Dutch troops' departure from Afghanistan leaves uncertainty behind
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The Netherlands began phased pullout of its troops from Afghanistan on Sunday, after four years of active operations in the U.S-led war at a cost of 1.4 billion euros, 24 deaths and 140 injuries.
Dutch Defense Ministry said the Dutch forces have handed over the responsibility in the Afghan province of Uruzgan to U.S and Australian troops, making the Netherlands the first NATO member to leave Afghanistan.
Dutch military chief Gen. Peter van Uhm, whose son was among the 24 Dutch soldiers killed during the mission, said his troops had achieved "tangible results that the Netherlands can be proud of" by pioneering a strategy known as "3D" -- defense, diplomacy and development.
He listed population hike, economic growth and improved security situation in Uruzgan, but said the balance in the region is unstable.
Analysts say the Dutch departure leaves at least three uncertainties behind: Will the unstable balance in Uruzgan be broken? Will it continue to affect the Dutch government? And will it have a Domino effect on other NATO members?
Smooth transition in doubt
NATO's International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) spokesman, Major Joel Harper, said on Sunday, "Dutch forces have served with distinction in Uruzgan, and we honor their sacrifice and that of their Afghan counterparts during the Netherlands' tenure in the province."
"We have planned for the transfer to the new multi-national operation to ensure a smooth transition ... We will maintain current capabilities," he said in a statement.
Dutch Foreign Ministry said in a statement, "The international community and NATO are helping Afghanistan stand on its own legs ... The Netherlands has done its duty and fought for the security and reconstruction of Afghanistan."
The Netherlands was the leading force in Uruzgan, where it deployed about 1,400 troops, and about 500 others at headquarters or elsewhere. During its mission, 24 Dutch troops were killed and 140 wounded, according to the Dutch government.
At the "change of command" ceremony, both Dutch military and its successors said the handover went on smoothly, adding that they were optimistic about the future.
But many Afghans are not that optimistic.
For Afghan translators who were forced to quit their jobs working for the Dutch troops, they are worried that they might become the target of the Taliban. The Netherlands has said it is NATO that should solve this problem as the Dutch troops are under its command.
The Dutch army in Uruzgan, with its "3D" approach, fight the Tabiban, while trying to build close contacts with local tribes and set up numerous development projects.
Local analysts fear that the U.S. troops, believed to be tougher than its moderate Dutch counterparts, might aggravate local conflicts.
