Dutch Minister of Defense Henk Kamp predicts more trouble in Afghanistan

Minister of Defense Henk Kamp agrees that the situation in Afghanistan is more dangerous than about half a year ago. "It is really dangerous in Urusghan". Also Dutch Prime Minister Jaap de Hoop Scheffer prepares us for more victims in the Afghan war.

According to Minister Henk Kamp the main reason for having Dutch troops in Afghanistan is Al-Quada.

"It all started with the attacks in New York (WTC) and Washington. Just imagine what happened there. Thousands of people died when the office buildings (WTC) collapsed. Therefore we are having all these problems in the world, and we (Dutch troops) are helping to ease the situation"

It is interesting to see that Henk Kamp's main argument for siding with the US is the planned attacks in New York. Of course this was a horrible experience, but let's not forget the thousands of people that have been killed in the meantime. Especially Iraq deals with a monthly loss of around 3.000 casualties. Yes, monthly (read the Lancet: "Mortality before and after the 2003 invasion of Iraq"; PDF file) . More killing in Iraq will likely result in more attacks.

"The Netherlands is increasing its troops (in Afghanistan) from 1200 to 1400, the maximum The Netherlands is willing to employ there. If more are needed the NATO will have to deliver those extra troops. "

Interviewer: "Is there a moment that it becomes too dangerous?"
HK: "Yes, we hope it will not happen and I can't give you a mark; every problem will result in a different answer, but in theory, when we think we can not succeed, we will consider leaving."