Arab Tribes Mobilize Toward Sweida - Syria

Arab Tribes Mobilize Toward Sweida - Syria

A new batch of Arab tribesmen, estimated in the thousands, departs from Idlib and its surrounding countryside toward the southern city of Sweida, Syria, on July 18, 2025. The movement is part of a growing mobilization driven by complex tribal dynamics and shifting alliances in the context of Syria’s long-running conflict. Tribal groups play a pivotal role in regional politics and security, often navigating between local authorities, armed factions, and national interests. Their relocation reflects mounting pressure and instability in northern Syria, as well as strategic efforts to assert influence in the Druze-majority region of Sweida. The convoy includes both fighters and civilians, many traveling in vehicles over long distances under difficult conditions. This tribal realignment could have significant implications for local governance, military balance, and social cohesion in southern Syria. Photo by Omar Albaw/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

Arab Tribes Mobilize Toward Sweida - Syria

Arab Tribes Mobilize Toward Sweida - Syria

A new batch of Arab tribesmen, estimated in the thousands, departs from Idlib and its surrounding countryside toward the southern city of Sweida, Syria, on July 18, 2025. The movement is part of a growing mobilization driven by complex tribal dynamics and shifting alliances in the context of Syria’s long-running conflict. Tribal groups play a pivotal role in regional politics and security, often navigating between local authorities, armed factions, and national interests. Their relocation reflects mounting pressure and instability in northern Syria, as well as strategic efforts to assert influence in the Druze-majority region of Sweida. The convoy includes both fighters and civilians, many traveling in vehicles over long distances under difficult conditions. This tribal realignment could have significant implications for local governance, military balance, and social cohesion in southern Syria. Photo by Omar Albaw/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

Arab Tribes Mobilize Toward Sweida - Syria

Arab Tribes Mobilize Toward Sweida - Syria

A new batch of Arab tribesmen, estimated in the thousands, departs from Idlib and its surrounding countryside toward the southern city of Sweida, Syria, on July 18, 2025. The movement is part of a growing mobilization driven by complex tribal dynamics and shifting alliances in the context of Syria’s long-running conflict. Tribal groups play a pivotal role in regional politics and security, often navigating between local authorities, armed factions, and national interests. Their relocation reflects mounting pressure and instability in northern Syria, as well as strategic efforts to assert influence in the Druze-majority region of Sweida. The convoy includes both fighters and civilians, many traveling in vehicles over long distances under difficult conditions. This tribal realignment could have significant implications for local governance, military balance, and social cohesion in southern Syria. Photo by Omar Albaw/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

Arab Tribes Mobilize Toward Sweida - Syria

Arab Tribes Mobilize Toward Sweida - Syria

A new batch of Arab tribesmen, estimated in the thousands, departs from Idlib and its surrounding countryside toward the southern city of Sweida, Syria, on July 18, 2025. The movement is part of a growing mobilization driven by complex tribal dynamics and shifting alliances in the context of Syria’s long-running conflict. Tribal groups play a pivotal role in regional politics and security, often navigating between local authorities, armed factions, and national interests. Their relocation reflects mounting pressure and instability in northern Syria, as well as strategic efforts to assert influence in the Druze-majority region of Sweida. The convoy includes both fighters and civilians, many traveling in vehicles over long distances under difficult conditions. This tribal realignment could have significant implications for local governance, military balance, and social cohesion in southern Syria. Photo by Omar Albaw/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

Arab Tribes Mobilize Toward Sweida - Syria

Arab Tribes Mobilize Toward Sweida - Syria

A new batch of Arab tribesmen, estimated in the thousands, departs from Idlib and its surrounding countryside toward the southern city of Sweida, Syria, on July 18, 2025. The movement is part of a growing mobilization driven by complex tribal dynamics and shifting alliances in the context of Syria’s long-running conflict. Tribal groups play a pivotal role in regional politics and security, often navigating between local authorities, armed factions, and national interests. Their relocation reflects mounting pressure and instability in northern Syria, as well as strategic efforts to assert influence in the Druze-majority region of Sweida. The convoy includes both fighters and civilians, many traveling in vehicles over long distances under difficult conditions. This tribal realignment could have significant implications for local governance, military balance, and social cohesion in southern Syria. Photo by Omar Albaw/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

