With tension building over Iraq as the United States steps up military preparations, North Korea's nuclear saber-rattling threatens stability in Northeast Asia. War fears are clouding economic prospects worldwide.
Here in Japan, the deflation-stricken economy is showing signs of paralysis. Political leadership is of crucial importance in times of crisis such as these.
U.S. President George W. Bush, the leader of the world's most powerful nation, faces a severe test of leadership. He wants to remove Iraqi President Saddam Hussein, the dictator of what he sees as an "evil" state. But many nations of the world, particularly European nations, are opposed to Bush's unilateralist ways.