Battle for Okinawa: Islander s face off with Tokyo over bases
Elaine Lies
February 4, 2015
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Elaine Lies
February 4, 2015
click here to access article
- Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has decided to construct a new base by Okinawa's northern most city of Nago, placing Okinawan's homes in the front line of Japan's defense. Okinawan's are enraged as they're islands are home to 70% of U.S. troops in Japan using 18% of the islanders land.
- I believe Shinzo Abe should listen to the citizens protest as the Okinawan's are one of the poorest areas in Japan due to these military operations alienating the area from the rest of Japan. If this is the result of placing heavily militarized troops in the islands, then of course the Okinawan's would protest this move. However, strategically, this area has been used since WWII, and Abe feels the need to continuously place troops in the area. So in order to meet middle ground, i feel Abe need only to invest more money into the area to help improve slums an maybe even provide better scenery for troops.
- This article is imperative in shining light upon the situation as Okinawans are infuriated by the governments neglecting of their land and impoverished state. Former Governor Masahide Ota has stated that this blunt statement by the Prime minister is sure to set fire to the islanders desire of independence.