ID :
87028
Sat, 10/31/2009 - 08:50
Auther :
Shortlink :
https://www.oananews.org//node/87028
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(EDITORIAL from the JoongAng Daily on Oct. 31)
dailies-editorials (3)
Consensus before dispatch
The Lee Myung-bak administration announced yesterday that it has formulated a
plan to send a group of civilians to Afghanistan to support the provincial
reconstruction team and troops. Where in Afghanistan and how many will be sent
has not yet been finalized.
The government is considering sending around 130 civilians and a 300-strong
contingent of troops. Afghanistan is where 23 missionaries from Korea???s Saemmul
Church were kidnapped in 2007 by the Taliban. Two were murdered.
The captives - aside from two who were murdered - were released after 40 days.
The government has since withdrawn its Dasan and Dongui medical support military
units from Afghanistan. Two soldiers from the units died in action.
The government has decided to send troops again to this high-risk region, and
there???s bound to be some controversy and debate until the deployment gets the
approval of the National Assembly. The reason for the deployment lies in the need
to solidify the Korea-U.S. alliance by supporting the United States??? military
campaign in the war-torn nation.
The government, however, said Washington has made no specific demand for troops
and Seoul made its own decision to send personnel based on its desire to raise
the country???s position in the international community.
It is not easy to accept the government???s explanation as it is. There may be
unofficial and indirect requests from the United States. The government has
decided to deploy, taking into account national interests, but it will find it
problematic to provide a direct explanation to the people because the controversy
will be too burdensome.
Still, the government???s stance is also understandable. We support the Lee
administration???s decision to deploy troops to Afghanistan. We agree with the
government???s explanation that Korea must make a contribution to the
international community that matches its national power.
Above all, we believe the deployment is necessary, taking into account the gains
that Korea will see from the reinforced alliance with the United States.
There are, however, still many issues to be considered before the plan is
approved by the National Assembly. Where the troops will be sent should be
carefully selected based on security. Casualties may be inevitable; however the
deployment is not being carried out to fight in combat but to provide support for
reconstruction.
Therefore, the government must find the best way to minimize the sacrifice while
maximizing efficiency. Based on such efforts, the government must persuade the
people and send the troops over after winning a consensus from the nation.
(END)
Consensus before dispatch
The Lee Myung-bak administration announced yesterday that it has formulated a
plan to send a group of civilians to Afghanistan to support the provincial
reconstruction team and troops. Where in Afghanistan and how many will be sent
has not yet been finalized.
The government is considering sending around 130 civilians and a 300-strong
contingent of troops. Afghanistan is where 23 missionaries from Korea???s Saemmul
Church were kidnapped in 2007 by the Taliban. Two were murdered.
The captives - aside from two who were murdered - were released after 40 days.
The government has since withdrawn its Dasan and Dongui medical support military
units from Afghanistan. Two soldiers from the units died in action.
The government has decided to send troops again to this high-risk region, and
there???s bound to be some controversy and debate until the deployment gets the
approval of the National Assembly. The reason for the deployment lies in the need
to solidify the Korea-U.S. alliance by supporting the United States??? military
campaign in the war-torn nation.
The government, however, said Washington has made no specific demand for troops
and Seoul made its own decision to send personnel based on its desire to raise
the country???s position in the international community.
It is not easy to accept the government???s explanation as it is. There may be
unofficial and indirect requests from the United States. The government has
decided to deploy, taking into account national interests, but it will find it
problematic to provide a direct explanation to the people because the controversy
will be too burdensome.
Still, the government???s stance is also understandable. We support the Lee
administration???s decision to deploy troops to Afghanistan. We agree with the
government???s explanation that Korea must make a contribution to the
international community that matches its national power.
Above all, we believe the deployment is necessary, taking into account the gains
that Korea will see from the reinforced alliance with the United States.
There are, however, still many issues to be considered before the plan is
approved by the National Assembly. Where the troops will be sent should be
carefully selected based on security. Casualties may be inevitable; however the
deployment is not being carried out to fight in combat but to provide support for
reconstruction.
Therefore, the government must find the best way to minimize the sacrifice while
maximizing efficiency. Based on such efforts, the government must persuade the
people and send the troops over after winning a consensus from the nation.
(END)