Arab Tribes Mobilize Toward Sweida - Syria

Arab Tribes Mobilize Toward Sweida - Syria

A new batch of Arab tribesmen, estimated in the thousands, departs from Idlib and its surrounding countryside toward the southern city of Sweida, Syria, on July 18, 2025. The movement is part of a growing mobilization driven by complex tribal dynamics and shifting alliances in the context of Syria’s long-running conflict. Tribal groups play a pivotal role in regional politics and security, often navigating between local authorities, armed factions, and national interests. Their relocation reflects mounting pressure and instability in northern Syria, as well as strategic efforts to assert influence in the Druze-majority region of Sweida. The convoy includes both fighters and civilians, many traveling in vehicles over long distances under difficult conditions. This tribal realignment could have significant implications for local governance, military balance, and social cohesion in southern Syria. Photo by Omar Albaw/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

Arab Tribes Mobilize Toward Sweida - Syria

Arab Tribes Mobilize Toward Sweida - Syria

A new batch of Arab tribesmen, estimated in the thousands, departs from Idlib and its surrounding countryside toward the southern city of Sweida, Syria, on July 18, 2025. The movement is part of a growing mobilization driven by complex tribal dynamics and shifting alliances in the context of Syria’s long-running conflict. Tribal groups play a pivotal role in regional politics and security, often navigating between local authorities, armed factions, and national interests. Their relocation reflects mounting pressure and instability in northern Syria, as well as strategic efforts to assert influence in the Druze-majority region of Sweida. The convoy includes both fighters and civilians, many traveling in vehicles over long distances under difficult conditions. This tribal realignment could have significant implications for local governance, military balance, and social cohesion in southern Syria. Photo by Omar Albaw/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

Arab Tribes Mobilize Toward Sweida - Syria

Arab Tribes Mobilize Toward Sweida - Syria

A new batch of Arab tribesmen, estimated in the thousands, departs from Idlib and its surrounding countryside toward the southern city of Sweida, Syria, on July 18, 2025. The movement is part of a growing mobilization driven by complex tribal dynamics and shifting alliances in the context of Syria’s long-running conflict. Tribal groups play a pivotal role in regional politics and security, often navigating between local authorities, armed factions, and national interests. Their relocation reflects mounting pressure and instability in northern Syria, as well as strategic efforts to assert influence in the Druze-majority region of Sweida. The convoy includes both fighters and civilians, many traveling in vehicles over long distances under difficult conditions. This tribal realignment could have significant implications for local governance, military balance, and social cohesion in southern Syria. Photo by Omar Albaw/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

Arab Tribes Mobilize Toward Sweida - Syria

Arab Tribes Mobilize Toward Sweida - Syria

A new batch of Arab tribesmen, estimated in the thousands, departs from Idlib and its surrounding countryside toward the southern city of Sweida, Syria, on July 18, 2025. The movement is part of a growing mobilization driven by complex tribal dynamics and shifting alliances in the context of Syria’s long-running conflict. Tribal groups play a pivotal role in regional politics and security, often navigating between local authorities, armed factions, and national interests. Their relocation reflects mounting pressure and instability in northern Syria, as well as strategic efforts to assert influence in the Druze-majority region of Sweida. The convoy includes both fighters and civilians, many traveling in vehicles over long distances under difficult conditions. This tribal realignment could have significant implications for local governance, military balance, and social cohesion in southern Syria. Photo by Omar Albaw/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

Arab Tribes Mobilize Toward Sweida - Syria

Arab Tribes Mobilize Toward Sweida - Syria

A new batch of Arab tribesmen, estimated in the thousands, departs from Idlib and its surrounding countryside toward the southern city of Sweida, Syria, on July 18, 2025. The movement is part of a growing mobilization driven by complex tribal dynamics and shifting alliances in the context of Syria’s long-running conflict. Tribal groups play a pivotal role in regional politics and security, often navigating between local authorities, armed factions, and national interests. Their relocation reflects mounting pressure and instability in northern Syria, as well as strategic efforts to assert influence in the Druze-majority region of Sweida. The convoy includes both fighters and civilians, many traveling in vehicles over long distances under difficult conditions. This tribal realignment could have significant implications for local governance, military balance, and social cohesion in southern Syria. Photo by Omar Albaw/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

