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Japan is debating weather to give in or not to American pressure to join the US missile defence system!
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by Paschen | May 25, 2008 at 01:27 am
535 views | 12 Recommendations | 21 comments
By Uwe Paschen.
The Japanese Government is heavily debating the pro and cons of the US missile defence program, and if Japan should give in to American pressure to become par of it.
The Pro would be to keep the US government happy and stop the pressure, the main fear here are economic retributions from the USA.
On the other hand there is the fear of a new arm race and cold war with Russia and maybe even China, that would directly impact on Japan since China as well as Russia are next door.
Further Japan is still negotiating with Russia over some Islands that where taken at the end of the second World War by the then Soviet Union. Russia and Japan still have to sign a peace treaty as well, that has never been possible due to the land dispute being unresolved.
The relations with China are just improving and warming up, a rather vital matter for Japan's future and a US missile defence system would only put the Japanese Chinese relation back on ice and eventually cause a new cold war in wish Japan would hold the losing end.
Japanese them self seem to voice great concern and would rather not see any American Missiles on their territory. Keeping the peace with China and Russia is seen as more important, yet some Politician would very much like to please the USA mainly out of fear for the already unstable economy.
What will come out of it is yet to be seen, However Japan may lose more in the long run by giving in the US pressure than by simply saying "no", something that is rather hard to do for Japanese, since they try rather hard, not to upset any one.
Maybe giving peace a chance would be the wise route to take! Do we really need any more weapons out there? Something to thing about for every one, every where, even in the USA.
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Most RecentMost Recommended Comments (21)
at 23:04 on July 8th, 2008
Paschen, I like this story. It's good stuff.
at 02:17 on July 9th, 2008
Thank you for the flag, it is much appreciated! Most of this many would like to sweep under the carpet!
at 02:02 on July 9th, 2008
The US Missile Defense program is also Japan's missile defense program.
U.S., Japan Expand Missile-Defense Plan
US, Japan to study missile defense system with Australia
Japan, U.S. to hold first joint missile defense drill in 2008
I think your analysis of the situation is mislead.
Suggesting that the Japan/China relations will go cold is ridiculous because it is known that Japan has gone far enough to test and actually shoot things down. There is no news here in terms of Japan's contribution to missile defense.
Japan is becoming entrenched in China both socially and economically which would severely limit any real response by China to this issue. Further, 'punishing' Japan on this issue will quickly relegate China to possible US enemy status, which if that is what the PRC ultimately wants, it will not officially be made known for quite some time... but how likely is that anyway (US absorbs waaay too much of China export)?
Lastly, when talking about nations such as Russia and China, 'next door' is anywhere on the globe ;)
at 02:13 on July 9th, 2008
The mention that they is no news here must have escaped the Japanese Parlament that is debating it and the Public that is against Japan being part of the Program! Hum and China must be wrong as well since it came up in talks a month ago I think as Japans PM visited China! I do think the Japanese may strongly disagree with you! For them it is a issue and a big one!
at 02:39 on July 9th, 2008
Again, mislead... giving lip service to the issue does little to stop the machinery in motion. Please research the progress of the program, this train has left and debating about it merely gets votes for those that do the complaining.
Our gov still 'debates' this issue to this day...
And... I didn't state there was no news here... the news is obviously renewed focus on debates about an important G8 talking point... I wrote: "There is no news here in terms of Japan's contribution to missile defense."
I am not saying that active debate is not happening, merely your analysis of the situation is mislead by the usual drama that comes with such things.
at 02:57 on July 9th, 2008
I will look into it and get back to you, however I am not miss lead. Arming is never a sign of peace but more agrecions to come! Misilles will not protect any one agains Terrorist, they have other ways, why we call them Terrorist! The worst part is the system has failed all test so far and is at best a danger to us all, including the US!
at 03:30 on July 9th, 2008
If arming is never a sign of peace, then I suppose most neighborhoods with locks and alarms can in some small way be considered hostile... if we people do this on a small scale, why should we expect ours nations to act differently on a larger scale?
I agree with your last point, that system really does suck... I was amazed at how lame it was when it started getting steam circa 2000... big surprise, it still sucks, the flaws are systemic.
at 08:41 on July 9th, 2008
You are bringing the wrong analogy up here with me at least it wont work since I never Look any thing nor have alarm systems or Guns...! I had the odd person walk in and they where more surprised at my reaction then I was at them being there! I have two Kids and I am Married and my Wife has to put up with my philosophy as did my Mother with my Father and so far she does agree with me and helps me taking care of the odd one trying to come in! The Irony is that kindness goes a lot further that aggression would! I have not lost more money living that way than all those that spend it in security and insurance! I have a the same house hold basics than every one else and I am an Apple fan, yet no one ever stills it! Because most know me and know that I will help them if I can! You may want to try it your self it is a good Philosophy!
at 02:04 on July 9th, 2008
Also...
