! You do not know. However, what we do know for sure is that ISIS kidnapped, tortured and murdered them as they have done with many others.

It's about being cautious and strategic...

Again, why should Japan or any other country allow irrational murderers such as ISIS to dictate how they conduct their affairs?

Again, wWhy would you want a world in which Japan or any other country allow irrational murderers such as ISIS to dictate how they conduct their affairs?

I support the humanitarian aid

So, do I.

ISIS kidnapped, tortured and killed these men. ISIS lied about their intentions to trade the Jordanian pilot for the ISIS member in a Jordanian prison.

That is all we know for sure. ISIS should never be allowed to dictate Japanese foreign policy. Never.

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nigelboy

This is a humanitarian aid for god sakes.

Yes indeed only a humanitarian aid, but in the eyes of irrational ISIS what's the difference? you support their enemies in any form for them it’s the same crime! japanophiles dont be so naive.

Slumdog

You do not know why. You have made your guess

It's not a guess, it's common sense, why would you think they kept Yukawa Alive for so long? why take a burden prisoner for months if they can just kill them anytime they want! THINK!

contributing in this way is not something to be shy about. It was a noble thing to do. There is no need for cloak and dagger and

It's not about being Noble or being SHY!, It's about being cautious and strategic...

I am surprised you would even suggest it.

I support the humanitarian aid, but I won't suggest broadcasting it to the whole planet, I will consider risk and precautions because aid can still be done without my announcemements, less risks!

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

its because

You do not know why. You have made your guess, but you do not know why they did anything they did. All we do know for sure is: ISIS kidnapped them, tortured them and killed them. That is all we know for sure.

when CIA (or Japanese counterpart) plan their operations

This involved publice money, and a lot of it, going to other countries. The other countries involved would be under no obligation to keep anything secret. In addition, contributing in this way is not something to be shy about. It was a noble thing to do. There is no need for cloak and dagger and I am surprised you would even suggest it.

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Slumdog

Sure, I am sure. They killed them. The fact that they killed them shows they meant to kill them.

If they meant to JUST kill these guys , why would they keep Haruna Yukawa for months? Why not Kill them right away!? its because they are reserving Yukawa and Goto someday to be used against Japan and Abe gave them a reason to and officially added Japan to their top priority list. In the Eyes of ISIS wannabees and followers, they won and this will keep their morals up to continously terrorize. So did Japan really win this situation? Now Goto and Yukawa is dead Abe is claiming to retaliate, will he go to Syria now and wipe ISIS? did they really harm ISIS? Or did just Abe marked target marks on his citizen's foreheads?

It could have never been kept confidential. it involves the people of Japan as it is their money. It makes sense to tell them publically.

when CIA (or Japanese counterpart) plan their operations, do they announce them publicly? CIA is also funded by the people's tax!?

But no! because obviously these informations can risk blowing up the operations and will endanger the nation's security!

There is no prohibition, wether to tell public or not. Abe can tell everyone and announce about his plans for the enemies(and He did) but obviously don't expect a smooth operation because information is now been given to the enemies and they will watch Japan closely from now on to counter what Japan is planning for them. It's easier to beat the enemy if they are looking the other way than watching you face to face.

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I do too! because now it's clear that he used this opportunity to escalate the need of Japan to reform their armed forces and leave pacifism. obvious isn't it?

The limited constraints and the inflexibility of the current Article 9 has been and will be questioned any time such tragic deaths occur. The same debate happened during the Algeria hostage incident.

You seem to be under a assumption that Abe himself is bringing this up exclusively when such concerns and questions if deployment of JSDF to rescue the hostage was debated in the media and the public while this was going on.

Do Abe bashers ever quit?

Politicaly it is a duty, but never a benefit, if they are really keen to defeat these guys... that's why they will never get rid of these terrorists as they are giving them hints on what to do, or unless they are not really willing to.

This isn't a top secret 'cover' deployment or stragic plan which the success is predicated on the element of surprise. This is a humanitarian aid for god sakes.

