Abe's refusal to apologize reveals his real attitude

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe failed the world again when he stopped short of making a formal apology in a speech to the US Congress on Wednesday. His failure to make a strong statement of contrition for his country's past aggression also further eroded his own credibility as a politician who can squarely face up to his country's history.

During the speech, Abe expressed "deep repentance" over Japan's role in World War II and said that Japan must not avert its eyes from the suffering it had caused people in Asia. But, by not mentioning the "comfort women" and apologizing to the victimized countries in Asia, Abe has intentionally evaded the crucial points again.

Abe's unrepentant attitude was naturally met with strong criticism and indignation from Asian countries, China and the Republic of Korea in particular. It has disappointed many righteous people in the West as well.