Afghan mission doubts threaten Dutch coalition

[struggle4progress]

Doubts in the Netherlands about whether to send 1,400 troops to southern Afghanistan as part of a peacekeeping mission are threatening to bring down the country's centre-right government and damage the credibility of the Nato alliance.

Bert Bakker, an MP with D66, the junior party in a three-way ruling Dutch coalition, said his party would have no option but to quit the government if the troops were sent ...

In December, the cabinet side-stepped a final decision on the matter by deferring approval to parliament. Mr Balkenende's government has a tiny majority among delegates in the 150-seat lower house but could win parliamentary backing without the six D66 MPs by relying on the liberal VVD party and smaller Christian parties. A parliamentary debate is scheduled for January 25, but that event is at risk after VVD said it would not take part without a decision from the government. If Mr Balkenende pushes for approval in government, the D66 ministers may resign ...

http://news.moneycentral.msn.com/provider/providerarticle.asp?feed=FT&Date=20060112&ID=5413843

[leesa]

1. The US government did 9-11...it's a scam....just like everything since

[enigma000]

2. I wonder what the Dutch troops think of this? n/t