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you are not really sure if they were meant to kill these 2 guys or not

Sure, I am sure. They killed them. The fact that they killed them shows they meant to kill them.

However ISIS released a Video stating The reason why they will kill these 2 Japanese Nationals

Yes, they also claimed that they were willing to trade the pilot for the ISIS prisoner. They lied. I see no reason to believe ISIS.

the ISIS' announcements are the basis of my argument.

ISIS has been shown to lie. You are basing your argument on liars. Hardly a good base.

Why these information cannot be kept confidential to the only people involved?

It could have never been kept confidential. Besides, it involves the people of Japan as it is their money. It makes sense to tell them publically.

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nigelboy

I don't think saving the two was in his mind

I do too! because now it's clear that he used this opportunity to escalate the need of Japan to reform their armed forces and leave pacifism. obvious isn't it?

As to the benefit of announcing the pledge publicly, I see it as a duty as a leader to make it public to not only in Japan but to the ME nations leaders and people who are taking up this fight and pledge their support as a member of the Coalition.

Politicaly it is a duty, but never a benefit, if they are really keen to defeat these guys... that's why they will never get rid of these terrorists as they are giving them hints on what to do, or unless they are not really willing to.

-4 ( +0 / -4 )

First of all , Abe and the world leaders should know that ISIS/ISIL dont have rational minds, so If Abe is aware that they have 2 Japanese Nationals and if he is really WILLING TO SAVE these guys' lives, then he should be careful and cautious about his actions. Didn't he think that ISIS will obviously go mad after his announcements? Again! what is the benefit of announcing to the whole world about the 200 Million USD funding? Why these information cannot be kept confidential to the only people involved? I am not blaming Abe for the kidnapping and obviously I condemn ISIS and their savage actions. However I criticize Abe for being reckless on handling this situation, risking Japan's security which coincides with his desires to leave pacifism

I don't think saving the two was in his mind nor the general Japanese public since the status of them (alive or dead, much like the Jordanian pilot) was unknown. In addition, Japan had already joined the Coalition against Islamic State last year but comparing to what other coalition countries have pledged, even if you include the $200 million aid, it still tame compared to others which begs the question, why Japanese nationals?

http://foreignpolicy.com/2014/11/12/who-has-contributed-what-in-the-coalition-against-the-islamic-state/

As to the benefit of announcing the pledge publicly, I see it as a duty as a leader to make it public to not only in Japan but to the ME nations leaders and people who are taking up this fight and pledge their support as a member of the Coalition.

As slumdog and others have alluded to, no countries and their leaders should compromise, postpone, or expunge her policy based on the threat of terrorists. What you are suggesting is for Abe to do exactly what the ISIL wants them to do.

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Slumdog

You do not have any real confirmation of what ISIS was thinking at the time. You are guessing at the reason.

So do you! you said it yourself , you are not sure about what ISIS is thinking, therefore you are not really sure if they were meant to kill these 2 guys or not, you were just assuming. However ISIS released a Video stating The reason why they will kill these 2 Japanese Nationals, and it's is because of Abe's aid to fight against them. That announcement was as clear as the sunlight, so I am not guessing, the ISIS' announcements are the basis of my argument.

Nigelboy

When an announcement of humanitarian aid can be the 'reasoning' or 'provocation' that lead to their execution, a normal person with a rational mind would denounce the warped rationale of the said executioner. But what we have here are some who are making arguments for ISIL by criticizing the decision of a leader who pledged those aids. It's amazing that a simple message by ISIL can be spread where we have people essentially backing them (consciously, subconsciously) Amazing.

First of all , Abe and the world leaders should know that ISIS/ISIL dont have rational minds, so If Abe is aware that they have 2 Japanese Nationals and if he is really WILLING TO SAVE these guys' lives, then he should be careful and cautious about his actions. Didn't he think that ISIS will obviously go mad after his announcements? Again! what is the benefit of announcing to the whole world about the 200 Million USD funding? Why these information cannot be kept confidential to the only people involved? I am not blaming Abe for the kidnapping and obviously I condemn ISIS and their savage actions. However I criticize Abe for being reckless on handling this situation, risking Japan's security which coincides with his desires to leave pacifism.

