As Okinawa Marks 40 Years Of Postwar Sovereignty, US Bases Still An Irritant -- Christian Science Monitor
Okinawa marked the 40th anniversary of its reversion to Japanese sovereignty from US postwar control Tuesday amid political deadlock over the relocation of a key US military base.
It has been exactly 40 years since the United States relinquished its postwar control over Okinawa, but events held Tuesday to mark reversion of the island chain to Japanese control were clouded by questions regarding the future of the continuing US military presence there.
It was significant that the main ceremony, attended by Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda, US Ambassador to Tokyo John Roos, local leaders, and hundreds of Okinawan citizens, was held in Ginowan: The city of 95,000 people is also home to Futenma, a Marine Corps airbase that has become the focal point of a seemingly intractable dispute over the US military footprint.
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My Comment: No country and/or people ever feels comfortable with a heavy foreign military presence .... even with the best of intentions. Unfortunately for Okinawans .... their island is strategically located, and will probably serve a vital defense role for a very long time .... even with a limited U.S. presence.
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