AP Coalition in Iraq continues to dwindle

[rodeodance]

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060530/ap_on_re_mi_ea/iraq_dwindling_coalition

Coalition in Iraq continues to dwindle

By WILLIAM J. KOLE, Associated Press Writer 2 hours, 2 minutes ago

VIENNA, Austria - It's a coalition of the dwindling. The U.S.-led multinational force in Iraq is losing two of its most important allies — Italy and South Korea — and up to half a dozen other members could draw down their forces or pull out entirely by the end of the year.


The withdrawals are complicating America's effort to begin extracting itself from the country, where a fresh onslaught of deadly attacks on coalition forces is testing the resolve of key partners such as Britain and Poland to stick with the mission despite the dangers.

Some observers say Iraq's deteriorating security situation is an argument for coalition forces to stay — not leave — and perhaps even deploy additional forces to help tamp down violence as Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki works to shift all security duties to Iraqis over the next 18 months.

Underscoring the reality, the Pentagon said Tuesday it is shifting about 1,500 U.S. troops from a reserve force in Kuwait to western Iraq's volatile Anbar province to help the Iraqis establish order there.

[rodeodance]

1. "26-nation coalition"

The latest blow to the 26-nation coalition is Italy's decision to pull its remaining 2,600 troops out by the end of the year.

Italy's new defense minister, Arturo Parisi, was quoted by Italian media Tuesday as saying "Italy won't turn its back on Iraq" and would offer unspecified political, civil and humanitarian support.

Italian Foreign Minister Massimo D'Alema, meanwhile, wrote in Tuesday's Corriere della Sera newspaper that the pullout would be carried out "with the minimum possible risk for our soldiers, who have paid a high price," referring to the deaths of 31 Italian troops in Iraq.

"We'll be able to deal with this decision while keeping in mind the consequences for the Iraqi people and the need to coordinate with coalition forces," said D'Alema, confirming the force would be reduced to 1,600 by mid-June.

[Supersedeas]

4. don't forget Poland

[David__77]

2. Why should they carry water for the US?

Hopefully they will all leave. Then the pressure will be all the greater for the US to end its occupation, and the Iraqi people can determine their own fate.

[VegasWolf]

3. Now known as the Coalition of the Remaining. Last country out has

to turn off the lights and wins the prize for greatest stupidity.