-3 ( +0 / -3 )

Like I said in another related article, the Abe bashers arguments are in sync with that of ISIL.

When an announcement of humanitarian aid can be the 'reasoning' or 'provocation' that lead to their execution, a normal person with a rational mind would denounce the warped rationale of the said executioner. But what we have here are some who are making arguments for ISIL by criticizing the decision of a leader who pledged those aids. It's amazing that a simple message by ISIL can be spread where we have people essentially backing them (consciously, subconsciously) Amazing.

-3 ( +0 / -3 )

Now if they suddenly got killed! then there was a reason why!

? You do not have any real confirmation of what ISIS was thinking at the time. You are guessing at the reason.

unbelievable!

? ISIS claimed to want to trade the Jordanian pilot, even though he was already dead, for a captured ISIS 'sister'. What is unbelievable is that you claim to know what was going on in the minds of ISIS leaders when there is no way you can know what they were really thinking.

Never letting walk away and execution are 2 different actions.

? So, you think it is realistic to believe that ISIS just planned on keeping the two forever?

What you are doing is blaming the victim. ISIS, and only ISIS deserve the blame for what happened.

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

slumdog

You just wrote above that you did not think ISIS would let the two hostages go. I agree. They never intended to let them go.

I repeat , Never letting walk away and execution are 2 different actions. when a person got captured it doesnt mean that they will be getting killed automatically by the people who took them. Yes a big chance! but still you'll never know. Now if they suddenly got killed! then there was a reason why!

Now, where is your proof that ISIS decided to kill the two hostages after Abe's announcement?

unbelievable! Watch the first Video ISIS released with Yukawa and Goto! http://www.cnn.com/2015/01/20/middleeast/isis-japan-hostages/index.html

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

what are you talking about? Shosei ended up decapitated at Iraq? so this should be added up to the things Japan wasnt able to handle and contradicts your argument.

Japan handled the Koda situation very well and was in tune with what most countries do to handle such hostage situations. Koizumi clearly stated that his government would not negotiate with terrorists.

In addition, three Japanese hostages held in Iraq were released without Japan bowing to the demands of the hostage takers that Japan leave Iraq.

Not letting walk away and getting executed are 2 totally different actions.

You just wrote above that you did not think ISIS would let the two hostages go. I agree. They never intended to let them go.

Now, where is your proof that ISIS decided to kill the two hostages after Abe's announcement?

You have none.

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

slumdog

Shosei Koda in 2004.

what are you talking about? Shosei ended up decapitated at Iraq? so this should be added up to the things Japan wasnt able to handle and contradicts your argument.

So, you now admit you know ISIS was not going to let him go.

Not letting walk away and getting executed are 2 totally different actions.

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

or you just simply cannot give me some because you don't know one?

Shosei Koda in 2004.

Indeed they were held hostages, but ISIS decided to kill them after Abe's announcement of the aid.

You do not know when ISIS decided to kill them. We do know ISIS claimed to want to negotiate for the Jordanian pilot, whom they had already killed a month or so before.

why would you think that ISIS will let him go?

So, you now admit you know ISIS was not going to let him go.

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

Slumdog

If you do not know of any international incidents involving Japan, you must not read the news much.

or you just simply cannot give me some because you don't know one?

WilliB

And they were kidnapped long before Abe announced any aid, so please stop this red herring about ISIS being "provoked".

Indeed they were held hostages, but ISIS decided to kill them after Abe's announcement of the aid.

Trespassing" is one thing, kidnapping another. For me, kidnapping someone is an act of aggression; not for you?

Yukawa got caught at ISIS' territory armed with AK47 and aware that this guys are insane and will wipe any one on their way? why would you think that ISIS will let him go? and then Goto followed trying to save the guy who is carrying AK47 in their territory. If an armed ISIS member gets caught inside the American territory, would you consider him kidnapped by Americans? I know that ISIS took these places in Syria, unfortunately they are currently in control of those areas they captured now.

