US, Japan Seek Resolution to Military Base Feud 60 years after end of WW II

[NNN0LHI]

I think the Iraqis had better prepare for the long haul.

http://www.defensenews.com/story.php?F=1168688&C=asiapac

Japan and the United States appear headed toward settling a feud over where to relocate a U.S. military base in Japan, clearing the way for a broader deal that would help tighten military cooperation between the two allies, Japanese media and diplomatic sources said Oct. 12.

Officials from the two countries are working on an agreement on the realignment of America's nearly 50,000 military personnel stationed in Japan. They hope to draft an interim report in time for an expected meeting of U.S. President George W. Bush and Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi in Japan next month.

The talks -- part of Washington's efforts to transform its global military into a more flexible force -- have been stalemated over where to relocate the U.S. Marines' Futenma air base on the southern Japanese island of Okinawa, host to about half the U.S. forces in Japan.