US Admiral Testifies on Marines Realignment
US Pacific Command Admiral Harry Harris, speaking before the US House of Representatives’ Armed Services Committee, reaffirms the plan to transfer some US Marines out of Okinawa to other regions.
Tag Archives: US Marine Corps (USMC)
Guam Bucks US Marine Realignment Plan
Guam Governor Eddie Calvo announces, “My administration will no longer support the [military] build-up. We will not support further progress on the military realignment on Guam.”
Racism Emerges in Okinawa Base Confrontation
Racism has always been an essential element in the struggle over US military bases in Okinawa, but now it has emerged into the mainstream media.
A Conservative Victory in Ginowan
In the closely watched mayoral election in Ginowan city, which hosts the controversial US Marines Futenma Air Base, conservative incumbent Atsushi Sakima won reelection to a second term. Mayor Sakima faced a stiff challenge from Keiichiro Shimura, who had the backing of Okinawa Governor Takeshi Onaga and the “All Okinawa” forces opposing construction of the US Marines airbase at Henoko beach.
Reassessing Japan and the Iraq War
When Ross Caputi was sent to fight in the Second Battle of Fallujah, Iraq, with the US Marines in 2004, he believed unquestioningly in the mission that he was told his unit was fighting for: liberation and justice for the Iraqi people.
Democracy at Stake in New Battle of Okinawa
On November 16, a new governor was elected in Okinawa, Japan, pledging to take on the governments of both Japan and the United States to stop the construction of a controversial US Marine airbase in his prefecture.
Okinawa Elections: Keeping Democracy at Bay
The people of Okinawa vote unmistakably to end the plan to build a new US Marine airbase at Henoko beach with the election of Governor Takeshi Onaga. Signs are few, however, that the governments in Tokyo or Washington are prepared to listen.
Nago Mayor Susumu Inamine Interview
Inamine reflects on US military bases, economic development, and the state of democracy in Okinawa.
Henoko and Ferguson
The various dramas occurring today near Henoko beach, Okinawa, and the city of Ferguson, Missouri, undoubtedly have many points of difference, but it is worth reflecting briefly on some issues that unite these two cases.
A Democratic Victory in Nago
Michael Penn urges Tokyo and Washington to respect the will of the Okinawan voter.
