But an enemy would hardly view Japanese mine-sweeping, even by non-combatants, as peaceful and could well respond with direct attacks on Japanese forces.

ECONOMIST: Can Japan be Asia��s policeman?

Animal-behavior researcher Alan Poling of Western Michigan University, who has studied the mine-sweeping rats, isn't sure how much heightened sensitivity will help.

WSJ: Sniffing Out a More-Efficient Mine Sweeper

One such concerns mine-sweeping, a non-combat activity that Japan might be expected to undertake for American troops making a landing on, say, a Korean peninsula at war.

ECONOMIST: Can Japan be Asia��s policeman?

If the guidelines are adopted, Japan would also be able to take part in mine-sweeping operations, join naval patrols monitoring sanctions and use its navy to rescue nationals caught up in a crisis.

ECONOMIST: Will East Asia keep its balance?

Motsepe's first sizable contract: Sweeping a marginally productive mine in the town of Orkney, owned by a division of 90-year-old mining behemoth Anglo American.

FORBES: Magazine Article

Motsepe's first sizable contract: Sweeping a marginally productive mine in the town of Orkney, owned by a division of 90-year-old mining behemoth Anglo American (nasdaq: AAUK - news - people ).

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