1、Congressional Research Service The Library of CongressCRS Report for CongressReceived through the CRS WebOrder Code RS21816Updated April 30, 2004Japans Self-Defense Forces in Iraq:Motivations, Constraints, and Implications forU.S.-Japan Alliance Cooperation nae redactedSpecialist in Asian AffairsFor
2、eign Affairs, Defense, and Trade DivisionSummaryThe capture and subsequent release of five Japanese civilians in two differenthostage-taking situations by Islamic terrorist groups in Iraq in April 2004 underscoredthe high stakes for both the Japanese government of Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumiand
3、 for the U.S.-led coalition. Except for the small Communist and Socialist parties,Japanese political leaders across the board supported Koizumis adamant stance againstresponding to the hostage-takers demands that Japan withdraw its contingent of some550 troops that were deployed to Samawah, in south
4、ern Iraq, in early 2004. While thisshow of resolve by Japan has been welcomed by the Bush Administration, the longer-term effect of the hostage-taking and the upsurge in anti-coalition violence mayreinforce the views of many in Japan, including the main opposition party, that agreeingto send Japanes
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