2010/02/27 Dublin
Together
Stand alone
The New York Times rarely writes an editorial about the Netherlands.
But on February 24th The New York Times wrote an editorial about the collapse of the Dutch government over keeping Dutch troops in Afghanistan:
“Europe’s leaders need to tell themselves — and their voters — the truth. The war in Afghanistan is not just about America’s security. It, too, is about denying sanctuaries to Al Qaeda, which has also carried out deadly terrorist attacks in Europe. NATO is stronger when it stands together. The Netherlands weakens itself and all of its allies by choosing to stand alone.”
It’s unclear whether the war in Afghanistan makes Europe safer.
And it remains to be seen whether the Americans and the Dutch have the same interests in Afghanistan.
But most importantly: do the Americans really need two thousand Dutch troops in Afghanistan?
I would say: call Xe services (formerly called Blackwater).
Or do I underestimate the importance of symbolism?
6 comments
Yes, symbolism is very important. It is a flag under which one can make a lot of profit.
I agree with Bernard f.
Arnon
Well, you have already shown not to put too much importance on symbolism once before this week, so it is entirely possible that you underestimate its importance. Having said that, you also stated that politics can be seen as 'vain efforts at self-humanization.' I think it's safe to say that self humanization practised by politicians is mainly symbolism, so it looks like it's one point for symbolism and two against over the course of these last few days. Let's hope symbolism will rear its head again soon.
Mr. Grunberg
Almost a year ago I went to your reading in Gent about ethics in the modern world (organised by studium generale). I could be mistaken, but if I remember correctly you said that, concerning war against terrorism and hostile regimes, Europe makes the US do the "dirty work" (this is probably a very bad quotation but I can't recall your exact words). So I'm a bit surprised that you consider the contribution to the Afghanistan war of a NATO country (nonetheless a small country) as insignificant.
Victor
It is debatable whether symbolism is insignificant.
Victor
Indeed, your quote isn’t very accurate.
