I just read on the news about the collapse of the Dutch govt. I am will be on holiday there next week. Can anyone predict whether this will have implications? Thanks!

This is where having a monarchy comes in handy. Even though the cabinet has resigned, the Queen is still in charge and will form a caretaker government until the elections next month.

TTT

I hear they all committed doctor assisted suicide. Just took their pill and went quietly away!

I don't get it. You have something against assisted suicide I assume.

Ben,<BR><BR>you obviously get it.<BR><BR>US

Uncle Sam: Why don't you show us how?

They resigned in an act of "moral decency", saying they were unable to stop a massacre in Bosnia. The Dutch troops (as members of the UN force) they were to protect the people of Srebrenica but they took a pasive and unorganized role, as a result 7500 bosnians were killed by serb troops. Resigning is just a gesture that won't bring those death people back to life but at least they've had enough courage to admit their hands weren't absolutely clean. I hope american politicians will learn from them and begin to asume their faults in international conflicts.

European2,<BR><BR>Which American politicians, their faults and which conflicts?<BR><BR>Thanks,<BR><BR>US<BR><BR>PS XXX...get over it!

I am very sorry to hear this European2. When exactly did this happen? Recently or some time ago? <BR><BR>Exactly what faults of American Politicians would you have them assume? I'm serious. I would like to know what you think because first we are accused of sticking our noses where they don't belong and then for not.. So, please give dates and examples not just generalities please.

European 2,<BR><BR>Civics lesson. Our government doesn't resign. It's not like yours. And, I'm with xxx AND Uncle Sam, here, exactly what are they supposed to be resigning for? I'm pretty proud of what our government has had the balls to do, of late.<BR><BR>As for Uncle Sam, you're my bud on IMPORTANT things. But, other things are important, too. I'm from Oregon, and we have a Death With Dignity Act, passed by the voters twice, that the federal government keeps trying to poke its nose into and squash. Do John Ashcroft and Co. have a pipeline to God? I wish they'd share it with all of us immoral folks in Oregon.

Aunt Jinnie, you agree with Uncle Sam and xxx because you are all the same mixed-up, pathetic soul.

Pouriton<BR>I guess, if you get metaphysical, we are all the same mixed-up pathetic soul. This includes, you, dear Pouriton. May I suggest counseling for you, as I perceive that you are in denial. Once you accept the oneness of humanity, you will be able to appreciate our differences, as well.<BR><BR>PS Sorry for the typo on my name previously. I'm sure you'll understand, as I am so pathetic, after all, and my keyboarding skills are only so-so.

PS Nutella,<BR><BR>I happened to be in the Netherlands a couple of weeks ago, as a matter of fact. Not that you're asking about things to do, but, just in case you're still working on your itinerary, the highlight of our trip was bicycling along the kinderdyke. The path goes by lots of old, old, windmills and was a wonderful experience. People of all ages bicycling. <BR>So, if you get the chance....You can rent bikes right in the town by the kinderdyke. <BR>Just an interesting observation, I felt short in the Netherlands and I'm 5'6"! My husband is 6'4" and he didn't seem tall in crowds. It was amazing. Aside from being tall, the people were very friendly and we had a great time. <BR><BR>It'll be even more lovely when you are there, as nothing was blooming yet, when we went. Have a great vacation!

First thing, it's wise to learn from mistakes in the past. Not assuming them, thinking: we're the best country in the world so we never make mistakes, is wrong and arrogant. That could be said for every country in the world, not only the Netherlands or the US.<BR>Off the top of my head, I can think of some "controversial" US policies such as:<BR>-Sponsoring and supporting the Pinochet "coup d'etat" in Chile, the close links between CIA and DINA (Pinochet's brutal police that killed thousands of chilean people and raped and tortured thousands more). Anyway, this didn't matter in the US "anti-communist crusade" in Latin America (Nicaragua and Grenada to name other countries).<BR>- The more than biased support to Israel, which violates UN resolutions since 1967 but no one in the US seems to care about.<BR><BR>By the way, Srebrenica massacre happened in 1995.

Why just yesterday we had a cigar blow up in our face down in Venezuela. Did we say Democracy? President Bush says "Just put the Oil back in Oligarchy!"

