WHAT IS THE COALITION, EMPTY REPETITION OR TRUTH? [View All]

[Pocho]

We hear repeated continuously of the coalition this and the coalition that. The word has been repeated often enough in government speeches and releases it has become a part of normal lexicon for those who publicly report and discuss events. It is issued as though there is full awareness and understanding of the meaning. That meaning is never explored as though the code word "coalition" in itself is sufficient to make everything clear.

And yet after diligent search, I am unable to flesh out its meaning with substance. There is no surprise that the word has been chosen with intent of turning a lie into apparent truth for the gullible. But in attempt to break out of double speak, I would like to assign that obvious lie just a bit of truth. We might then better know just what we are and are not talking about and hearing. I would like to know exactly what is this claimed coalition and would appreciate here any specific sources of information that might answer the following questions. That is done with understanding that lack of specific response might be as telling as definitive information.

1. What are the names of the nations which make up the coalition?

2. What are the specific contributions and roles of each?

3. How many military troops does each have on the scene in Iraq and Afghanistan?

4. How by the numbers are those troop deployments divided among support and combat roles?