Final Word from Monday, December 22, 2008
Coalition and opposition politicians are exchanging slurs over the failed attempt on Fri. to extend the stay of Czech troops in Afghanistan and other countries. A compromise will likely be reached before troops actually have to be withdrawn in 70 days, but removing the troops might not be such a bad idea. Forget for a moment the party politics of the issue, and even the legitimacy of the war on terror. Consider the issue instead from the standpoint of the current economic crisis. What will governments in North America and Europe do if civil unrest breaks out? Most of the countries have abolished the draft and have sent their slim volunteer armies off to fight foreign wars. Their police forces have trouble handling even ordinary crime. Instead of shipping troops off to keep the peace in foreign lands, the Czech government might consider training and prepping them to keep the peace at home.[Czech Republic army European Union United States of American Nato Chad Central African Republic Iraq KFOR ISAF EURFOR TCHAD/RCA Enduring Freedom terrorism]