Dutch role in Afghanistan in doubt as government collapses

The future of around 2,000 Dutch soldiers serving in Afghanistan has been thrown into doubt by the collapse Saturday of the Netherlands' coalition government.

Dutch Prime Minister Jan Peter Balkenende's office said in a statement that the Labor Party had withdrawn from the government following days of talks over whether the troops should be brought home...

...In a statement to reporters, Balkenende said there was no longer a "fruitful path" for the near-three-year-old coalition between the CDA, Labor and the Christian Union to go forward.

He said he would meet Queen Beatrix, the country's head of state, later Saturday to offer the resignations of the 12 Labor members of his cabinet and "make available" the 12 cabinet positions held by his own party and three held by the Christian Union.

This is the kind of politicians America needs. Can you imagine any one of our Representatives or Senators leaving their lush accommodations, fat paycheck, private jets, exotic "state" trips, and lavish perks for something as silly as principles? This is exactly what people mean when they say American leaders are more concerned about doing what they have to do to retain power rather than doing what they believe is the right thing for the American people.