December 02, 2007

Abstract: (Angus Reid Global Monitor) - The majority of people in the Netherlands think their country’s troops serving in Afghanistan will not return home in two years when the current mission is set to expire, according to a poll by Maurice de Hond. 59 per cent of respondents think there will not be a definite withdrawal of Dutch troops on the set date.

(Angus Reid Global Monitor) - The majority of people in the Netherlands think their country’s troops serving in Afghanistan will not return home in two years when the current mission is set to expire, according to a poll by Maurice de Hond. 59 per cent of respondents think there will not be a definite withdrawal of Dutch troops on the set date.

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 729 soldiers—including 12 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).

On Nov. 23, 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. 44 per cent of respondents agree with the plan, while 51 per cent oppose it.

On Nov. 14, Dutch defence minister Eimert Van Middelkoop said while in Kabul that his country’s soldiers would remain in Afghanistan until Afghan forces could mount an "independent" operation.

Polling Data

The Dutch cabinet has agreed on the continuation of the mission in Uruzgan. The Dutch military will remain in the area for another two years, but the number of soldiers will be reduced from 1,650 to 1,200. Afterwards, the Dutch military will withdraw from Uruzgan. Do you agree with this plan?

Yes	44%
No	51%
Not sure	6%

Do you think Dutch troops will definitely withdraw from Afghanistan two years from now?

Yes	21%
No	59%
Not sure	18%

Source: Maurice de Hond
Methodology: Interviews with 1,000 Dutch adults, conducted on Nov. 24, 2007. No margin of error was provided.