Japan to pull all troops out of Iraq by May: report

[maddezmom]

TOKYO (AFP) - Japan will pull all of its troops out of Iraq by the end of May, ending Tokyo's first military deployment since World War II to a country where fighting is ongoing, a newspaper reported.

The 600-odd soldiers, who are on a humanitarian mission in Samawa, southern Iraq, would start withdrawing in March, said the Sankei Shimbun newspaper, which closely covers national security issues, without identifying its sources.

Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi would make the announcement after coordinating efforts with Britain and Australia, who are providing security for the Japanese troops.

The troops, who are banned from using their weapons under Japan's pacifist constitution, have suffered no casualties during their humanitarian assistance mission.

more:http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20060131/wl_asia_afp/japaniraqtroopsmilitary_060131085254;_

[Greeby]

1. At least one Prime Minister can take a hint

*sigh*

[saigon68]

2. They are saying ADIOS

War Criminal Chimpanzee

[Judi Lynn]

3. Much better idea than sending them to Iraq in the first place.

As Republicans see it, voluntary enlistment means lots and lots of free lives for them to dispose of any way they see fit. Free lives, no strings attached. Ugly people, Republicans.

[MrSlayer]

4. They're the only ones not killing anybody.

This whole fucking thing is beyond stupid. It's just so senseless.