(Angus Reid Global Monitor) – Most people in the Netherlands think their country’s soldiers will continue to serve for some time in the international force fighting in Afghanistan, according to a poll by Maurice de Hond. 27 per cent of respondents say the Dutch mission in Urguzan will be extended, whereas 31 per cent say the mission will continue, but with fewer soldiers.
(Angus Reid Global Monitor) – Most people in the Netherlands think their country’s soldiers will continue to serve for some time in the international force fighting in Afghanistan, according to a poll by Maurice de Hond. 27 per cent of respondents say the Dutch mission in Urguzan will be extended, whereas 31 per cent say the mission will continue, but with fewer soldiers.
A fifth of respondents think Dutch soldiers could be relocated to another area in Afghanistan, and 14 per cent say all Dutch soldiers will return home after 2010.
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 without evidence of his participation 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.
At least 1,484 soldiers—including 21 Dutch—have died in the war on terrorism, either in support of the U.S.-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 military mission in Afghanistan until 2010. Nearly 2,000 Dutch soldiers are currently deployed in Afghanistan, most of them in the southern Uruzgan province.
On Sept. 23, Dutch foreign affairs minister Maxime Verhagen declared that the government "cannot rule out" an extension to the mission in Afghanistan beyond 2010.
Late last month, the Second Chamber voted, after an intense debate, against renewing the country’s troop commitment in Urguzan. However, on Oct. 23, Dutch defence minister Eimert Van Middelkoop declared: "You have to make the distinction between Afghanistan and Uruzgan. The parliamentary debate was only about Uruzgan. The motion is a fact, now it is up to the cabinet to make the next move. It is still open."
Polling Data
What do you think will happen with the mission in Afghanistan?
|
The mission in Uruzgan will be extended |
27% |
|
The mission in Uruzgan will continue, but with fewer soldiers |
31% |
|
Dutch soldiers will leave Uruzgan, and go to another area in Afghanistan |
20% |
|
After 2010, there will be no Dutch soldiers in Afghanistan |
14% |
|
Not sure |
9% |
Source: Maurice de Hond
Methodology: Interviews with 1,000 Dutch adults, conducted on Oct. 1, 2009. No margin of error was provided.
