The New York Times has an editorial today (registration required) that applauds Germany for its recent white paper on international security policy. The white paper calls for Germany to play a greater role in MOOTW operations -- including peacekeeping, post-conflict reconstruction, and counterterrorism operations.Sound familiar?This is precisely the role that Japan aims to play in …

Continue reading Follow the (black, red, and) yellow brick road

In the midst of the relief that has greeted North Korea's decision to return to the six-party talks, it is important to remember -- as this editorial in the Yomiuri Shimbun does (link in Japanese) -- that Japan cannot relax just because the six-party talks are set to resume.Of the powers participating in the talks, …

Continue reading Sympathy for Japan