Distance from War on Terrorism

The updated video footage about Japanese hostage to Islamic State, Kenji Goto, appeared in YouTube on Sunday morning, which indicated beheading Goto by masked man generally called Jihadi John. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe announced his determination not giving in terrorism with wet eyes in front of press corps. Japan being further involved in the war on terror must be what terrorists want. It is a crucial moment for Japan to calculate its distance from the war.

Overwhelming sentiment of the Japanese is fundamental sympathy for families of Goto and strong anger against brutal murder of Islamic extremism. No one would deny Abe’s comment that denounced IS of its horrendous act of terrorism. Japan’s humanitarian support for the people suffering from war on terrorism is generally understandable for the Japanese people.

What the Japanese need to consider is the statement of the murderer. “Abe, because of your reckless decision to take part in an unwinnable war, this knife will not only slaughter Kenji, but will also carry on and cause carnage wherever your people are found. So let the nightmare for Japan begin,” told Jihadi John in the video. The message unequivocally expressed antagonism against Abe. In the former video with Goto and Haruna Yukawa, formerly beheaded, IS required $200 million for ransom as the paralleled value with Japan’s pledge for the countries fighting IS. But Jihadi John’s message was not only resistance against the pledge.

Experts on Middle East in Japan reiterate that Japan has already been involved in the global war on terror in the eyes of Islamic extremism. So, when did Japan get included? After criticized by United States of its reluctant financial contribution to the Gulf War, Japan started its support with human resource in international conflicts. After September Eleventh attack in 2001, Japan made clear its standpoint to take side with United States. From his first term, Abe has been making clear his notion that U.S. was indispensable ally for Japan.

The Japanese need to review their history for this nearly a quarter century. Although most people believe that the people in Middle East do not have negative image on Japan, because of its resiliency from devastation of the World War II and of its development in technology, the experience of Japan on security issues, heavily relying on American power, might have changed the reputation in Middle East.

It is not smart for Japan to tell high stake in Middle East too much, or carelessly emphasize support for one side in Palestine issue. It is not the time for Abe and his colleagues to take advantage of this opportunity for broadening role of Japanese Self-defense Force to deal with rescuing Japanese abroad.