"The security environment surrounding our country is increasingly becoming more severe as we face provocation to our territorial rights, " he told self-defence forces in a tour of Okinawa region.

BBC: Chinese boat ��illegally fishing in Japanese waters��

Already a flood of money from states and private individuals--including billionaires Eli Broad and Ray Dolby--is increasingly allowing the work to move forward despite severe limits on U.S. government funding.

FORBES: Magazine Article

With the battle to free the Iraqi people nearing its final and perhaps most dangerous stages, it is increasingly clear that Washington must now treat the disease called Severe Acute Respiratory SyndromeSARSas a looming threat to Homeland security.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: SARS A threat to homeland security

"It is increasingly difficult for people to live in that area because of the low temperatures - winter is very severe, " Yacoub el-Hillo, the UNHCR director for Middle East and North Africa, told the BBC.

BBC: UN aid reaches Syria rebel-held northern area of Azaz