Staff writer
With contentious defense cooperation bills finally approved Monday after 2 1/2 months of parliamentary debate, more than a few Japanese are still unsure what a closer defense alliance with the United States will mean for Japan.
Some wonder why Japan is deepening its defense commitment to the U.S. after the end of the Cold War -- though it is clear that North Korea remains a threat to regional security. Others fear Japan could be unwillingly dragged into a war should the U.S. become involved in military action in the Asia-Pacific region.