Dutch Ruling Coalition Collapses Over Afghanistan Commitment

The Labor Party has pulled out of government over a proposal to extend the tour of Dutch forces in the region, leaving Christian Democratic Alliance head, and Prim Minister Jan Peter Balkenende no choice but to dissolve government.

What is interesting here is that the troops were supposed to return in 2008, but have remained deployed because no replacements could be found amongst other NATO members, and Labor pulled out as a result.

This means that elections will be held a year ahead of time, probably in May, and that the main issue is likely to be the deployment of Dutch troops to Afghanistan, and given the nature of the electorate in Holland, and Europe generally, I think that the parties who favor immediate withdrawal are likely to gain the upper hand.

This may have political significance to other nations deploying troops to the campaign.