http://www.kgan.com/template/inews_wire/wires.international/20da4c0c-www.kgan.com.shtmlDutch government collapses over Afghan mission
February 20, 2010 07:09 EST
AMSTERDAM (AP) -- The debate over contributing troops to the military mission in Afghanistan has collapsed the Dutch coalition government, but the prime minister has made no mention of new elections.
A 16-hour cabinet meeting failed to produce a consensus on extending the country's military mission in Afghanistan, which involves 1,600 soldiers.
Prime Minister Jan Peter Balkenende announced that the second largest party in his three-party alliance is quitting. That leaves his government in the minority, and political analysts say early elections appear inevitable.