The assassinated former prime minister was right to believe Japan was a ‘normal’ country legitimately entitled to defend its interests in Asia.
was a brutal and completely unforeseen end to a life of public service to the people of Japan. The shock of his death will not dissipate quickly.
This Abe was determined to achieve, and he made giant steps towards reaching that once impossible goal.Abe knew his country’s history well, but he could also see that it was time for Japan, and the rest of the world, to move beyond 1945. Germany had done so, forming a full military defence capacity , and becoming a NATO member.
Through several US administrations during his two stints as prime minister, and as a private citizen and political leader when not in office, Abe never tired of explaining to US officials why they had to take the North Korea threat seriously. No one needed to convince Japan that Pyongyang was dangerous. Nonetheless, naive, ill-informed and obtuse leaders from more distant lands often needed to have the obvious explained to them.
He was prudent in his approach, meticulous in his planning and resolutely calm in his demeanour. What distinguished him was the strength of his beliefs, despite adversity – adversity so intense that, in 2007, he resigned prematurely from his first term as prime minister, leaving the cognoscenti certain that his political career was over.
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Voters in Japan cast votes in aftermath of Shinzo Abe assassinationJapanese voters have cast their votes in a parliamentary election that may give the ruling Liberal Democratic Party a surge of support after the assassination of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, a dominant politician and power broker.
Read more »
Japan mourns Abe as country goes to the pollsJapan was in mourning on Sunday as the country went to the polls under the shadow of the shock assassination of former prime minister Shinzo Abe.
Read more »
Shinzo Abe, powerful former Japan PM, leaves divided legacyShinzo Abe, who was assassinated Friday, angered both liberals at home and World War II victims in Asia with his revisionist view of Japan’s history.
Read more »
Straggler Brisbane to join nationwide lightshow of solidarity for JapanAfter an initial lag, Queensland leaders have committed to light up Brisbane landmarks in tribute to Shinzo Abe.
Read more »
Shinzo Abe killing raises questions over police as Japan mournsA top police official has acknowledged possible security lapses that allowed an assassin to fire his gun into former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe while he was addressing a campaign rally
Read more »
Shinzo Abe assassination raises questions about security for VIPs in JapanThe fatal shooting of former Japanese premier Shinzo Abe from close range at a political rally has raised questions about protection for high-profile figures in a country where political violence and gun crimes are extremely rare.
Read more »