Japan's multi-layered involvement in the Middle East

Previously, their global inter-action was limited. It was restricted solely to subjects which affected Japan directly -- the value of the yen, open markets and issues related to the balance of trade. Today, their area of concern is more international in nature and scope.

I am writing this column today to highlight a little known fact. When any one discusses the Middle East, they refer to Europe and the USA. Yes, they also include Russia and the UN. However, more often than not, we do not take cognizance of the silent and constructive role being played by Japan in that region. This association has steadily grown and now covers various facets in different countries.

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Tired of the many wars in the 20th century, the Japanese have tried to introduce the concept of dialogue as the essential harbinger of understanding among nations. It is this philosophy that has encouraged Japan since the end of the Nineties to seek the strengthening of their complementary relationship with the Middle East. They consider this to be mutually dependent in nature, particularly from the economic point of view. They have already tried to establish free trade agreements with several Arab countries and create an economic framework. In this, they have seen mutual benefit.

The entire ball game was however twisted with the tragic events of 11 September in New York. Japan was faced with a new scenario. The wider question of Japanese association with Islam and Muslim countries re-surfaced with all its connotations. Japan realised that there was more to their presence than just trade and limited political inter-action.

Fortunately, at that point of time, the Japanese leadership did not buckle. They decided to maintain their movement forward and strengthen the already existing linkages with different countries of the region. In this context, aware of the pernicious impact of global terrorism and the devastation caused by war in Afghanistan and Iraq, the determined to financially support the reconstruction efforts in Afghanistan and send troops to Iraq -- not to fight, but to render assistance in the restructuring of that war devastated country. These have been bold steps.

Contact between Japan and Islamic countries date back to the 13th century of the Gregorian calendar. With the passage of time, the exchange which started with imports of glassware, decorative articles, musical instruments and medicines from the Arab world has expanded. This has been made possible through developments in the field of transportation. The relationship has continued to grow because of trade. It intensified further with successive discoveries of oil fields in the Gulf countries from the 1930s through the 1960s and the subsequent diplomatic recognition of the new Gulf countries by Japan. This evolving interest in the region led eventually to initiate a serious effort in 2001 towards comprehensive partnership with the Gulf and other countries of the Middle East -- including Syria, Lebanon and Palestine based on Japan's technical development. Japan decided to strengthen the 'pillars of politics and economics.' This was done with the hope that partnership with a long term perspective would complement eco-social development within the region.

The Japanese leadership also initiated the idea of 'multi-layered relations' with the countries of the Middle East. In this regard, Japan started focussing not only on dialogue with the world of Islam, but also in the solution of its two vital problems -- water resources development and waste water management.

Japan also correctly realised the dangers posed by globalisation in safeguarding cultures. Accordingly, Japan undertook efforts to create a network among knowledgeable people in Japan and Islamic countries so that this group could hold symposia and arrange academic exchanges between universities.

As an Asian, many of us feel reassured that Japan is making such an effort to be involved with the various problems affecting peace and stability in the Middle East. This is important. Japan not only has idealism but also possesses resources. This is a country which in all likelihood, will be included as a permanent member of the UN Security Council, if that body is ever expanded. They already have a significant presence in many of its subsidiary organs.

Over the last two years, the Japanese have embarked on their own road-map of assistance to the Palestinians. The are presently providing emergency humanitarian assistance materials, including vaccine, basic services and food to the affected population in the occupied territories of Palestine. It has been reported that Japan is also supporting job creation in Palestinian territories through the restoration of infrastructure of local governments. They are also encouraging human resources development. Their scope of assistance has also included aid to contain worsening environmental damage. It is understood that Japan's economic assistance to Palestine over the past seven years has amounted to more than $400 million. This has helped to build 14 hospitals in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip. More than 50 schools have also received infrastructural assistance. They have a role to play in the Middle East and the Quartet Group should be expanded to include that county.

These have been positive factors aimed at transforming an ear of confrontation to that of coexistence and sustainable economic development.

Analysts feel that Japan should now take on an enhanced role in the political arena in the Middle East and associate itself with other factors that govern that region's equation. They need to point out that dispossessed people will always remain susceptible and vulnerable to those espousing terror. Time has come for Japan to explain to the USA and to the Israeli leaders that existing agreements must be implemented. They should also urge Israel to stop targeted killings and undertaking unilateral actions. In this context, they should make it clear to the parties in the Quartet that peace will not be found unless UN Security Council Resolutions are implemented in letter and spirit. Their help in resolving the Middle East peace issued, in particular the Palestinian issue, in a fair manner, will endear them even further in the Muslim world.

The presence of Japanese troops in Iraq, I believe, will have a marginal influence with regard to restoration of security in that country. However, its participation in development cooperation will definitely ensure that the future elected governments in Iraq and Afghanistan are able to function competently.

I suggest such a course of action because I respect Japan for its discipline and traditions.

Muhammad Zamir is a former Secretary and Ambassador.