(Angus Reid Global Monitor) – Adults in the Netherlands are divided over their country’s current mission in Afghanistan, according to a poll by Maurice de Hond. 49 per cent of respondents oppose the Dutch engagement in Uruzgan, while 46 per cent support it.
(Angus Reid Global Monitor) – Adults in the Netherlands are divided over their country’s current mission in Afghanistan, according to a poll by Maurice de Hond. 49 per cent of respondents oppose the Dutch engagement in Uruzgan, while 46 per cent support it.
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 790 soldiers—including 16 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 2007, 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.
On Apr. 18, Balkenende discussed the death of Dennis van Uhm—the son of Dutch chief of armed forces Peter van Uhm, who was killed in Uruzgan along with soldier Mark Schouwink in a roadside bombing—saying, "Despite the sorrow and the pain, we will continue strong and single-minded on the path that we have taken."
Polling Data
Does the mission in Uruzgan have your support?
|
Apr. 2008 |
Jan. 2008 |
|
|
Yes |
46% |
43% |
|
No |
49% |
50% |
|
Not sure |
5% |
6% |
Source: Maurice de Hond
Methodology: Interviews with 1,000 Dutch adults, conducted on Apr. 17, 2008. No margin of error was provided.
