(Angus Reid Global Monitor) - Most people in Finland are satisfied with their country's current military deployment in Afghanistan, according to a poll by Taloustutkimus released by YLE Radio News. 68 per cent of respondents would keep the same number of soldiers in the mission, while 19 per cent would withdraw all the troops, and six per cent would send more soldiers.

Finland committed fewer than 100 troops to the war on terrorism in Afghanistan. At least 650 soldiers—including one Finn—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).

On Aug. 17, Finnish foreign minister Ilkka Kanerva said the government is considering an expansion to its involvement in Afghanistan, adding, "For me, it would be a surprise if Finland decided to stay in Afghanistan with the current number of troops. Other Nordic countries and the Baltic ones are now strongly concentrating on Afghanistan."

Finland currently allocates 0.44 per cent of its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) for economic aid around the world. 52 per cent of respondents are opposed to including Afghanistan in the list of countries receiving development assistance from Finland.

Polling Data

Do you think Finland should keep the same number of soldiers in Afghanistan, send more soldiers or withdraw all soldiers?

Do you support or oppose adding Afghanistan to the list of countries that receive development assistance from Finland?

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