During the Persian Gulf War, I wrote that "average Americans would think friendlier and more respectful thoughts about Japan if it were able to contribute soldiers -- standing side by side with Americans in the sands of Arabia -- than if it contributes a billion or more dollars." Now, Japanese sailors are standing watch in the Indian Ocean, side by side with their American counterparts, supporting the U.S. mission and prepared to defend themselves if necessary.
Does the presence of three Japanese warships in the Indian Ocean mark the beginning of the end for Article 9 of the Japanese Constitution, as some argue? Does it mean that we are witnessing the re-emergence of Japanese militarism with its insatiable appetite to dominate the Asia-Pacific region? Hardly. So long as Japanese "self-defense" and U.S. defense are joined in common cause, there is little reason for alarm at the return of Japanese warships to the world's oceans.
Unlike the ambitions of the British Empire in the 19th century and the Soviet Empire in the 20th century, the United States will not be defeated in Afghanistan because its aims are defined and limited and because it seeks no territorial objectives.