Arab Tribes Mobilize Toward Sweida - Syria

Arab Tribes Mobilize Toward Sweida - Syria

A new batch of Arab tribesmen, estimated in the thousands, departs from Idlib and its surrounding countryside toward the southern city of Sweida, Syria, on July 18, 2025. The movement is part of a growing mobilization driven by complex tribal dynamics and shifting alliances in the context of Syria’s long-running conflict. Tribal groups play a pivotal role in regional politics and security, often navigating between local authorities, armed factions, and national interests. Their relocation reflects mounting pressure and instability in northern Syria, as well as strategic efforts to assert influence in the Druze-majority region of Sweida. The convoy includes both fighters and civilians, many traveling in vehicles over long distances under difficult conditions. This tribal realignment could have significant implications for local governance, military balance, and social cohesion in southern Syria. Photo by Omar Albaw/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

Arab Tribes Mobilize Toward Sweida - Syria

Arab Tribes Mobilize Toward Sweida - Syria

A new batch of Arab tribesmen, estimated in the thousands, departs from Idlib and its surrounding countryside toward the southern city of Sweida, Syria, on July 18, 2025. The movement is part of a growing mobilization driven by complex tribal dynamics and shifting alliances in the context of Syria’s long-running conflict. Tribal groups play a pivotal role in regional politics and security, often navigating between local authorities, armed factions, and national interests. Their relocation reflects mounting pressure and instability in northern Syria, as well as strategic efforts to assert influence in the Druze-majority region of Sweida. The convoy includes both fighters and civilians, many traveling in vehicles over long distances under difficult conditions. This tribal realignment could have significant implications for local governance, military balance, and social cohesion in southern Syria. Photo by Omar Albaw/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

Arab Tribes Mobilize Toward Sweida - Syria

Arab Tribes Mobilize Toward Sweida - Syria

A new batch of Arab tribesmen, estimated in the thousands, departs from Idlib and its surrounding countryside toward the southern city of Sweida, Syria, on July 18, 2025. The movement is part of a growing mobilization driven by complex tribal dynamics and shifting alliances in the context of Syria’s long-running conflict. Tribal groups play a pivotal role in regional politics and security, often navigating between local authorities, armed factions, and national interests. Their relocation reflects mounting pressure and instability in northern Syria, as well as strategic efforts to assert influence in the Druze-majority region of Sweida. The convoy includes both fighters and civilians, many traveling in vehicles over long distances under difficult conditions. This tribal realignment could have significant implications for local governance, military balance, and social cohesion in southern Syria. Photo by Omar Albaw/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

Arab Tribes Mobilize Toward Sweida - Syria

Arab Tribes Mobilize Toward Sweida - Syria

A new batch of Arab tribesmen, estimated in the thousands, departs from Idlib and its surrounding countryside toward the southern city of Sweida, Syria, on July 18, 2025. The movement is part of a growing mobilization driven by complex tribal dynamics and shifting alliances in the context of Syria’s long-running conflict. Tribal groups play a pivotal role in regional politics and security, often navigating between local authorities, armed factions, and national interests. Their relocation reflects mounting pressure and instability in northern Syria, as well as strategic efforts to assert influence in the Druze-majority region of Sweida. The convoy includes both fighters and civilians, many traveling in vehicles over long distances under difficult conditions. This tribal realignment could have significant implications for local governance, military balance, and social cohesion in southern Syria. Photo by Omar Albaw/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

