Japan Extends Air Force Missions for Iraq

Just at the moment when Democrats are trying to pull the plug and abandon Iraq, one of our allies steps up and extends their service mission.

Wait a minute. We have allies in Iraq? I thought our action was unilateral?

Japan Extends Air Force Mission in Iraq
via Washington Times
March 30, 2007

TOKYO (AP) -- Japan's Cabinet approved a two-year extension of the country's air force mission in Iraq after it expires in July, the foreign minister announced Friday.

Tokyo has been airlifting U.N. and coalition personnel and supplies into Baghdad and other Iraqi cities from nearby Kuwait since early last year as part of efforts to support Iraq's reconstruction.

The mission had been set to end July 31.

"A two-year extension is necessary to continue stable airlifting support" because Iraq's reconstruction has not been completed, Foreign Minister Taro Aso said in a statement after Cabinet approved the plan.