Declaration of Retaliatory Measures

Perhaps losing moderate mind, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe denounced Islamic State on the murder of two Japanese men. Abe told the press corps on Sunday that he would let them make it up. It would be paralleled with former President of the United States, George W. Bush, who hurled the word of “Bring ‘em on,” to the Iraqis. So, how will Abe let Islamic State make it up? It is possible that the opponent take his words as a declaration of retaliatory action.

Abe used extreme words in his statement. “I am infuriated by these inhumane and despicable acts of terrorism, and resolutely condemn their impermissible and outrageous acts,” told him. And to express his determination not to forgive the terrorists and not to give in to terrorism, he said as follows: “I will work with the international community to hold them responsible for their deplorable acts.” This was the provisional translation by the official. But, his statement in Japanese language was more explicit, meaning that he required letting them make the murder up.

To the question from the opposite party in House of Councillors Budget Committee on Monday, Abe explained his comment as an intention to let them be on a trial cooperating with international society. Trying to reinforce his elaboration, he raised a fact that Japanese police organization had started investigation about the murder. Are you serious, Mr. Prime Minister, in believing Japanese police chasing the commanders of Islamic State and bring them to a trial?

Abe also emphasized a necessity of dispatching Japanese Self-defense Force to rescue Japanese citizens abroad. Well, if Japanese government had sent SDF in the middle of kidnapping to a neighbor country of Syria, the two Japanese hostages were immediately killed. For Japan to send military to conflicting zone would be different from rescuing operation of U.S. or United Kingdom, because Japan’s action would be recognized as an obvious countermeasure against kidnapping. It will precipitate Japanese citizens into a danger.

While accusing terrorism, Abe was reluctant to be involved in military operations of coalition forces. Asked a possibility of participating in logistic support for airstrike, he clearly dismissed it. Abe stressed that Japanese contribution to fight against terrorism would be limited to humanitarian assistance including medical support and food supply. Raising a very marginal argument that Japan should not even have humanitarian supports, Abe explained that giving in or being frightened with terrorism would bring further danger to Japanese people. Abe looks to be a very person who is scared by terrorist attack.