Fair or Foul, But Really Just Lame
Regardless of how one views it—as unconstitutional or tactically opportunistic—it's a tactical defeat for Ichiro Ozawa. So much for consensus politics!
But really, what law got passed is not worth passing (except in the most symbolic of senses).
In response to past criticism that some of the MSDF fuel provided to other ships was actually used in the war in Iraq, Japanese government officials, in writing, will ask allies to use the fuel only for the anti-terrorism campaign in Afghanistan.
Refueling will only be conducted after the projected routes of the receiving ships are known.
The new law also limits the MSDF's activities to providing fuel and water to other ships.
The original special measures law that led to the start of the refueling mission included such activities as transport by the Air Self-Defense Force, search-and-rescue missions and providing assistance to displaced people.
Those activities were eliminated from the new law.
The new law also has a time limit of one year. If a further extension of the refueling mission is required, the government would have to pass another special measures bill into law.
Just in time to tack to the new US administration's line.
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