Posted September. 16, 2003 23:30,
U.S. request for additional forces in Iraq seems to enter a new phase, as it is known that Washington specified the number of troops it wants. The government must mulls over whether to send or how many troops to send in response to the U.S. request.
It is seen as a rather undue request for Washington to ask the government to send a Polish Division-style division of light infantry comprising 3,000 soldiers at least, even given the Korea-U.S. alliance. If a division is dispatched and operates independently as asked by Washington, Korean soldiers will most likely be seen as occupying forces related to Americans. The dispatch of such a division will also cost about 50 billion won a year.
The issue at stake here is whether to send combative forces to a foreign country, and conditions are not good at all. The government decision will most likely affect the relations with Washington in the future. It is up to the government, therefore. It is not an issue decided by public opinions. There is not much time to think. The government must make a decisive action given the cause and conditions of dispatch by taking national interests into account.
A number of civic organizations already began to put pressure on the government not to send troops, saying they would hold a massive rally. Despite the government denial, it has been speculated that Washington might pull out some of American forces stationed in Korea if Seoul refuses to send additional forces.
The government has a sovereignty right. The U.S. also acknowledged the right when it requested the troop dispatch. If the government thinks it is too much, it has every right to say `No.`
It will also be able to exercise its sovereignty right by asking for revision of conditions or attach some strings such as a U.N. resolution. Sending additional forces will be an act of helping Americans in the end. Then, giving impression of being swayed by Washington will do no good to win public support.
President Roh must be at the center of decision-making. He will be held accountable for the final decision. It is time for him to exercise his true leadership.