Some nations shift stance after air campaign
Wednesday October 31, 2001 The Guardian (London)
The British public's support for a pause in the bombing of Afghanistan is being reflected across many countries in Europe and the Middle and Far East.
Many governments who signed up to the United States' war against terrorism prompted by the events of September 11 are now urging caution. Some are still supportive of forthright action, others are calling for restraint while a few are now openly hostile to any continuance of military action.
Images of impoverished Afghans being bombed out of their homes has led to street protests in some countries.
Here the Guardian looks at how the mood of different nations has shifted - how some nations' support has wobbled, while others has remained steadfast.
Indonesia
Signs have been mixed. Initial strong support from President Megawati Sukarnoputri turned to "great concern" after bombing began. "No individual, group or government has the right to try to catch terrorist perpetrators by attacking the territory of another country," she said. Although Megawati has recently reaffirmed her commitment to combating terrorism, her foreign minister, Hasan Wirayuda, said it would be "emotionally explosive" to continue attacks during Ramadan.
Turkey
While protests have been muted, unease over the US bombing campaign is growing in the only Muslim member of Nato, bringing together an unlikely alliance of conservative Islamists, hardline nationalists and the small but vocal Turkish far left movement. Polls show between 57% and 70% of Turks are opposed to the country's direct involvement in Operation Enduring Freedom.
Italy
Italians have been among Europe's most lukewarm supporters of military action, with more than 200,000 people participating in a peace march two weeks ago.
Saudi Arabia
Initially the ruling royal family was prepared to "fully cooperate" in tracking down "the perpetrators of this criminal act" of September 11. However relations with the US have soured with American criticism of Saudi links with Bin Laden. "We are not at all happy with the situation," interior minister Prince Naif said recently of the bombings.
Greece
Anti-war protests organised by the small but powerful communist party, have become louder as bombing intensified. Polls show Greeks to be by far the least sympathetic of all European nations. Around 30% of the population view the September 11 carnage as retribution for a superpower's misguided policies over decades.
Iran
President Mohammad Khatami harshly condemned the attacks on the US and expressed desire to be involved in the fight against terrorism. But Iran's spiritual leaders have recently reaffirmed traditional antipathy to US, "the great Satan".
Belgium
Belgian prime minister Guy Verhofstadt pledged "total solidarity" with the US and UK at the outset but has sounded more cautious recently. Foreign minister Louis Michel has accused Tony Blair of being too "bellicose" and said his country will not "blindly follow" Washington and London.
Malaysia
Prime minister Mahathir Mohamad has been a strong supporter of a global campaign against terrorism but opposed the bombing of Afghanistan from outset.
Venezuela
President Hugo Chavez, during a live TV broadcast, displayed photographs of Afghan children reported to be bombing victims and pleaded for an end to "the killing of innocents".
South Africa
Yesterday the government urged the US to show restraint and expressed "grave concern over the disastrous humanitarian tragedy that is unfolding in Afghanistan".
Pakistan
General Pervez Musharraf has been the US's linchpin and supportive from the start. However his language has become more cautionary as protests among sections of the population have become violent. "The operation must be as short as possible. We must try to achieve our objectives through military means, and if we are unable to do that within a certain duration, switch to a political strategy that would give us the same objectives," he said.
India
India threw its weight behind the US-led war on terrorism and offered to provide facilities for American military forces. But yesterday defence minister George Fernandes cast doubt on US objectives and indicated the campaign was a "long-term gamble."
Kuwait
Initially talked of solidarity in the war against terrorism. But as bombing persisted concern has deepened. Last week half of its elected MPs signed a statement calling for an end to the bombing.
Romania
Substantial turnaround in opinion since bombing began when 55% were in favour of allied air strikes and around 35% against. This week's poll showed 54% against bombing and 36% in favour.
France
Support is still solid, with the government last week pledging extra military backing. Recent polls show substantial majority of population behind the operation. But there is concern. The foreign minister, Hibert Vedrine, yesterday admitted the military campaign "isn't yet working", but said there was no alternative strategy on offer.
Spain
The government of prime minister Jose Maria Aznar's rightwing People's party has been an enthusiastic backer of the war against international terrorism, which it hopes will also bring armed Basque separatist group Eta to its knees. But an anti-war campaign is gaining support amongst students, who protested in Madrid's streets last week.
Norway/Sweden/Finland
Have reiterated their "full support" of the campaign, but are increasingly worried about the effects on Afghanistan's civilian population.
Public opinion in non-Nato members Sweden and Finland in particular is beginning to demand an end to the bombing. "We're all worried about this, and we regret the civilian casualties," said the Finnish prime minister Paavo Lipponen.
Germany
Germans are divided on the war. At the beginning of October 59% supported the US military action. However a poll last week indicated 54% were in favour of a pause so that humanitarian assistance could be provided. Sixty per cent are against German soldiers' participation in a land war.
China
No signs so far of a wobble in Chinese support. While Chinese government spokesmen say routinely that they hope civilian casualties will be avoided, they have not addressed specific reports of "collateral damage".
Japan
According to a poll this week, 63% of the Japanese public approves of the military action by the United States, Japan's main ally. But divisions have started to appear over the extent to which Japan should become involved in the campaign.
Holland
Dutch support for military action has remained solid, although the prime minister, Wim Kok, has expressed concern about the use of cluster bombs and civilian casualties.
Philippines
President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo has been President Bush's number two global ally after Tony Blair and shows no signs of wavering. In return the US has sent a team of military advisers to help combat the threat posed by the Islamist Abu Sayyaf group.