MEDIA REACTION - ISG RECOMMENDATIONS - TOKYO

UNCLAS TOKYO 006883 SIPDIS SIPDIS STATE FOR I/RF, PA/PR/FPC/W, IIP/G/EA, EAP/PD, R/MR, EAP/J, EAP/P, PM; USTR FOR PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICE; TREASURY FOR OASIA/IMI; SECDEF FOR OASD/PA; CP BUTLER OKINAWA FOR AREA FIELD OFFICE; PACOM HONOLULU FOR PUBLIC DIPLOMACY ADVISOR E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: OIIP KMDR KPAO JA SUBJECT: MEDIA REACTION - ISG RECOMMENDATIONS - TOKYO LEAD STORIES: Most Thursday morning papers front-paged the compilation of recommendations by the bipartisan Iraq Study Group for President Bush proposing that a majority of US troops be recalled in the spring of 2008. ¶1. There were no immediate editorials or commentaries on the ISG recommendations. ¶2. "Early Withdrawal of US Troops from Iraq Difficult" Washington correspondent Yasuyuki Oguri of the moderate Tokyo Shimbun wrote (12/7): "In its recommendations submitted Wednesday to President Bush, the bipartisan Iraq Study Group (ISG) proposed a gradual withdrawal of US troops from Iraq. In response to growing antiwar sentiment in the US, as was reflected in the midterm elections, the recommendations call on President Bush to substantially change his Iraq policy. Nonetheless, there are still major obstacles standing in the way of the president ordering an immediate withdrawal.... The question now is whether Bush will comply with the group's proposals and change his Iraq policy.... Outwardly, the president remains negative about a phased withdrawal, saying that the troops will not leave before the 'mission is complete.' On top of that, with the escalating sectarian conflict in the country, a quick withdrawal would only plunge Iraq deeper into chaos. There are even voices within the US military calling for troop levels to be increased for the time being. Assuming that the president does agree to a phased withdrawal, the consensus is that it will still be some time before one takes place." SCHIEFFER