marginalia

---

Japan, Kindly Stay Out of Iraq
Mahdi Elmandjra, Japan Today, 16 December 2003

The moment that all lovers of Japan throughout the world were fearing has arrived. Japan has decided to send troops to Iraq. Whatever semantic expressions may be used it is a military intervention without legal international backing. The meaning of the initiative is clear. (more)

---

Core Dispatch Set for February
135-strong GSDF unit to be advance team to Samawah
Japan Times, 18 December 2003

The first main Ground Self-Defense Force contingent will head to Iraq in February to engage in reconstruction assistance after Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi gives the final go-ahead, according to Defense Agency documents. (more)

Japanese Embassy in Baghdad Issues Alert
Junko Takahashi, Japan Times, 18 December 2003

Japanese Embassy in Iraq Under Threat
Asahi Shimbun, 18 December 2003

Terror Threat Spurs Ministry Panic
Kanako Takahara, Japan Times, 18 December 2003

63% Fear Terrorists Will Attack Japan
Japan Today, 18 December 2003