The World is Watching as the Dutch Decide Whether to Remain in Afghanistan

There was a huge upset in the Netherlands this past week, as the Dutch coalition government announced they will be holding early elections because they are unable to come to a unanimous decision on whether to keep 1,600 Dutch troops in Afghanistan past the Autumn 2010 pull-out schedule. Apparently, the Christian Democratic Party and the Christian Unity party are willing to agree with NATO that an extension of troops is needed because they are not convinced that the region will remain stable, and feel it is too early to pull out. However, the Labour Party does not see any importance in maintaining a Dutch presence in the region past the schedule agreed upon three years ago.

The Netherlands is still reeling from the unexpected, very quick downfall of the government over this issue. "What's shameful is that the government unity was unilaterally broken last week," said Jack de Vries, Christian Democratic Deputy Defense Minister. Without using so many words, he is blaming the Labour Party for refusing to compromise on the issue, and come to an agreement with his party. Public opinion on the Afghanistan issue is yet to be seen, but there is clearly a division about where the Dutch will stand. Local council elections are set to begin in two weeks.