Arab Tribes Mobilize Toward Sweida - Syria

Arab Tribes Mobilize Toward Sweida - Syria

A new batch of Arab tribesmen, estimated in the thousands, departs from Idlib and its surrounding countryside toward the southern city of Sweida, Syria, on July 18, 2025. The movement is part of a growing mobilization driven by complex tribal dynamics and shifting alliances in the context of Syria’s long-running conflict. Tribal groups play a pivotal role in regional politics and security, often navigating between local authorities, armed factions, and national interests. Their relocation reflects mounting pressure and instability in northern Syria, as well as strategic efforts to assert influence in the Druze-majority region of Sweida. The convoy includes both fighters and civilians, many traveling in vehicles over long distances under difficult conditions. This tribal realignment could have significant implications for local governance, military balance, and social cohesion in southern Syria. Photo by Omar Albaw/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

Arab Tribes Mobilize Toward Sweida - Syria

Arab Tribes Mobilize Toward Sweida - Syria

A new batch of Arab tribesmen, estimated in the thousands, departs from Idlib and its surrounding countryside toward the southern city of Sweida, Syria, on July 18, 2025. The movement is part of a growing mobilization driven by complex tribal dynamics and shifting alliances in the context of Syria’s long-running conflict. Tribal groups play a pivotal role in regional politics and security, often navigating between local authorities, armed factions, and national interests. Their relocation reflects mounting pressure and instability in northern Syria, as well as strategic efforts to assert influence in the Druze-majority region of Sweida. The convoy includes both fighters and civilians, many traveling in vehicles over long distances under difficult conditions. This tribal realignment could have significant implications for local governance, military balance, and social cohesion in southern Syria. Photo by Omar Albaw/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

Arab Tribes Mobilize Toward Sweida - Syria

Arab Tribes Mobilize Toward Sweida - Syria

A new batch of Arab tribesmen, estimated in the thousands, departs from Idlib and its surrounding countryside toward the southern city of Sweida, Syria, on July 18, 2025. The movement is part of a growing mobilization driven by complex tribal dynamics and shifting alliances in the context of Syria’s long-running conflict. Tribal groups play a pivotal role in regional politics and security, often navigating between local authorities, armed factions, and national interests. Their relocation reflects mounting pressure and instability in northern Syria, as well as strategic efforts to assert influence in the Druze-majority region of Sweida. The convoy includes both fighters and civilians, many traveling in vehicles over long distances under difficult conditions. This tribal realignment could have significant implications for local governance, military balance, and social cohesion in southern Syria. Photo by Omar Albaw/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

Arab Tribes Mobilize Toward Sweida - Syria

Arab Tribes Mobilize Toward Sweida - Syria

A new batch of Arab tribesmen, estimated in the thousands, departs from Idlib and its surrounding countryside toward the southern city of Sweida, Syria, on July 18, 2025. The movement is part of a growing mobilization driven by complex tribal dynamics and shifting alliances in the context of Syria’s long-running conflict. Tribal groups play a pivotal role in regional politics and security, often navigating between local authorities, armed factions, and national interests. Their relocation reflects mounting pressure and instability in northern Syria, as well as strategic efforts to assert influence in the Druze-majority region of Sweida. The convoy includes both fighters and civilians, many traveling in vehicles over long distances under difficult conditions. This tribal realignment could have significant implications for local governance, military balance, and social cohesion in southern Syria. Photo by Omar Albaw/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

Arab Tribes Mobilize Toward Sweida - Syria

Arab Tribes Mobilize Toward Sweida - Syria

A new batch of Arab tribesmen, estimated in the thousands, departs from Idlib and its surrounding countryside toward the southern city of Sweida, Syria, on July 18, 2025. The movement is part of a growing mobilization driven by complex tribal dynamics and shifting alliances in the context of Syria’s long-running conflict. Tribal groups play a pivotal role in regional politics and security, often navigating between local authorities, armed factions, and national interests. Their relocation reflects mounting pressure and instability in northern Syria, as well as strategic efforts to assert influence in the Druze-majority region of Sweida. The convoy includes both fighters and civilians, many traveling in vehicles over long distances under difficult conditions. This tribal realignment could have significant implications for local governance, military balance, and social cohesion in southern Syria. Photo by Omar Albaw/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