European2,<BR><BR>Noone says the US or any nation is perfect. The US has made its share of mistakes, that's for sure.<BR><BR>Re Israel. The US supports Israel's right to exist and to defend itself. That is not a bias. It is our belief on which we base policy, just as others may have different beliefs on which they base policy. <BR><BR>This seems to be a problem for some Europeans...Talk about not learning from one's mistakes, let's not go there, O nations of Europe, who laid down to the rape of storm troopers. Close your eyes and let evil triumph again. Wake up! <BR><BR>I grant you are nearer to the heat of the Middle East. I grant your nations are filled with Arab workers. I grant you are more oil dependent, but don't you see that world terrorism will destroy the values you cherish? If any nation is defined by tolerance, it is the Netherlands. This is among the values that will hardly survive if totalitarianism is allowed to triumph.<BR><BR>The Palestinian leadership rejected a Palestinian State less than two years ago, right when peace was a real possibility. The Palestinian leadership is terrorist and will settle for no less than the destruction of Israel. I wish the Palestinian leadership were more interested in peace and in coexistence with Israel. Instead, they are like bullies on a playground and they will not respond to kind entreaties. They will only pay attention when faced with an adversary that can defeat them. Israel has to be strong, to continue to exist. <BR><BR>Back to international terrorism, Al Queda has opportunistically seized on the Palestinian issue to gain supporters in the Arab world. The Palestinians cheer when shown scenes of the World Trade Center going up in flames. Ignoring the link would be a huge mistake, as the Palestinians and Arab militant fundamentalists view inaction, or inadequate action, as a sign of weakness and this inspires more homicidal acts. <BR><BR>Just another thought here. You have the liberty of being against Israel because Israel is so strong and because the US will support her. If Saddam, or whoever, dumps a nuclear bomb or other weapon of mass destruction on Tel Aviv, do you think you won't feel the burn as the Middle East erupts in flames? Israel is not just going to disappear quietly into the night. So, if that's the plan, it is quite misguided.<BR><BR>You can thank the US later, if you like. Guess that's happened before, continental Europe. In the meantime, enjoy the privilege of free speech, a privilege of living in a nation born of the enlightenment. And pray that our children are able to live in a similar world.<BR><BR>Aunt Jennie

Ho hum, so this degenerates into a political debate on American hegemony...ha ha.<BR>Admit that many "leaders" or "bosses" or whatever your view, can't control their clients. The US couldn't control Pinochet, or tell Isreal to get out of the refugee camps in Palestine. Russia and China couldn't tell North Vietnam or Cambodia how to run their countries. heck, Yasser Arafat can't make everyone listen to him in Palestine - they seem to be angry enough to take their own initiatives, and the groups there seem to be vying to see who can be most aggressive. (Seen Israel abandon ANY settlements in Palestine's territory since Oslo in 1993?).<BR>As for the Dutch, and the source of this thread - the Dutch leaders were as inept and willfully blinds as everyone else who pretended they were peacekeepers in Bosnia. They tied the hands of their forces. ("no shooting back", "you enforce peace just by your presence...") When real trouble came along, they were unwilling to commit to action. As a result, it took 10 years and many wars and massacres and brutality - on all sides, but especially Serb - before the US was forced to use the full might of their Air Force to straighten out the situation.

The Netherlands' Government collectively resigned yesterday because they admitted they did not do enough to stop the Serbs who killed 7,000 Muslim Bosnian men in 1995 in Srebrenica. Last week, the Netherlands' Institute for War research published a report in which the roles of all involved (Dutch soldiers, government, UN command, French military, Serbs, Muslims, etc.) was analysed. It concluded that the Netherlands' government has been naive to send their troups to Bosnia without sufficient weapons, and international (UN) backing. The Dutch soldiers were supposed to protect the Muslim Bosnians, but were not given the means to do so. <BR>The Government has resigned, but will stay as a "caretaker" government doing only what is necessary. (so no new law initiatives) The next general national elections will be on May 15, 2002, after which a new government will be formed. <BR>The fall of the government will not have any implications for tourism, safety in the country, etc. If you wouldn't have read it, you wouldn't have noticed while visiting.

Hey there,<BR><BR>http://news.bbc.co.uk/hi/english/world/europe/newsid_1934000/1934661.stm<BR><BR>Isn't it true that not a lot of governance gets done right before a national election anyway? So the 'caretaker' govt is just doing what they'd be doing anyway (notwithstanding the stain on their political careers) . . . ?<BR><BR>Shame for Kok, I thought he was good.