Dutch Gov't Falls over A'stan

The International Harold Tribune reports that the Dutch Government has fallen, over the issue of Dutch Troops in Afghanistan:

A last-ditch effort to keep Dutch troops in Afghanistan brought down the governing coalition in the Netherlands early Saturday, immediately raising fears that the Western military coalition fighting the war is increasingly at risk.

Even as the allied offensive in the Taliban stronghold of Marja continued Saturday, it appeared almost certain that most of the 2,000 Dutch troops would be gone from Afghanistan by the end of the year.  The question plaguing military planners was whether a Dutch departure would embolden the war’s critics in other allied countries, where debate over deployment is continuing, and hasten the withdrawal of their troops as well.

Elections will be required within 83 days of the Queen making a decision about whether to dissolve parliament or try for a new coalition (perhaps from Monday).

If the government goes to the voters it could be an interesting election.  I, for one, will be looking for expert commentary from one of the bloggers over in North Andover.  I think he has sources on the ground at this time.

Which will be important, since I don't think this has made The Boston Globe.

A hat tip to Gates of Vienna for pointing out this story.

Regards  —  Cliff