Arab Tribes Mobilize Toward Sweida - Syria

Arab Tribes Mobilize Toward Sweida - Syria

A new batch of Arab tribesmen, estimated in the thousands, departs from Idlib and its surrounding countryside toward the southern city of Sweida, Syria, on July 18, 2025. The movement is part of a growing mobilization driven by complex tribal dynamics and shifting alliances in the context of Syria’s long-running conflict. Tribal groups play a pivotal role in regional politics and security, often navigating between local authorities, armed factions, and national interests. Their relocation reflects mounting pressure and instability in northern Syria, as well as strategic efforts to assert influence in the Druze-majority region of Sweida. The convoy includes both fighters and civilians, many traveling in vehicles over long distances under difficult conditions. This tribal realignment could have significant implications for local governance, military balance, and social cohesion in southern Syria. Photo by Omar Albaw/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

Arab Tribes Mobilize Toward Sweida - Syria

Arab Tribes Mobilize Toward Sweida - Syria

A new batch of Arab tribesmen, estimated in the thousands, departs from Idlib and its surrounding countryside toward the southern city of Sweida, Syria, on July 18, 2025. The movement is part of a growing mobilization driven by complex tribal dynamics and shifting alliances in the context of Syria’s long-running conflict. Tribal groups play a pivotal role in regional politics and security, often navigating between local authorities, armed factions, and national interests. Their relocation reflects mounting pressure and instability in northern Syria, as well as strategic efforts to assert influence in the Druze-majority region of Sweida. The convoy includes both fighters and civilians, many traveling in vehicles over long distances under difficult conditions. This tribal realignment could have significant implications for local governance, military balance, and social cohesion in southern Syria. Photo by Omar Albaw/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

Arab Tribes Mobilize Toward Sweida - Syria

Arab Tribes Mobilize Toward Sweida - Syria

A new batch of Arab tribesmen, estimated in the thousands, departs from Idlib and its surrounding countryside toward the southern city of Sweida, Syria, on July 18, 2025. The movement is part of a growing mobilization driven by complex tribal dynamics and shifting alliances in the context of Syria’s long-running conflict. Tribal groups play a pivotal role in regional politics and security, often navigating between local authorities, armed factions, and national interests. Their relocation reflects mounting pressure and instability in northern Syria, as well as strategic efforts to assert influence in the Druze-majority region of Sweida. The convoy includes both fighters and civilians, many traveling in vehicles over long distances under difficult conditions. This tribal realignment could have significant implications for local governance, military balance, and social cohesion in southern Syria. Photo by Omar Albaw/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

Arab Tribes Mobilize Toward Sweida - Syria

Arab Tribes Mobilize Toward Sweida - Syria

A new batch of Arab tribesmen, estimated in the thousands, departs from Idlib and its surrounding countryside toward the southern city of Sweida, Syria, on July 18, 2025. The movement is part of a growing mobilization driven by complex tribal dynamics and shifting alliances in the context of Syria’s long-running conflict. Tribal groups play a pivotal role in regional politics and security, often navigating between local authorities, armed factions, and national interests. Their relocation reflects mounting pressure and instability in northern Syria, as well as strategic efforts to assert influence in the Druze-majority region of Sweida. The convoy includes both fighters and civilians, many traveling in vehicles over long distances under difficult conditions. This tribal realignment could have significant implications for local governance, military balance, and social cohesion in southern Syria. Photo by Omar Albaw/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

Arab Tribes Mobilize Toward Sweida - Syria

Arab Tribes Mobilize Toward Sweida - Syria

A new batch of Arab tribesmen, estimated in the thousands, departs from Idlib and its surrounding countryside toward the southern city of Sweida, Syria, on July 18, 2025. The movement is part of a growing mobilization driven by complex tribal dynamics and shifting alliances in the context of Syria’s long-running conflict. Tribal groups play a pivotal role in regional politics and security, often navigating between local authorities, armed factions, and national interests. Their relocation reflects mounting pressure and instability in northern Syria, as well as strategic efforts to assert influence in the Druze-majority region of Sweida. The convoy includes both fighters and civilians, many traveling in vehicles over long distances under difficult conditions. This tribal realignment could have significant implications for local governance, military balance, and social cohesion in southern Syria. Photo by Omar Albaw/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

