#JAPAN: Sensing Political Fallout After Accident Kills Civilian, Military Confined To Base, Alcohol Banned

[world politics news]

Sensing more political fallout after an allegedly drunk US service member struck and killed a civilian with his truck, U.S. Forces in Japan has confined all service members stationed in Okinawa to their bases, banned alcohol consumption, and will require mandatory training on responsible alcohol use by members of the military serving in the country. The Sunday accident in Okinawa will likely increase negative feeling in the Prefecture, where past criminal acts by American servicemen have sparked angry protests and strengthened persistent calls to remove the base from the region.

[FULL STORY HERE]

#GERMANY: Trump Gave Merkel A $374.5 Billion "Bill" For NATO Expenses During Visit

[world politics news]

After Donald Trump met with German Chancellor Angela Merkel earlier in March, he made a big deal about the fact that Germany has not been spending the necessary 2% of GDP on defense as required by NATO. It turns out Trump's complaints weren't limited to just Twitter, as he actually gave Merkel a $374.5 Billion "bill" for NATO defense funds that he believed Germany "owed" to the US.

[FULL STORY HERE]

#JAPAN: Wife Of PM Abe Takes Part In Anti-Expansion Protest Near US Okinawa Base

[world politics news]

Japan's first lady Akie Abe says she is "ready to face criticism" after attending an anti-government rally, protesting the construction of new helipads at the US-operated military in Okinawa.
Abe said she did not inform her husband in advance about what is bound to be seen as a controversial endorsement of the protests, which have been ignored by Tokyo.

#JAPAN: US Military To Return Small Part Of Okinawa Military Base To Civilian Use

[world politics news]

The US military will return of two parcels of land from its bases in Okinawa to civilian use by 2018. The thin strips of land will help widen roads and ease traffic jams, and the transfer is likely designed to help ease tensions in the region over the bases, which local politicians oppose.

Pictured: An aerial photo shows Camp Kinser in Urazoe, Okinawa.

#JAPAN: Okinawa Gov. Criticizes National Gov't Over US Military Bases

[world politics news]

Okinawa Gov. Takeshi Onaga has criticized the Japanese government over the relocation of a US military base in his prefecture during a speech to the U.N. Human Rights Council. He said Okinawan's "right to self-determination and human rights have been neglected," and that he is "determined to stop the new base construction using every possible and legitimate means.”

#JAPAN: #Okinawa Voters Elect Governor Who Opposes New American Base

[world politics news]

Voters in Okinawa have chosen a new governor who opposes the central government's plan to build a new US military facility in the prefecture. Takeshi Onaga defeated his three rivals including the 3-term incumbent governor this past Sunday. He was backed by a coalition including the Japanese Communist Party.

#JAPAN: Four Candidates Seek to Become #Okinawa's Governor; Race Focused on US Naval Base

[world politics news]

Mikio Shimoji,one of four candidate seeking to become Okinawa's governor

#AFGHANISTAN

In Snub to the West, #Karzai Backs Russia's Annexation of #Crimea [world politics news]

#JAPAN

Okinawa US Base Opponent Wins Mayoral Election [world politics news]

#SOUTHKOREA

Preparedness Comments by S. Korean Pres. Park Slammed by N. Korean Gov't [world politics news]

#EGYPT: White House Denies Reports Military Aid to be Cut After Crackdown

[world politics news]

GERMANY

Defense Minister Accused of Hiding Now-Cancelled Eurohawk Drone Program [world politics news]

QATAR: US Officials "Welcome" Opening of Taliban Office in Qatar; Will Hold Talks [world politics news]

JAPAN: Politician Who Suggested Prostitutes to US Soldiers Leaked Remarks to Reporters [world politics news]

JAPAN: Osaka Mayor Apologizes for Suggesting US Troops Use Prostitutes to Prevent Rape [world politics news]

Osaka Mayor Toru Hashimoto apologized for comments suggesting US Troops stationed in Okinawa use that city's prostitutes rather than raping local women, which has occurred in the recent past. He was criticized by neighboring countries outraged over Japan's refusal to apologize for using locals as "comfort women" for its soldiers.

USA: Pentagon Watchdog Says He's Being Intimidated by Military Brass [world politics news]

JAPAN: Water Bottle Falling From US Osprey Aircraft Sparks Diplomatic Protest [world politics news]

JAPAN: Gov't May Allow Exports of Japanese-Made Stealth Fighter Jet Parts [world politics news]

BRAZIL: US Defense Sec. Panetta Visits to Discuss Military Hardware Sales, Cooperation

AFGHANISTAN: Taliban Launches Largest Attack Against Kabul in 11 Years; Parliament Attacked