"Non-Military" no longer a valid qualifier when discussing aid

As this brief survey of Abe’s six-day trip reveals, Japan continues to rely on economic aid to advance its global interests. By focusing on humanitarian issues, Japan sought to minimize its participation in any military conflict. However, the distinction between military and non-military is not appreciated by the radicalized IS. In their online video, the militant said, “You [the Japanese government] proudly donated another $100 million to kill our women and children, to destroy the homes of Muslims.” The message equated Japan’s humanitarian support with the air strikes saying, Japan “has willingly volunteered to take part in this crusade.” Yet Japanese officials have, rightly, denied such a connection again and again. Ken Okaniwa, deputy press secretary for the Foreign Ministry, stated, “Japan will not bow to terrorism and will continue to contribute to the war against terrorism. Japan’s assistance for countering the Islamic State is basically to provide food, medical care, and education. It is absolutely nonmilitary assistance.” Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihde Suga followed up on this, saying, “Japan’s assistance is not at all for killing Muslims.” 

Abe would have enjoyed a successful and highly-publicized week of Middle East diplomacy, relying on tried-and-true economic methods, had it not been for the hostage crisis. Whether Japan will experience a moment of soul-searching, similar to what followed the 2013 Algerian hostage crisis, or will continue to plod along the same path of economic diplomacy even as evidence mounts that it is no longer enough will depend on what lessons Abe and the Japanese public takeaway from this traumatic experience. IS was trying to push Japan out of the Middle East by inciting a public blowback against Japanese involvement. However, based on public statements since then, the attempt seems unlikely to succeed.

(Diplomat)