The government is making a critical decision that hinges on Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's efforts to convince the world that Japan is contributing more proactively to global security.

The question is whether to actually give the Self-Defense Forces permission to engage in rescue missions (kaketsuke keigo) that could require the use of lethal force, before the next rotation of Japanese relief troops heads to South Sudan for U.N. peacekeeping duties next month.

Abe's government is already laying the ground for both approving and revoking rescue authority as the security situation in the world's youngest nation grows more precarious.