Arab Tribes Mobilize Toward Sweida - Syria

Arab Tribes Mobilize Toward Sweida - Syria

A new batch of Arab tribesmen, estimated in the thousands, departs from Idlib and its surrounding countryside toward the southern city of Sweida, Syria, on July 18, 2025. The movement is part of a growing mobilization driven by complex tribal dynamics and shifting alliances in the context of Syria’s long-running conflict. Tribal groups play a pivotal role in regional politics and security, often navigating between local authorities, armed factions, and national interests. Their relocation reflects mounting pressure and instability in northern Syria, as well as strategic efforts to assert influence in the Druze-majority region of Sweida. The convoy includes both fighters and civilians, many traveling in vehicles over long distances under difficult conditions. This tribal realignment could have significant implications for local governance, military balance, and social cohesion in southern Syria. Photo by Omar Albaw/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

Arab Tribes Mobilize Toward Sweida - Syria

Arab Tribes Mobilize Toward Sweida - Syria

A new batch of Arab tribesmen, estimated in the thousands, departs from Idlib and its surrounding countryside toward the southern city of Sweida, Syria, on July 18, 2025. The movement is part of a growing mobilization driven by complex tribal dynamics and shifting alliances in the context of Syria’s long-running conflict. Tribal groups play a pivotal role in regional politics and security, often navigating between local authorities, armed factions, and national interests. Their relocation reflects mounting pressure and instability in northern Syria, as well as strategic efforts to assert influence in the Druze-majority region of Sweida. The convoy includes both fighters and civilians, many traveling in vehicles over long distances under difficult conditions. This tribal realignment could have significant implications for local governance, military balance, and social cohesion in southern Syria. Photo by Omar Albaw/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

Japan, U.S. to move 9,000 Marines out of Okinawa

Japan, U.S. to move 9,000 Marines out of Okinawa

TOKYO, Japan - Japanese Foreign Minister Koichiro Gemba speaks at a press conference at the ministry in Tokyo on April 27, 2012. The foreign and defense ministers of Japan and the United States released the same day a joint statement on the realignment of U.S. forces in Japan, saying that nearly half of the 19,000 U.S. Marines stationed in Okinawa will be transferred to Guam and elsewhere.

Japan, U.S. to move 9,000 Marines out of Okinawa

Japan, U.S. to move 9,000 Marines out of Okinawa

TOKYO, Japan - Japanese Defense Minister Naoki Tanaka speaks at a press conference at the ministry in Tokyo on April 27, 2012. The foreign and defense ministers of Japan and the United States released the same day a joint statement on the realignment of U.S. forces in Japan, saying that nearly half of the 19,000 U.S. Marines stationed in Okinawa will be transferred to Guam and elsewhere.

Japan, U.S. to move 9,000 Marines out of Okinawa

Japan, U.S. to move 9,000 Marines out of Okinawa

TOKYO, Japan - Japanese Foreign Minister Koichiro Gemba (L) and Defense Minister Naoki Tanaka meet the press at the prime minister's office in Tokyo on April 27, 2012. The foreign and defense ministers of Japan and the United States released the same day a joint statement on the realignment of U.S. forces in Japan, saying that nearly half of the 19,000 U.S. Marines stationed in Okinawa will be transferred to Guam and elsewhere.

Japan, U.S. to move 9,000 Marines out of Okinawa

Japan, U.S. to move 9,000 Marines out of Okinawa

TOKYO, Japan - File photo taken in July 2010 shows the U.S. Marine Corps' Futenma Air Station in Ginowan, Okinawa Prefecture. The foreign and defense ministers of Japan and the United States released on April 27, 2012, a joint statement on the realignment of U.S. forces in Japan, saying that nearly half of the 19,000 U.S. Marines stationed in Okinawa will be transferred to Guam and elsewhere.

