November 04, 2007

Abstract: (Angus Reid Global Monitor) - While many adults in the Netherlands are in favour of their country’s engagement in Afghanistan, few believe the mission is going well, according to a poll by Maurice de Hond. 51 per cent of respondents support the Dutch mission, but only 28 per cent think it is proceeding successfully.

(Angus Reid Global Monitor) - While many adults in the Netherlands are in favour of their country’s engagement in Afghanistan, few believe the mission is going well, according to a poll by Maurice de Hond. 51 per cent of respondents support the Dutch mission, but only 28 per cent think it is proceeding successfully.

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 707 soldiers—including 12 Dutch—have died in the conflict, 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).

In January 2006, the Dutch cabinet agreed to send more soldiers to Afghanistan. The troops joined a NATO peacekeeping mission in southern Afghanistan. The Netherlands currently has more than 1,600 troops in Uruzgan as part of a two-year commitment, which is due to expire in August 2008. The United States and NATO have urged Dutch lawmakers to extend the mission.

Last month, Georgian president Mikhail Saakashvili said his country is prepared to send 200 soldiers to Uruzgan, to support Dutch troops in the region.

Polling Data

Do you support the Dutch mission in Afghanistan?

	Oct. 2007	Jul. 2007	Jun. 2007
Yes	51%	50%	54%
No	44%	45%	38%
Not sure	6%	5%	9%

Do you think the mission has proceeded successfully?

	Oct. 2007	Jul. 2007	Jun. 2007
Yes	28%	29%	31%
No	56%	53%	46%
Not sure	16%	18%	23%

Source: Maurice de Hond
Methodology: Interviews with 1,000 Dutch adults, conducted on Oct. 27, 2007. No margin of error was provided.