Steven den Beste says that we haven't given enough credit to a faithful ally:

The Japanese don't have anything like the same kinds of "issues" about the US as "old" Europeans. There was never any question of Japan offering military support for the invasion, of course, but in all the ways that Japan could help, they have done so. On the level of diplomacy they've been strong and reliable supporters, and Japan has been extremely generous monetarily. And now the Japanese have taken the unprecedented step of sending troops to Iraq.

And it isn't a token commitment, either.

The 1,000-strong Japanese contingent, expected to arrive in Iraq by March, will help purify local water supplies, rebuild schools and provide medical care in the country's south. They will carry arms for self-protection but their role will be noncombatant.

"We won't have fulfilled our responsibility as a member of the international community if we contribute materially and leave the manpower contribution up to other countries because of the possible dangers involved," Koizumi said.

"Japan's development and prosperity depends on world peace and stability. We will aggressively contribute to the rebuilding of Iraq."