November 17, 2003
SOLDIERS' UNIONS? (Via Best Of The Web)
Deadly attack on Italians prompts nations to wait (Bassem Mrque, AP, 11/14/03)
Japan put off a decision on sending troops to Iraq yesterday, a day after the deadliest attack on coalition forces since the war, and South Korea capped its contribution at 3,000 soldiers -- new setbacks to U.S. hopes for easing the pressure on its forces. . . .No matter how screwed up this country is, we're never going to be the most screwed up. Posted by David Cohen at November 17, 2003 9:38 AMSouth Korea also decided to limit its contribution to 3,000 troops, President Roh Moo-hyun announced. In addition, Seoul ordered its 464 troops in southern Iraq to suspend operations outside coalition bases.
Denmark also rejected a push by two Danish soldiers unions to add 100 troops to its 410-member force.
Soldiers unions?
Lends new meaning to "first strike."
Posted by: Barry Meislin at November 17, 2003 10:08 AMHow very European.
To be fair, I'm all for veterans' organizations lobbying for the active-duty staff. I'd have to think through why I believe that makes a difference.
Posted by: Mike Earl at November 17, 2003 10:13 AMThank South Korea for their help and move 20,000 of our troops from there to Iraq or Afghanistan. Japan will take notice as well.
But... but.... but.....
The answer is to INTERNATIONALIZE the situation. Y'know, to LET those countries send troops.
Doncha get it? That's what Wes Clark and a few of his fellow travellers told me! It's gotta be true.
Posted by: Andrew X at November 17, 2003 11:53 AMI didn't realize it was likely or possible for Japan to send troops. I think the Japanese would really rock and roll in combat. Now that would be a wake up call for the Sunni.
Seriously after this Iraq situation is over (OJ said memorial day) the US needs to rethink all of our commitments, NATO etc, as well as in the Pacific because it is self evident that Europe and others have no intention of helping us period. End of story.
Posted by: h-man at November 17, 2003 4:44 PMOh, oh. How does one put the screws on artfully without shooting oneself in the foot? Time for a debate on how to punish wayward children while assuring them you love them.
However, here's a glass raised to the Danish soldiers' union, even if the very idea is ridiculous. If there were a Canadian soldiers' union with a public voice, we wouldn't be feeling so craven up here.
Posted by: Peter B at November 17, 2003 7:55 PMWell, we DON'T love 'em. Not on a national level, anyhow.
The Cold War was an aberrant period of human history.
In fact, if oj is right, we may end up having to crush Europe, 100 years after we saved it.