Japan's reliance on the Middle East for energy supplies and its role as a U.S. ally make a maximum contribution to the U.S.-led campaign against terrorism essential, according to lawmaker Kenshiro Matsunami, who is well-versed in Afghan affairs.
Kenshiro MatsunamiMatsunami, 54, who has visited Afghanistan frequently over the past 25 years, describes as natural the U.S.-led campaign against Osama bin Laden, his al-Qaeda group and the Taliban regime that harbors it. Bin Laden has been identified as a key suspect in the Sept. 11 attacks against the United States.