Last in an interview series on Afghanistan In the U.S.-led antiterrorist campaign, Japan should not only emphasize its diplomatic relations with the United States but give more consideration to sentiments in the Islamic world, according to an expert on Islamic society.
Osamu Miyata, an associate professor specializing in modern Middle Eastern studies at the University of Shizuoka, said that because Muslims have a strong sense of solidarity, a great number would harbor anti-U.S. feelings if the U.S.-led attacks kill civilians.
Miyata opposes the plan to send Self-Defense Forces personnel to Pakistan, saying it could provoke anger toward Japan in Afghanistan and in the Middle East, which Japan depends upon for oil.