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

Perhaps Asahi should start funding or collecting money to help Mr. Goto's children. We don't need more people to "analyze" the situation. We need companies(this goes for educators too) to take action. Don't just talk; walk the walk please.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

Foreign ministries and embassies take care of their national interests, rarely their national's interests. Frequent rotation of ministry staff on diplomatic postings does not allow deep relationships to develop, and Japan's embassy staff have a reputation for being insular, remaining within their comfortable own circle of the expatriate Japanese business community in the countries in which they live. And putting political celebrities like former speed-skater Seiko Hashimoto in charge (she was the number 2 in the FM) does little to inspire the few professional diplomatic staff.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Abe did not create this situation. Yukawa put himself in danger, and Goto with the best intentions fell into the hands of ISIS. Ultimately it is ISIS that is responsible. Abe was put into a difficult situation, did himself no favors by talking too much and not managing expectations, but we would be doing Yukawa and Goto a disservice by focusing on what Abe did wrong or right. Instead, we should consider and evaluate what Abe intends to do to reduce the risk for Japanese citizens in the future and shape Japan's participation in dealing with ISIS and terrorism.

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Like what? give me examples.

? If you do not know of any international incidents involving Japan, you must not read the news much.

they were not kidnapped

? They were kidnapped. No need for semantics. They were kidnapped, tortured and murdered by people who clearly intended on kidnapping, torturing and murdering them as they have done with many others.

Why would he announce to the whole world that he will fund the fight against ISIS?

Because a country's foreign policy cannot and must not be held hostage by terrorists.

-1 ( +2 / -3 )

nopikyantu:

" ISIS didn't go around to look for Japanese Nationals. Yukawa and Goto went to Syria VOLUNTARILY fully aware that they are in the territory of ISIS. They kinda tresspassed actually. "

"Trespassing" is one thing, kidnapping another. For me, kidnapping someone is an act of aggression; not for you? And they were kidnapped long before Abe announced any aid, so please stop this red herring about ISIS being "provoked".

0 ( +3 / -3 )

Slumdog

Japan has handled many international incidents before this and survived them.

Like what? give me examples. They cannot even fix their broken relationships with Korea and China, Until now majority of the people kidnapped by North Koreans are still unresolved.

Having your citizens kidnapped

they were not kidnapped, they were caught and kept for future interest (which what Abe gave ISIS).

ISIS didn't go around to look for Japanese Nationals. Yukawa and Goto went to Syria VOLUNTARILY fully aware that they are in the territory of ISIS. They kinda tresspassed actually.

is not provoking, it is being provoked. Japan was provoked

OK, if Abe is provoked and knew that ISIS has japanese citizen hostages and if he really cares about saving these Japanese hostages' lives. Why would he announce to the whole world that he will fund the fight against ISIS? Does he think that after his announcements, ISIS will let the hostages go voluntarily?

-3 ( +2 / -5 )

They've never had the ability

Japan has handled many international incidents before this and survived them.

which is why Abe should never have provoked IS

Having your citizens kidnapped is not provoking, it is being provoked. Japan was provoked.

You keep expecting the Japanese government to determine foreign policy based on hostages, which is basically encouraging the taking more hostages.

Terrorists should never be given control of foreign policy. It would be tantamount to having the whole country held hostage.

0 ( +3 / -3 )

They've never had the ability, which is why Abe should never have provoked IS and in part brought this crisis on. EVERYONE with a brain knows he provoked it, and proof is in how he's having to defend his comments, and failing.?

-5 ( +3 / -8 )

Zvonko:

" This criminals are mad, they are racists, they are after any religious group and even after their own Muslims. "

How many wrong statements can you cram into one sentence? ISIS are not mad, they are not racists, and they are not "after their own muslims".

Fact is, they are fanatics, but "race" has nothing to do with it. And they are not after "their own muslims"; only after Shiite. ISIS is a radical Sunni movemement, and they have a great level of support from the Sunnis in Eastern Syria and Western Iraq; otherwise they could not survive.

