Okinawa rape case changed dynamics of debate over U.S. military's role

March 8, 1996
Web posted at: 2:45 p.m.EST (1945 GMT)

From International Correspondent May Lee

OKINAWA, Japan (CNN) -- What began as an investigation into an appalling crime quickly turned into a close examination of a political alliance.

The rape of a 12-year-old girl by three U.S. servicemen gave already frustrated Okinawans even more reason to express their resentment towards the 20,000 U.S. troops on the island with one unified voice.

After the rape in September, angry marches through the streets of Okinawa were followed by giant rallies. More than 50,000 participated in a single protest in October. The message was clear then, and it's still clear today.

"In order to ensure that this sort of terrible crime does not occur again, we are appealing to both Japanese and U.S. governments and related authorities to work towards the reduction and realignment of U.S. bases and the prevention of base-related problems," said Gov. Masahide Ota of Okinawa.

Okinawans' association of the crime with the base issue is why U.S. attorneys representing the families of the convicted servicemen believe the case was doomed from the start.

"We have a situation here where innocence was replaced by power," said Eric Ross, a legal adviser. "The innocence of a little girl was replaced by the power of a man and then we have the innocence of these three men replaced by the power of government."

The Okinawans' protests have not gone unnoticed.

Last year, top officials from the U.S. and Japan began re-evaluating the military status in Okinawa and found that the island indeed was shouldering a heavy burden.

"We recognize the concerns of the Okinawans. We want to make progress. We want to reduce the intrusiveness of the military forces," said Col. Stuart Wagner, a spokesman for the U.S. Marine Corps. (102K AIFF sound or 102K WAV sound)

But recognition won't mean complete neutralization of U.S. forces in Okinawa, for security in the region is a top priority.

"If you take 1,000-mile ... circle around Okinawa and draw that circle, you encompass a great many places where one might want to put troops to resolve some regional conflicts," said Adm. Joseph Prueher, commander-in-chief for the U.S. Pacific Command. "I think the strategic location of Okinawa is very important."

Activists in Okinawa, who have been fighting to get rid of all the bases, say regardless what is or is not done regarding the military base, the dynamics on the island have changed for good.

"I don't think things will go back to normal. Not just because of this one case or this one verdict, but all the things that have happened since last year," said Carolyn Francis, an anti-base activist. "I don't think it's going to go back to the way it was." (136K AIFF sound or 136K WAV sound)

Both the United States and Japan have promised to change for the better in terms of military realignment. That promise will be re-emphasized during President Clinton's state visit to Japan in April.

Okinawans, however, know there are limits to change, and they will have to live with what is not changed, just as they have for the past 50 years.

Related stories:

• U.S. servicemen convicted of rape
• Clinton, Japanese leader agree to focus on bases
• Fight over U.S. military leases follows rape
• Okinawa's culture not well-known to outsiders

Related sites:

• Okinawa home page
• 'Okinawa is not part of Japan'

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