THE JAPANESE TO PROVIDE LOGISTICAL SUPPORT

The (Japanese) government is considering assigning Self-Defense Forces personnel the task of cleaning and supplying water in and around Baghdad under a bill the Diet is currently debating, government sources said Saturday.

The SDF's main mission in war-torn Iraq would also include transporting personnel and goods, according to the sources...

Initially, the government considered dispatching SDF members to Karbala and other locations in south central Iraq, where Polish forces are operating, or to the southern part of the country, including Basra, for transportation and supply missions. These areas were believed to be less dangerous.

However, the government was later informed of the greater need for operations to clean and supply water for Iraqis and U.S. forces in and around Baghdad Airport--an area that is becoming increasingly safe.

In addition, the government learned that the SDF was not required in Basra or other southern Iraqi areas, as armed forces from other countries are already extending logistic support in such regions.

Bring em on. We'll be glad for the company.

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