Andersen U.S. Air Force base on Guam

Andersen U.S. Air Force base on Guam

GUAM, Guam - Photo taken in January 2012 shows the U.S. Andersen Air Force Base on the island of Guam. Madeleine Bordallo, a member of the U.S. House of Representatives representing Guam, said in a statement released Feb. 8, 2012, on the U.S. Marine Corps realignment in the Pacific, that delinking the transfer of the Marines to Guam from Japan's Okinawa Prefecture from progress on the construction of a Futenma replacement facility will be helpful in getting many backlogged military construction projects underway. She also said the modified plan raises a number of questions about the Marine Corps' posture and the land needs on Guam, as well as the economic impact of the reduced force.

Finegayan area on Guam

Finegayan area on Guam

TOKYO, Japan - File photo taken in March 2008 shows part of Guam's Finegayan area, a housing site for U.S. military personnel and their families where related facilities are to be built, as U.S. Marine Corps troops in Okinawa, Japan, are to be relocated to Guam as part of a planned realignment of U.S. forces in Japan.

Iwoto Island

Iwoto Island

TOKYO, Japan - Photo taken on June 7, 2011, shows Iwoto Island, about 1,250 kilometers south of central Tokyo. Japan's Defense Ministry is considering moving the U.S. carrier-borne aircraft landing drill on the island to Mage Island, Kagoshima Prefecture, as part of a plan for the realignment of U.S. forces.

Mage Island, Kagoshima Pref.

Mage Island, Kagoshima Pref.

TOKYO, Japan - Photo taken in March 2010 shows the uninhabited Mage Island in Kagoshima Prefecture. The Defense Ministry informed a local government in the prefecture on June 1, 2011, that it is considering using the island for carrier-borne aircraft landing practice as part of a plan for the realignment of U.S. forces.

Futenma Air Station in Okinawa Pref.

Futenma Air Station in Okinawa Pref.

GINOWAN, Japan - Photo taken on Jan. 22, 2011, shows the U.S. Marine Corps' Futenma Air Station in Ginowan, Okinawa Prefecture. The Japanese and U.S. governments plan to relocate it to a less populated coastal area within the prefecture as part of a road map for the realignment of U.S. forces in Japan agreed upon in 2006, but the local people want it moved out of the prefecture.

Futenma Air Station in Okinawa Pref.

Futenma Air Station in Okinawa Pref.

GINOWAN, Japan - Photo taken on Jan. 22, 2011, shows the U.S. Marine Corps' Futenma Air Station in Ginowan, Okinawa Prefecture. The Japanese and U.S. governments plan to relocate it to a less populated coastal area within the prefecture as part of a road map for the realignment of U.S. forces in Japan agreed upon in 2006, but the local people want it moved out of the prefecture.

DPJ No. 2 man Okada to visit Okinawa

DPJ No. 2 man Okada to visit Okinawa

TOKYO, Japan - Katsuya Okada, secretary general of the ruling Democratic Party of Japan, speaks at a press conference at its headquarters in Tokyo on Jan. 6, 2011. The No. 2 man in the party said he will visit Okinawa to deal with the contentious realignment of U.S. forces there.

Campaigning gets under way for upper house election

Campaigning gets under way for upper house election

TOKUSHIMA, Japan - New Renaissance Party leader Yoichi Masuzoe delivers a stump speech in Tokushima on June 24, 2010, as official campaigning began for the July 11 House of Councillors election. Masuzoe called for a realignment of Japan's political landscape.

Masuzoe vows new party will win seats, help oust DPJ from power

Masuzoe vows new party will win seats, help oust DPJ from power

TOKYO, Japan - Former Health, Labor and Welfare Minister Yoichi Masuzoe, who launched a new political party last week, speaks at an event organized by Kyodo News in Tokyo on April 26, 2010. Masuzoe vowed his party would win seats in this summer's House of Councillors election in order to help oust the ruling Democratic Party of Japan and bring about a major political realignment.

Masuzoe vows new party will win seats, help oust DPJ from power

Masuzoe vows new party will win seats, help oust DPJ from power

TOKYO, Japan - Former Health, Labor and Welfare Minister Yoichi Masuzoe, who launched a new political party last week, speaks at an event organized by Kyodo News in Tokyo on April 26, 2010. Masuzoe vowed his party would win seats in this summer's House of Councillors election in order to help oust the ruling Democratic Party of Japan and bring about a major political realignment.

