Japanese opposition calls Afghan war illegitimate

In Japan, Ichiro Ozawa, leader of the opposition, has voiced his opposition to the Japanese role in Operation Enduring Freedom. Japanese naval vessels are involved in supporting efforts to interdict terrorists on the Indian Ocean - a commitment which frees up US forces for other duties. Ozawa told German Chancellor Merkel that he believes that the UN has not properly authorized the war in Afghanistan, and is therefore illegitimate.

Though Prime Minister Shinzo Abe could use his parliamentary majority to overrule the opposition, he is loathe to do so as Ozawa's position is supported by a majority of the Japanese public. (See article from The Australian here.)