From Asia Times:
TOKYO - Shocked by a string of pirate attacks on Japanese-owned tankers off the coast of Somalia, normally pacifist Japan is considering a new bill for the deployment of its powerful navy to fend off marauders and protect vital trade routes off the coast of East Africa.
If Japan has thus far disappointed the international community by failing to implement effective anti-piracy measures to help safeguard the world economy - it may be more to do with legislative gridlock than any lack of political will. In fact, one prominent naval expert feels that Japan is in a unique position to play a leading role in resolving the escalating piracy crisis that is slowly paralyzing Asia's sea lanes.
Read more ....
TOKYO - Shocked by a string of pirate attacks on Japanese-owned tankers off the coast of Somalia, normally pacifist Japan is considering a new bill for the deployment of its powerful navy to fend off marauders and protect vital trade routes off the coast of East Africa.
If Japan has thus far disappointed the international community by failing to implement effective anti-piracy measures to help safeguard the world economy - it may be more to do with legislative gridlock than any lack of political will. In fact, one prominent naval expert feels that Japan is in a unique position to play a leading role in resolving the escalating piracy crisis that is slowly paralyzing Asia's sea lanes.
Read more ....