Dutch Still Opposed to Afghan Mission Plan
Abstract: (Angus Reid Global Monitor) - The views of adults in the Netherlands on their country’s participation in Afghanistan have not changed, according to a poll by Maurice de Hond. 51 per cent of respondents disagree with the continuation of the military mission in Uruzgan, and 59 per cent believe Dutch troops will not withdraw from Afghanistan two years from now.
(Angus Reid Global Monitor) - The views of adults in the Netherlands on their country’s participation in Afghanistan have not changed, according to a poll by Maurice de Hond. 51 per cent of respondents disagree with the continuation of the military mission in Uruzgan, and 59 per cent believe Dutch troops will not withdraw from Afghanistan two years from now.
Afghanistan has been the main battleground in the war on terrorism. The conflict began in October 2001, after the Taliban regime refused to hand over Osama bin Laden, prime suspect in the 9/11 terrorist attacks in New York and Washington. Al-Qaeda operatives hijacked and crashed four airplanes on Sept. 11, 2001, killing nearly 3,000 people.
The Netherlands committed troops to the war on terrorism in Afghanistan. At least 741 soldiers—including 12 Dutch—have died in the conflict, either in support of the United States-led Operation Enduring Freedom or as part of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) led by the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).
Dutch voters renewed the Second Chamber in November 2006. The governing Christian-Democratic Appeal (CDA)—led by current minister president Jan Peter Balkenende—secured 41 out of 150 seats. In February 2007, a coalition encompassing the CDA, the Labour Party (PvdA) of Wouter Bos, and the Christian Union (CU) of Andre Rouvouet was assembled.
In November, the Dutch cabinet agreed on the continuation of the Dutch mission in Uruzgan, in southern Afghanistan, for another two years. The number of soldiers will be reduced from 1,650 to 1,200. The cross-party agreement provides for a full withdrawal after the end of the two-year extension.
Earlier this month, Australian army chief Peter Leahy expressed satisfaction with the state of affairs in southern Afghanistan, saying, "I think the situation in Afghanistan, particularly where we are in Tarin Kowt in Uruzgan province is moving ahead. The reconstruction task force that we have there—based on not only the engineers but also the infantry who support them and the armour who provide the protected mobility—has allowed us to do some reconstruction to make sure the people see the benefits of working with us, of working with their local government and working with their army and the police."
Polling Data
The Dutch cabinet has agreed on the continuation of the mission in Uruzgan. The Dutch military will remain in the area for another two years, but the number of soldiers will be reduced from 1,650 to 1,200. Afterwards, the Dutch military will withdraw from Uruzgan. Do you agree with this plan?
Dec. 2007
Nov. 2007
Yes
44%
44%
No
51%
51%
Not sure
6%
6%
Do you think Dutch troops will definitely withdraw from Afghanistan two years from now?
Dec. 2007
Nov. 2007
Yes
21%
21%
No
59%
59%
Not sure
19%
18%
http://www.angus-reid.com/polls/view/29549