"Maybe giving peace a chance would be the wise route to take! Do we really need any more weapons out there? Something to thing about for every one, every where, even in the USA."
More weapons? heh... its called missile defense not offense ;)
at 02:15 on July 9th, 2008
Spoken as a true patriot! Again that is not how Russia, China, Even Germany do see it! For them it is an offence and another cold war to be!
at 03:02 on July 9th, 2008
No rational person will mistake the intent of the system: protection.
The fear is the arms race that may occur since every good sword requires a better shield requires a better sword requires a better... Russia, China and even Germany pretty much say the same thing: Why do you need it? Does this not just send a signal of mistrust to the rest of the world? Won't this just cause others to try harder?
Personally, I know the missile defense program is (technically) flawed in many ways and I believe it to be a huge waste of tax payer money. Simply, I do not buy into this system, though I suppose I did seeing as how I pay taxes ;)
Lastly, the reality is we have a bunch of really scary weapons laying around this world... weapons that require missiles to make them most efficient at death and destruction. If one were to make it very difficult for these missiles to hit their intended target, would it not decrease the value of the missile? If you ideally removed the missile vector how would nuclear arms be deployed? Probably in ways much more difficult and unlikely than missiles.
How do we currently defend against such attacks? Mutually assured destruction... which does little to stop rogue states... which is the aim of this missile defense system and why Japan is deploying it (remember the N. Korean tests which prompted Japan's actions?). Otherwise, given the capabilities of the system there is little hope in stopping a real attack by a real enemy -- like how the locks on your doors don't really stop real thieves... only people casually trying to open them. The US missile def. program merely raises the bar to threaten the US and its allies.
at 03:06 on July 9th, 2008
Okay, good reasoning! What about 911? No missile could have stopped that! And if any Rouged State or Terrorist wanted to they would still find a way! Less some times can be better! Co-operation rather than confrontation! Why not even negotiation! It does seem to work in many other cases! North Korea is cooperating with out missiles being pointed at them!
at 03:24 on July 9th, 2008
Hmm... you are now attempting to confuse the issue.
The system is made to defend continents... this is far beyond any measure of a terrorist threat, no matter how trumped up the threat may be. We are talking about trying to stop multi-city/state/country annihilation (that's annihilation, not localized damage).
And yes, missiles do stop commercial airplanes... if they are allowed to do so.
And yes I agree, where there is a will there is a way.
And yes, I believe everyone has their price so I am for economic negotiation/support, not war.
For fun, here is an alternate theory::
> US wants missile defense
> Asia-pacific theater needs pushing
> Someone gets N. Korea to freak out everyone in the area
> Asia-pacific grows warmer to the idea
> Missile defense program set in forward motion
> N. Korea chills out and profits somehow (to be seen)
> Strategy wins out and some people gain power
at 08:54 on July 9th, 2008
No, not at all! No confusion here! Do you play Chess?
911 was so fast and unexpected even though the US had been warned by European intelligence! No Missile would have stopped those Planes, maybe they would have ended up causing even more damage in the end, since they are so accurate!
Justice may be even better than trying to buy people!
Afganistan Taliban and Al-Qaida where armed and financed in part by the US to fight the former Soviets, that this would back fire was evident for many that warned the US!
The US wants a Missile defence system to defend it self agains its own creations!
The so called rugged states are not perseived as rugged by all G8 members mainly the US, GB! In Africa, Asia and even South America and Europe many Countries perceive the US and GB as Rugged states! At least it is some thing to think about! Maybe we are doing some thing wrong would be the question!!
I have a great respect for the US constitution and declaration of independence and yet the US do to others and worth as the British did to them! Paradox at best!
Korea did not start talking because of some Missiles that may go up and may work in 10 to 20 years, but maybe more because of China that is feed up with this Clown!
at 02:52 on July 10th, 2008
I do enjoy playing chess ;)
at 22:52 on July 10th, 2008
Good, maybe we should play someday! It is a good game and I wish more Politician would be good at it, it would avoid many conflicts! Our brains are meant to be used and developed as well as challenged. Simple animalistic emotions and reactions do not get us far! Well, call me if you ever come to Japan, We may be able to play some Chess then in peace and discuss strategy! :)
at 08:18 on July 9th, 2008
Paschen, I like this story. It's good stuff.
at 08:50 on July 11th, 2008
Paschen, Your live and let live philosophy works well in the theoretical, but the reality is, is that there are huge differences between various cultures, economies, and motivations of power.
