[MMM]

I think those are all great questions Koaku, and I wish I had better answers.

In a very controversial move, the PM of Japan sent Japanese SDF (Self-Defense Forces) to act as support for American troops. All in all it was more a gesture of good faith. Less than 3000 troops from Japan were sent, and they were never on the front lines. Thankfully, no Japanese soldier lost thier lives.

This an unpopular move in Japan, and the troops were called home, as Japan decided their troops didn't belong there. The President of Australia has been very critical of Obama's stance on the war, but Obama's response was "If you beleive in this war so deeply, commit more than 8000 Australian soldiers." The criticism soon dried up.

The international forces aren't as international as they were a couple years ago. This isn't the UN vs Iraqi Insurgents, but the US vs Iraqi Insurgents.

You are right. War is business. The American people are paying for the war, but to who? American corporations that profit off of war. The military "contracts out" security missions to private "security companies". You know these soldiers aren't getting paid the chicken feed the US Army privats are. And yet, they aren't held to the same standards as American militia.