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| Korea | ||
| S. Korea Holds Off on Troops for Iraq | ||
| 2003-10-01 | ||
| South Korea must be confident that tensions over North Korea’s nuclear ambitions will be resolved peacefully before Seoul considers sending troops to Iraq, South Korea’s president said Wednesday. We need to be sure that Iraq’s difficulties will be resolved peaceful before we can consider keeping the 2nd Infantry Division in South Korea. Washington has asked South Korea, a major Asian ally, to dispatch thousands of combat troops to help American forces secure stability in postwar Iraq. Talks to end the standoff over North Korea’s suspected development of nuclear weapons are stalling over strident differences between Washington and Pyongyang, and South Korea wants the United States to make a firm commitment to a peaceful solution. ``Prior to making any decision on the troop dispatch, it is extremely important to arrive at a positive outlook for and conviction in peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula,’’ South Korean President Roh Moo-hyun said in a speech marking Armed Forces Day. Since it depends on the crazy NKors and not us, we can’t make that guarantee, and Roh knows that. Speaking before 25,000 soldiers and other guests at an airport outside Seoul, Roh said, ``I again urge the North to abandon its nuclear development and come onto the path toward peace and coexistence.’’
It made no sense for them to pick up the gun in the first place. Some South Koreans believe sending troops to Iraq would boost Seoul’s military alliance with the United States, vital to its national security. Others oppose it, saying the U.S. military operations in Iraq were unjustified. Activists staged violent protests when South Korea sent 675 non-combat troops to assist in the U.S.-led reconstruction of Iraq earlier this year. The South’s economy is 25 times larger than the North’s. I’m sure they can find a way to defend themselves.
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| Posted by:Steve White |
| #6 "reunified"... *gulp* that wouldn't bode well for the warranty on a Lucky Goldstar dryer would it... |
| Posted by: eLarson 2003-10-1 9:23:38 PM |
| #5 Murat,I know you have a selective memory.So pay attention,we have been bitchin about SKor bullsit for some time. I agree time to stop screwing around with these people and pull out the 2id.Don't forget all the air assets(Osan AFB for one)and how about shutting down the U.S. Navy base in Pusan.We have a hell of alot of personel and material sitting in S.Korea it's time to pull out and let the idiots deal with"Dear Kimmie" on thier own! |
| Posted by: Raptor 2003-10-1 7:14:04 PM |
| #4 If South Korea doesn't want to help, we might as well pull 5,000 troops out of SK to send to Iraq. Here's a better idea: pull them ALL out. S Korea keeps its troops in-country to protect its own ass, and we don't have to waste our valuable resources there in what I consider to be an increasingly hostile environment. A win-win situation. |
| Posted by: Bomb-a-rama 2003-10-1 10:31:05 AM |
| #3 If South Korea doesn't want to help, we might as well pull 5,000 troops out of SK to send to Iraq. Do you think they'll get the message then? |
| Posted by: Daniel King 2003-10-1 9:55:50 AM |
| #2 I believe that the 2ID would be just the thing to cover the Iraq troop shortage. It's way past time to get out of Korea. The S Kors hate the US just as much or more than the North. They truly believe that Lil Kimmmeeee with the cute poof hair and platform shoes is a GOD. |
| Posted by: Michael 2003-10-1 9:55:24 AM |
| #1 ouch!! I smell some frustrations on a S.Korean NO |
| Posted by: Murat 2003-10-1 5:03:16 AM |