Newsletter No. 437
Editorial-Opinion
November 13, 2006

 

The following opinion piece has been contributed by Housam Darwisheh (Shingetsu Member No. 116). Darwisheh is based at Tokyo University of Foreign Studies.

JAPAN MUST SEEK A MORE ACTIVE ROLE AND A CLEARER STRATEGY IN WEST ASIA
By Housam Darwisheh

It is really difficult to understand how Japan wants play a leading role in the world, especially in West Asian countries where the United States has tremendous influence over the natural and oil resources. There is no doubt that there is a consensus among the Japanese people on playing a positive role in international affairs, but the question is how and why?

I think that this is a question that is still hard for Japanese politicians to answer clearly.

Realist politicians stress the importance of the Japan-America alliance, but I think that Japan should try to get rid of this ‘San Francisco System’ and its huge restrictions that prevent it from defending itself. Because of this system, Japan seems to lack a clear political vision towards international problems, as well as its own security issues. Japan should get rid of this World War II phobia and try to make use of its leading economic role by playing an active political role in international politics.

The Japan of the time of World War II is different from that of today. A more active political and security role for Japan does not mean that hostile attitudes will emerge vis-a-vis neighboring countries.

As an economically powerful country, Japan should:

1. Adopt a clear strategic vision regarding its role in world politics. Besides that, Japan should strengthen its role within the UN.

2. Make effective use of its ODA policy and focus on playing a bigger role in world politics.

3. Address Third World problems by providing a new vision of human security separate from the American strategy of imposing democracy, as a first step towards solving conflicts and securing national and international interests.