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Danish Split on Ending Afghanistan Mission
(Angus Reid Global Monitor) - Adults in Denmark are divided on their country’s military deployment in Afghanistan, according to a poll by Capacent Epinion. 41 per cent of respondents believe Denmark should withdraw its troops from Afghanistan, while 48 per cent disagree.
In addition, only 22 per cent of respondents believe the war against the Taliban in Afghanistan can be won.
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.
At least 1,081 soldiers—including 21 Danes—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). There are currently about 700 Danish troops serving in Afghanistan, as part of ISAF.
On Feb. 21, Danish defence minister Soeren Gade discussed the current state of affairs in Afghanistan, saying, "We noted a clear deterioration of the security situation in the districts where we operate in 2008." Danish foreign minister Per Stig Moller added: "It is clear that we want a political solution where all groups of the population are involved. But there can be no compromise where it becomes half-Talibanized."
Polling Data
Should Denmark withdraw its troops from Afghanistan?
|
Yes |
41% |
|
No |
48% |
|
Not sure |
11% |
Do you believe the war against the Taliban in Afghanistan can be won?
|
Yes |
22% |
|
No |
55% |
|
Not sure |
22% |
Source: Capacent Epinion
Methodology: Telephone interviews with 1,050 Danish voters, conducted in February 2009. No margin of error was provided.