Russia and Japan Act Out Finding Nemo

There are four islands that protrude north east off Japan’s northern most main island of Hokkaido.

Since the end of WWII who these islands belong to has been a matter of dispute between Japan and Russia.

It’s kind of like the birds in "Finding Nemo."  Mine. Mine. Mine. Mine.

The islands are nowhere. They freeze over in the winter time. But Russia wants them and Japan says it belongs to her.

One fisherman was shot dead and three were taken into custody this past week because their boat, Kisshin Maru No. 31 ventured into Russian territorial waters.

President Putin, though nearly a dozen time zones away would have nothing of it. Mine!

This reminds me of a time when I was in the Navy. We sent one of our helicopters to fly over what we calculated was international waters, but the Russians said were their waters.

The Russians threatened to shoot the helicopter down time and again.

I could tell you how it turned out, but then I’d have to shoot you.

Mine! Mine!

It’s all about economics – fishing rights, and about security – Russia needs access to the Pacific via those northern islands less two of the Naval ports get frozen in part of the year.

In any event, Russia and Japan will need to talk about this and get it ironed out.

Now’s a good time.

What do you think?

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