Iraq the Issue as Rumsfeld Meets Japan's Koizumi

[Barrett808]

TOKYO (Reuters) - Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld held talks with Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi Friday as Tokyo showed signs of cold feet over a promise to send troops to troubled Iraq.

Rumsfeld, making his first visit to Japan as defense secretary, arrived from Guam and went immediately to Koizumi's office for a meeting against the backdrop of intensifying attacks on U.S. and allied occupying forces in Iraq.

They were also expected to discuss broader security issues including U.S. troop deployments in Asia and the war on terror.

Rumsfeld will go to Seoul Sunday for similar talks with South Korean leaders.

(more)

http://www.reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml?storyID=3822025

[David__77]

1. "Cold feet?" What part of "no" isn't understood?

The cabinet chief said "no." Not unless there is peace. There will not be peace during this occupation, so Japan has said "no." I'm certain the Japanese would be priority targets in Iraq in order to effectively harm U.S. hegemony internationally.

[Barrett808]

2. Wonder what they'll try to hold over Koizumi

Is bribery or extortion the game plan?