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Hostage crisis strains Japan's Middle East policy

Monday, January 26, 2015

Significance

The threat to kill the two men came on January 20, during a diplomatic tour of the Middle East by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.

Impacts

  • Japan's united front with Washington will limit its efforts to portray itself as a neutral and independent party.
  • This crisis will strengthen Abe's wish for greater Japanese influence in the region, especially the Gulf.
  • The Middle East will be an arena in Japan's competition with China for influence and resource security.

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