The ruling coalition and the top opposition party, the Democratic Party of Japan, have agreed to amend a package of government-sponsored war contingency bills, marking a turning point in Japan's security policy.
The accord came amid a fast-changing international security situation. The world has been jarred by reports of North Korea's development of nuclear arms and missiles -- following wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, which were sparked by the 9/11 terrorist attacks. The announcement of the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction was as stunning as the end of the Cold War.
Overwhelming U.S. victory in Afghanistan and Iraq has exacerbated anti-U.S. sentiments in the Islamic world and triggered a rise in terrorism. Instability in the Middle East threatens long-term energy supplies to Japan, which depends on the region for 85 percent of its oil.