Japan's lower house approves 2-year extension of Iraq mission
Japan's lower house of parliament approved a two-year extension of the country's air force transport mission in Iraq Tuesday, overcoming criticism of Tokyo's involvement in the increasingly unpopular war.
The measure was easily passed in the chamber, where Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's ruling bloc holds a majority. The government has argued that the mission is needed to help stabilize Iraq and prevent the spread of terrorism. (AP)
