The dutch newspaper De Volkskrant reports (in Dutch) that the Dutch government will not let the death of corporal Cor Strik get in the way of the (success of the) mission in Afghanistan.
Secretary of Defense Van Middelkoop said that “What we all knew has become visible now, namely that it is a risky enterprise.” Strik’s death will also not influence the decision, that has to be made in 08, whether Dutch forces will stay in Afghanistan or whether they will be brought back home.
It is the right decision of course. It seems to me that we should use Strik’s tragic death as, strange as it may sound, inspiration to continue (with) the mission. These people will not only kill our soldiers, who are able to defend themselves, but also innocent civilians who don’t agree with the views and teachings of the Taliban. If we would withdraw our forces, ten thousands, even millions, of people will be forced to live under the oppression of Muslim extremists, who kill those who dare disagree with the ones in power.