For instance, the Taliban, are culturally Islamic, and live happily under Shariah Quoranic law and teachings. But the West do not share the treatment of women, homosexuals, apostates, as acceptable, by Shariah standards. Religious motivation, seeks to expand Islam, and forbid other religious practices, or atheism, agnosticism, etc.. The violence inflicted on non-Muslim countries during the offensive of the Ottoman expansion, was only arrested by defensive measures of the Crusades.
In a mono-culture, mono-economy, mono-religious world, country, state; live and let live functions well. But when there is asymmetry in economic levels, or religious power threatens other religions, or principles of justice seem inequitable, then conflicts will motivate violence, and self defense is necessary.
You seem to think that if one is not offensive, aggressive toward others, then he will be left in peace, but that seems naive to me. You may have seen videos of little old ladies, mugged for their purse. The lady is seen as weak, not as aggressive. Thieves seek the easiest prey. If you seem to have something of value to a thief, and have low security, you may be the next victim.
at 16:42 on July 11th, 2008
I like to differ since it is not simply a philosophy! I grow up with war and Major differences in Africa, Religious as well as Cultural and Racial!
We never had problems even on the worst of days! Yes, their have been close calls and much worth! However in the end we survived because we respected the others point and safe zone!
People in most cases do not wish to kill unless they fell put in a corner and have no way out, their very existence being at stake! The Western countries are bullies at best, imposing their view and believes onto the world that does not want them! What do you expect, a thank you for destroying their culture and way of lives?
Most Would never harm nor confront the West if this one would not bully every one around and exploit people to the point they can no longer live!
I have seen Westerners tell Africans that what they do and believe and the way they live is bad and that they are bad! Have some respect and let them be, their cultures, believes and religions are as good or better then our own!
We colonised, imposed our self and exploited those people and countries for to long and they have not forgotten any of it either!
African, Asian, Middle Easterners are rather tolerant of other religions and cultures! We made them be against us by continually pouching them into a corner and using them, exploiting them and betraying them!
We created the Taliban and Al-Quaida not the Moslems, they did not like the US creating a monster and Arming it!
We are the bad guys here, and we have been the bad Guy now for over 5 centuries!
If any one is guilty and needs to change, then it us in the Western World, not the rest of the World! We are the Problem not them!
I know out of experience over 4 generations in Africa that this works and it does work every where even in Canada and USA, where I lived for many years! However it does take more courage and discipline to live as a Pacifist, it is a lot easier to shoot every one and than say sorry, killed the wrong ones again? Well, they are just causalities of War, that is Okay!
No, their Children will come after you for the pain and the injustice you have caused! It will take much to fix the damage we have caused and heal the pain! If we do not change very soon a show some respect and become humble our self's then we shall pay the price with our blood as did the Romans, and other tyrants before us!
at 18:48 on July 11th, 2008
Paschen, Your response is typical of guilt ridden liberal ideologues. Come on now, you must know that WE(who are you referring to?), did not create AQ or the Taliban. The Muhajiddeen? were fighting and losing to the Soviets. But more importantly, the fundamental, jihadis came from Egypt where the Salafist movement originated, and that movement spread eventually to Mullah Omar in Afghanistan. Look up al-Hanna, Muslim Brotherhood, Said Qutb?, as those who splintered off to form a militaristic arm of the MB. They were anti-Zionist, and seeking (like Wahabbism) the purity of fundamental, literal Quoranic interpretations. The objection to Western values(women's rights, alcohol and drug use, sexual promiscuity , and non-Muslim religious beliefs) were the impetus to develop an organization, which challenged Nasser, and now Mubarrack, as being too secular... I would like to discuss further this topic but need to leave right now. Look forward to chatting again soon.
at 21:25 on July 11th, 2008
You may want to read the rest of the comments! as well as the article I wrote on the decline of the American empire!
No, I have no guild at all, nor can I undo the past, how ever I can change the future! I am not against self defence nor pressure where it is appropriated!
Yes, we did great that monster of Al-Quaida and made the Taliban so powerful by financing them and supporting them for years to fight against the Soviets for us!
We also created SH in Iraq to fight Iran for us and to give the Soviet a hard time as well since Iran was an ally of the Soviets! The guilt is mainly with the USA and former Soviets!
So do not cry now and complain about it, face the facts. The World would be better of with less power play by the US and GB as well as France, China and Russia and more compromise! Remember the American revolution and declaration of independence?
That was a master piece, not much is left of that spirit though! America is today just as bad as GB was to them some 232 years ago! Learn form History or become History would be my advice! Has nothing to do with Guild nor neo Liberalism, but with Justice!