Assad Senior has been battling the Sunni Wahabi radicals for decades, have we forgotten that? (Rethorical question; I bet our political leaders are not even aware of that.) ISIS is simply the continuation of the same Sunni Wahabi movement that took over the town of Hama in the 70`s, read up on that.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

So Yomiuri is only a top selling newspaper and the Asahi is a left leaning one. Hmm! You can't say Yomiuri is a right wing newspaper in favour of military action? Guess not. Asahi asks pesky questions, must be left leaning.

To be fair, in Japan, of the 4 big newspapers, Sankei is the right leaner, Yomiuri is center right, Mainichi is center left, and Asahi is left.

1 ( +3 / -2 )

Doubts have always been raised over Japan's ability to handle an international crisis.

2 ( +4 / -2 )

Are you kidding me? So what about the British and American beheadings? Was that because the US and UK are inept too? OK - don't answer that...!

To be honest - the only people that seem to be criticizing Japan over this are the Japanese. Cut yourselves some slack. There was no negotiating with these animals and sadly those men were dead the moment they were captured.

3 ( +4 / -1 )

katsu78,

A great point. Many Sunnis see ISIS as their protectors from hostile Iraqi and Syrian regimes: the "terrorist vs freedom fighter" dilemma.

Conflict resolution requires a safe entity in that area for its Sunnis. No-one seems to offering that.

In the bigger picture, the Gulf kingdoms' Shia populations also face discrimination. What's their future?

And must ecumenism forever be victim to divide and rule?

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

Also sidenote on the not so subtle undertow in the article itself

The top-selling Yomiuri newspaper echoed that point, saying it was “important for the government and ruling parties to deepen discussion on the issue”.

lots of paragraphs, then

Days and months have passed since the government knew that they were taken hostage, the left-leaning Asahi newspaper said in an editorial.

one paragraph.

So Yomiuri is only a top selling newspaper and the Asahi is a left leaning one. Hmm! You can't say Yomiuri is a right wing newspaper in favour of military action? Guess not. Asahi asks pesky questions, must be left leaning.

1 ( +2 / -1 )

Sure this was Japan's wake up call. But isis plays hard ball. & Japans foreign diplomacy is still in little league. Did anyone really expect both Japanese prisoners to return safe without a scratch?

@ kibousha- i agree with your point of view 100%

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It seems that Japan always has no ability about it at all, so better stay away from there as much as possible. That makes Japan happy as usual.

1 ( +2 / -1 )

He did what anyone could have possibly done dealing with a bunch of lunatic extremist who knows no reason.

In 2014 the New York Times estimated that ISIS had a population of 8 million people. Movements of large groups of people can be hard to predict, but it is absurd to suggest that 8 million people could be collected into one area and that all of them "know no reason". People want things. People understand cause and effect. People have ideas about how they can take actions to cause them to get what they want. That's reasoning. We can call what they want contemptible, we can decry the actions they take to try and get what they want, but to suggest that because we don't like what they do that they know no reason is to throw one's hands in the air and give up on ever having a basic understanding of the conflict at hand. We small people who comment on news stories have the luxury of pretending everyone we don't agree with is incapable of reason if it makes us feel better about ourselves. Nations that operate on the world stage don't have that luxury.

After the ransom demand was made, it's very possible that there is nothing Abe could have done to release those hostages. It may not be fair to blame Abe for failing to win them back. But when looking back and seeing that the government has known these people were held for 2 months and seeing so little done to even attempt to secure their release; to see no explanation given for that failure to attempt a release or for Abe's outright declaring opposition to ISIS without apparently having a plan in place to deal with them, that strongly suggests the government doesn't know what it's dealing with and needs more intelligence assets. We don't have to like ISIS. We're allowed to hate ISIS. But let's not be so foolish as to pretend our hating ISIS gives us permission to be ignorant of how ISIS works.

