Allies Consider U.S. Request for Troops

[cal04]

The United States is quietly pressing its allies to send more troops to Iraq, but it's getting a lukewarm response amid escalating violence and public outcry over the abuse of Iraqi prisoners.
Washington asked Albania to increase the size of its 71-soldier non-combat unit patrolling the northern Iraqi city of Mosul, and the Albanian government is receptive, Defense Ministry spokesman Igli Hasani confirmed Friday.

``Albania is ready to respond to such a request'' and had already offered additional troops, Hasani said. He said the mostly Muslim country, a staunch U.S. ally, may boost its contingent to 200 soldiers if parliament approves.

Denmark will extend the mission of its 496 troops in southern Iraq by six months, and Norway will maintain a small military presence after it pulls out its main contingent next month. The Philippines is sending 45 more soldiers and police to strengthen its humanitarian effort, restoring the total to its original 100.

``Our government has made a very categorical statement on this matter -- that we stand pat on our commitment to the coalition,'' said Lt. Gen. Rodolfo Garcia, the Philippines vice chief of staff.

But those numbers do little to compensate for Spain's abrupt withdrawal of its 1,300 troops last month.

Most other allies appear far more cautious, given worries over mounting coalition casualties and disgust over the abuse of Iraqi prisoners by some U.S. troops.

Even Britain, the United States' chief ally with 7,500 soldiers, has said only that it is keeping its troop levels under constant review. And Poland, which has 2,400 troops and commands a multinational force in south-central Iraq, says its soldiers will stay ``as long as needed and not a day longer.''

Thailand's Defense Ministry spokesman, Maj. Gen. Palangun Klaharn, said the United States has not yet requested more troops, and that its 443 troops are expected to wrap up their mission in Iraq in September.

http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/international/AP-Iraq-Coalition.html

[Mayberry Machiavelli]

1. 200 troops (Albania)--that is schweet! Those toilets are gonna be

spotless! And no spud unpeeled either!

[SlavesandBulldozers]

2. wow, at this rate

Luxembourg may just throw their lot on.