U.S. military's Camp Schwab in Okinawa

U.S. military's Camp Schwab in Okinawa

TOKYO, Japan - This file photo shows the U.S. Marine Corps' Camp Schwab in Nago, Okinawa Prefecture, on March 11, 2010. Future usage of the base has been at the center of controversy in the ongoing realignment of U.S. military forces in Japan.

U.S. Navy's White Beach base in Okinawa

U.S. Navy's White Beach base in Okinawa

TOKYO, Japan - This file photo shows Tsuken Island (foreground) and the U.S. Navy's White Beach base (far behind) in Uruma, Okinawa Prefecture, on March 11, 2010. An idea of reclaiming land between the shore and the island has been floated for the ongoing realignment of U.S. military forces in Japan.

U.S. Navy's White Beach base in Okinawa

U.S. Navy's White Beach base in Okinawa

TOKYO, Japan - This file photo shows the U.S. Navy's White Beach base in Uruma, Okinawa Prefecture, and Tsuken Island (far behind) on March 11, 2010. An idea of reclaiming land between the shore and the island has been floated for the ongoing realignment of U.S. military forces in Japan.

U.S. military's Camp Schwab in Okinawa

U.S. military's Camp Schwab in Okinawa

TOKYO, Japan - This file photo shows the U.S. Marine Corps' Camp Schwab in Nago, Okinawa Prefecture, on March 11, 2010. Future usage of the base has been at the center of controversy in the ongoing realignment of U.S. military forces in Japan.

U.S. Navy's White Beach base in Okinawa

U.S. Navy's White Beach base in Okinawa

TOKYO, Japan - This file photo shows the U.S. Navy's White Beach base in Uruma, Okinawa Prefecture, and Tsuken Island (far behind) on March 11, 2010. An idea of reclaiming land between the shore and the island has been floated for the ongoing realignment of U.S. military forces in Japan.

U.S. Navy's White Beach base in Okinawa

U.S. Navy's White Beach base in Okinawa

TOKYO, Japan - This file photo shows Tsuken Island (foreground) and the U.S. Navy's White Beach base (far behind) in Uruma, Okinawa Prefecture, on March 11, 2010. An idea of reclaiming land between the shore and the island has been floated for the ongoing realignment of U.S. military forces in Japan.

Gov't draft bill would realign Japan Post group into 3 firms

Gov't draft bill would realign Japan Post group into 3 firms

TOKYO, Japan - Shizuka Kamei, state minister in charge of postal and financial affairs, briefs reporters on the government draft bill to review the postal privatization process at the Financial Services Agency in Tokyo on Feb. 8, 2020. The draft proposes a realignment of the Japan Post group into three companies from the current five.

Fujitsu chief says firm to revamp chip business

Fujitsu chief says firm to revamp chip business

TOKYO, Japan - Michiyoshi Mazuka, president of Fujitsu Ltd., speaks in an interview with interview with Kyodo News in Tokyo on Dec. 11, 2009. Mazuka said Fujitsu will take on drastic reforms such as realignment of its production lines to turn around the firm's struggling semiconductor business.

Gates meets Japanese defense chief over Futemma, Afghanistan

Gates meets Japanese defense chief over Futemma, Afghanistan

TOKYO, Japan - Visiting U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates (L) and Japanese Defense Minister Toshimi Kitazawa shake hands ahead of their talks at the Defense Ministry in Tokyo on Oct. 21, 2009. They held talks as Tokyo reviews the planned U.S. forces realignment and studies alternative support plans for Afghanistan in a manner that could cause friction with Washington. (Pool photo by Kyodo News)

Gates meets Japanese defense chief over Futemma, Afghanistan

Gates meets Japanese defense chief over Futemma, Afghanistan

TOKYO, Japan - Visiting U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates (2nd from L) and Japanese Defense Minister Toshimi Kitazawa (2nd from R) hold talks at the Defense Ministry in Tokyo on Oct. 21, 2009, as Tokyo reviews the planned U.S. forces realignment and studies alternative support plans for Afghanistan in a manner that could cause friction with Washington. (Pool photo by Kyodo News)