1 ( +2 / -1 )

What every one should keep in mind is that this is only two more in a chain of murders that IS has and will continue doing. To the Japanese it is special because of two victims being Japanese but it is the same for the British and for Americans and others. This criminals are mad, they are racists, they are after any religious group and even after their own Muslims. They have to be regarded same way as a Plague, Ebola or AIDS, Use anything and everything on our disposal to eradicate the disease. Carpet bombing, Napalm, biological warfare or even Nukes, any way that works fast.

1 ( +3 / -2 )

“The government lacked information and that made it difficult for them to handle the situation,” said Takashi Kawakami, a security expert and professor at Takushoku University.

“It’s a wake-up call. After this experience, they have to boost intelligence operations at home and overseas.”

Team Abe and his disciples such as Takashi Kawakami have planted the seed and now it's up to the media to follow orders and finish the job of selling the public the lie by smothering the head-bobbing flock into believing Abe's talking points.

1 ( +2 / -1 )

Is this where I get to hear how weak Japan is, but when it does something about it, it's a threat to world peace?

Reaches for popcorn...

-2 ( +5 / -7 )

As long as the official strategy/negotiation "textbook" that Japan (the entrenched LDP/bureaucrat oyaji gang) keeps following is "low risk, high return," we are not going to see the kind of hard, timely decision making and taking of responsibility that is absolutely needed against opponents such as ISIS, DPRK and the PRC.

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

Not a fan of Abe but Swim Bike-Run makes a good point. Give Abe a break on this one. True, even the U.S. can't save all their hostages and they have many, many more years experience in doing so.

0 ( +3 / -3 )

Give Abe San a break. He did what anyone could have possibly done dealing with a bunch of lunatic extremist who knows no reason. Iam no fan of him but given the circumstances around him, he managed the crisis well I'd say.

I totally agree.

Obama and Cameron in spite of their diplomatic clout and military capabilities failed as well to rescue their fellowmen murdered by ISIS.

The difference here is they US and Britain do not negotiate with terrorists. So I wouldn't call that failure as much as calling it policy.

-3 ( +3 / -6 )

Give Abe San a break. He did what anyone could have possibly done dealing with a bunch of lunatic extremist who knows no reason. Iam no fan of him but given the circumstances around him, he managed the crisis well I'd say. Obama and Cameron in spite of their diplomatic clout and military capabilities failed as well to rescue their fellowmen murdered by ISIS. Do you think the DPJ or the Japan Communist Party would have done it better? Dream on, just looked back how horrible the DPJ manage to deal with the tripple disaster years ago, it was a hell of a mess. They practically 'froze' in their seat and was overwhelmed with events.

1 ( +7 / -6 )

Japan’s failure to rescue two hostages beheaded by Islamic State militants has raised doubts about its ability to handle an international crisis

Well they're not the only ones who have failed to get their nationals released by IS, and I think the US and UK can handle international crises fairly well - so why should Japan get stick over it?

4 ( +7 / -3 )

I'm NOT SHINZO ABE

3 ( +5 / -2 )

reveals the weakness of its diplomatic resources in the region

No real surprise is there? Japan has not put real diplomatic relations as a high priority for many years. Unfortunately the country, including the Foreign Ministry, has suffered from an inward focus, as well as a certain degree of arrogance -- the "they need us more than we need them" mentality. And, to make matters worse, this arrogance has occasionally been evidenced by thumbing its nose at the world on things like whaling, trade agreements, etc.. Japan needs to take a large dose of humble pie, and realize that its "specialness" is no more special than any other country's, and accept that international relations must be a two-way street, so it has friends to rely on in times of crisis.

-4 ( +5 / -9 )

Japan, you can't be friends with everyone, you need to pick your side and fight. No more of that bull**** conformist attitude trying to "please" everyone and make everyone a "friend" when underneath all those smiles you just want to be left alone, don't be a selfish nation. grow up.

-1 ( +8 / -9 )

Game changer...

0 ( +1 / -1 )

“It’s no longer just someone else’s situation—Japan has to face that fact,”

This was never just someone else's problem, it unfortunately took the murder of two Japanese for the powers to be to realize this.

1 ( +6 / -5 )

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