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| Talks on Japanese Base in Iraq in Jeopardy |
| 2004-02-18 |
| Iraqis negotiating over rent with Japanese troops building a base on their land said Wednesday the talks have broken down and threatened to sue, though Japan denied an impasse. The landowners originally sought $2,500 per acre each year but cut their demand to $500 after Japan offered $300, said farmer Mirsal Hashim Mohammed. He said the Japanese then reduced their offer to $100. Should have taken the first offer. "There is no prospect of an agreement," Mirsal told The Associated Press on Wednesday. "We told them that although we cannot stop their construction, we will consider them an occupying force." Well, if you want to get technical about it.... Japan is already building the base on the site outside Samawah, about 230 miles southeast of Baghdad. Troops are expected to move there from nearby Camp Smitty, a base run by the Dutch forces, in coming weeks. I fully expect to see a story about Camp Beetle Bailey any day now, manned by forces from Greenland. Mirsal, who owns about a third of the 1,400 acres that Japan wants for the base, said the Iraqi landowners were considering legal action, and planned a protest in front of the base on Thursday. Go ahead, nobody has more practice with angry landowners protesting in front of bases than the Japanese. It’ll make them feel right at home. Mirsal said the Iraqis had lowered their price because they believe Japan has come to help, not because they thought the demand was unfair. "They have cheated us," said Agel Ghathith, a farmer who owns 350 acres on the site. Agel, lighten up. By the time the Japanese leave, they’ll have built a Toyota dealership and a pachinko parlor on your land. I mean, it’s not like anyone else is standing in line to rent your dirt. Japan’s troops have deployed to Iraq for a humanitarian mission to rebuild local schools, provide medical supplies and supply clean water. About 100 troops are already here, and another 400-500 are expected to arrive over the next month or so. The deployment, begun last month, is Japan’s first military mission to a combat zone since World War II. Japanese military officials acknowledge that the negotiations have been difficult, but have declined to give details. "We expect the talks will take some time," said Col. Masahisa Sato, commander of the troops here. "We intend to continue the negotiations with sincerity." Like I said, just like back home. |
| Posted by:Steve |
| #2 So at $100/yr an acre Agel Ghathith get $35,000 for sitting on his ass and Mirsal Hashim Mohammed get around $50,000. At $500, it becomes $175,000 and $250,000. Average Iraqi income seems to be around $1000/yr? Anyone care to guess what they were making a year ago? Japan, welcome to the ingratitude big leagues. Saddam, Uday and Qusay would know how to deal with 'em. So did Imperial Army. |
| Posted by: ed 2004-2-18 3:08:44 PM |
| #1 Insert Enzyte Bob commentary here: "Three hundred!" "His is a firm offer." "Five Hundred!" "His position is hardening!" "One Thousand! "He is a stiff negotiator!" |
| Posted by: Raj 2004-2-18 3:02:19 PM |