For the first time since it started sending its soldiers, sailors and airmen to report for duty in the world's trouble-spots, Japan is about to sound an embarrassing retreat. In November supply vessels and escort ships, deployed to thern Indian Ocean for the past six years in support of counter-terrorism operations in Afghanistan, will steam home to a political crisis over their role that will confine them to port for months. Worse, it could end Japan's role in Operation Enduring Freedom, the crucial battle against the Taliban. So is this the Japan of old: self-absorbed, unashamed at leaving others to do the hard military tasks? The row about the ships has triggered a crisis of confidence about what Japan's role in the world should be. But with luck the debate will also remind Japan's voters, its neighbours and its allies of what all stand to lose should Japan go awol.
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