Coalition Troops in Iraq

I admit it. That crack about the mighty Army of Fiji was a cheap shot. As amends, here is an AP list of countries providing, or no longer providing, troops for the coalition in Iraq, as of Aug. 13, 2004. Countries that are withdrawing or have withdrawn troops:

Thailand: 423 troops leaving early on Aug. 31 instead of Sept. 20; 20 withdrawn on Aug. 10.

Norway: 10 currently in Iraq; 140 withdrawn on June 30. Cited reason: growing domestic opposition and peacekeepers needed elsewhere, such as Afghanistan.

Dominican Republic: 302 withdrawn on May 4. Cited reason: growing domestic opposition.

Honduras: 370 withdrawn on May 12. Cited reason: Troops were sent for reconstruction, not combat.

Nicaragua: 115 withdrawn on Feb. 4. Cited reason: lack of funds.

Philippines: 51 withdrawn on July 19. Cited reason: to save lives of hostages.

Singapore: 160 withdrawn on April 4. Cited reason: completed humanitarian mission.

Spain: 1,300 withdrawn on May 4. Cited reason: new government fulfilled campaign pledge.

Not to worry, we still have (or did on Aug. 13) these other countries, among others, supporting us:

Mongolia: 173

Azerbaijan: 151

Georgia: 150

Portugal: 120

Latvia: 116

Slovakia: 105

Czech Republic: 90

Lithuania: 90

Albania: 71

New Zealand: 60

Estonia: 45

Kingdom of Tonga: 44

Macedonia: 35

Kazakhstan: 27

Moldova: 12

Don't laugh. I hear Tongans make very good soldiers. I don't know about those 12 guys from Moldova, though. (Which makes me wonder: if a country sends a contingent that is smaller and perhaps more lightly armed than an LA street gang, should it count?)

By the way, deduct another seven of our Marines going home in flag-draped coffins..