It's a case of "winning" the trust of the locals;)

Definitely good for Japan's image in the outside world, not so sure about the Japanese.

hasnt really been big news here.

but knowing how these aid packages work, a big chunk of that cash will make it back to japan since in many cases one of the conditions will be that japanese companies are chosen for projects paid for by the aid.

everyone does it everywhere all the way back to WW2.

it kills 2 birds with one stone,....

1-hey look world we're nice peoples
2-hey look corporate japan, we may say we want to stop spending but we've found a nice loophole that you guys are familiar with, so keep those personal gifts coming :D .

its just a small start i think, besides, $5bill wont get you much these days, especially not on the hearts and minds market.

Interesting comments.


On a more personal note, Barack Obama was in Anchorage (next to my town) yesterday on his way to Japan. He met briefly with troops at Elmendorf Air Force Base... that was pretty big news locally. :D



Obama thanks troops at Alaska's Elmendorf Air Force Base - Politics AP - MiamiHerald.com

Obama, in Japan, vows Afghanistan decision 'soon' - washingtonpost.com

I was reading about his visit on BBC. It's good to see that the US will maintain the bases.

Speaking of politics, South Korea will send troops to Afghanistan soon. It's a nice opportunity to prosecute pro-American politicians in Seoul next year.

Actually I have no idea what you are searching for.

... You're kind of a bully, MMM

But when no one responded you bumped it.

It seemed like you had something you were trying to say, and I was trying to figure it out. I am not sure how that is bullying, but I will not post in this thread again, no worries.