Today is election day here in Japan. This is the view of Motohiro Ono (Shingetsu Member No. 29) as it appeared in the Asahi Shinbun a couple of weeks ago.

Photo: Motohiro Ono
Source: ODA News

The SDF in Iraq: Withdrawal or Extension? Time to Show Public Opinion

By Motohiro Ono (Senior Researcher at the Middle East Research Institute)

You mustn’t forget that the SDF dispatch to Iraq is one of the important issues in the upcoming election of the House of Representatives. Which is a more sensible choice, withdrawal or extension? It is a very good time to discuss this and make a decision, because the dispatch is scheduled to end this December.

The Iraqi situation is now chaotic, and it is not only security but also politics that are in confusion. The situation in Samawa, where the SDF is encamped, is also more unstable than ever before. Even people supporting the SDF are getting targeted, with citizens complaining at slow reconstruction, conflicts over religious and political power, and groups showing their power who are seriously aiming at for the reins of government. Things are going to get tougher for the SDF in Iraq.

The dispatched units have operated water distribution, rebuilding public facilities, and medical support. Water distribution, which was the main activity of the SDF, was taken over by the local residents with a purification facility distributed by Japan, and the SDF ended its water distribution activity this February. The SDF can leave efforts to rebuild facilities to the locals on condition that they have enough money to operate them. In fact, Iraqis are constructing some roads, while SDF members are repairing only roads near their base.

In this respect, the SDF is becoming less noticeable. On the other hand, people in Samawa know that big money is sent from Japan since the SDF has been dispatched there.

Japan ended its mostly grant assistance which cost 1.5 billion yen this March and has been shifting to loan assistance since this April. However, loan assistance is not easily provided in this deteriorated situation. In addition, since loan assistance presumes that the Iraqi government will return the money, Japan cannot ignore their demands. Japan has to change its assistance structure in which they have assisted Samawa on the premise that Japanese are welcomed.

The Democratic Party of Japan insists that the SDF should withdraw by this December. However, as long as the SDF dispatch contains elements of the reconstruction of Iraq, and in view of relations with the US, the withdrawal is not an easy thing to do.

The meaning of the dispatch will dissipate unless people feel grateful to the SDF, and Japan shows its scheme of assistance after the withdrawal. If people regard SDF withdrawal as a “getaway,” it is possible that other nations will think that Japan had dispatched its SDF only in hope of return support from the US government, and this can have a bad influence on future relations between Arabic nations and Japan.

Japan needs to take a proper attitude as a trusted nation in international community.

If the Liberal Democratic Party keeps power, there is a good chance that the dispatch period will be extended again. When Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi explained the reasons for the extension, he spent half of the time mentioning the importance of Japan-US relations. I wonder whether Japan should be obedient every time the US wants us be. Considering the situation in Iraq, it is also important to secure the SDF. Since the meaning of the SDF presence is questioned in Iraq, to decide the extension without changing any of our policies can lead the SDF to be exposed to danger.

The Prime Minister remarked that he will discuss the withdrawal issue before December, but it might be too late then. The withdrawal will apparently take a few months, and in case the dispatch period is extended with a revised policy, the SDF will have to take some time for additional training.

The responsibility of voters is grave, and includes how Japan should contribute to global society.