September 12, 2007
Abe Steps Down As Japanese PM
After only a year in office, Shinzo Abe abruptly announced his resignation as Japan's prime minister yesterday.
"Senior officials said health was a factor in the decision but Abe said a new prime minister would be better placed to resolve a deadlock over extending a controversial mission to support U.S. military efforts in Afghanistan," Reuters reports.
At 52, Abe was the youngest prime minister in Japan's recent history-- and the first one born after World War II. His year in office was beset by political scandals and turmoil; his party is set to choose a new prime minister next week.
The Wall Street Journal has a timeline of Abe's year in office, and the Economist and the Japan Times have more on the story.
(Photo: Josie Duckett/State Department)
