Dutch Cabinet deadlocked over Afghanistan mission

The Dutch Cabinet has deadlocked over extending the Netherlands' mission with NATO in Afghanistan, and a reduction of its 1,600 troop presence there is now likely.

Deputy Prime Minister Wouter Bos has said publicly his Labor party will not agree to a NATO request to remain in the restive southern province of Uruzgan. The Dutch mission ends in August.

Prime Minister Jan Peter Balkenende and his Christian Democrats had sought to extend the mission, possibly in reduced form. But Bos's highly public stand Wednesday makes that unlikely.

The Cabinet must decide on Afghanistan by March 1. It might influence Dutch municipal elections March 3.

Labor supports a smaller development mission in a less dangerous province. Analysts say that would require 500-600 troops.