Reports noted that Japan will hold a National Security Council meeting soon that will in effect end the Air Self-Defense Force’s airlift mission in Iraq by the end of the year1. Japanese Foreign Minister Hirofumi Nakasone meanwhile, in a meeting with his Canadian counterpart Lawrence Cannon, has agreed for increasing cooperation between their countries in their missions in Afghanistan2.

Reports also noted that Tokyo was considering sending a naval mission to guard its cargo ships off the Somalian coast where pirates have recently seized several vessels3.

• 1. “Exit order for Japan's air defense troops in Iraq expected on Nov. 28,” The Associated Press, November 22, 2008, at http://www.breitbart.com/print.php?id=D94JUCF80&show_article=1
• 2. “Japan, Canada agree to step up cooperation on Afghanistan,” The Associated Press, November 20, 2008, at http://www.breitbart.com/print.php?id=D94IPBV00&show_article=1
• 3. “Japan To Study Anti-Piracy Mission Near Somalia: Lobbyists,” The Associated Foreign Press, November 19, 2008, at http://www.nasdaq.com/aspxcontent/NewsStory.aspx?cpath=20081119\ACQDJON200811190500DOWJONESDJONLINE000388.htm&&mypage=newsheadlines&title=Japan%20To%20Study%20Anti-Piracy%20Mission%20Near%20Somalia%20-%20Lobbyists