The United States urged The Netherlands to remain involved in Iraq, despite the withdrawal of its forces announced for next March 15. “We’ve had conversations about deployments like this with the Dutch government over the course of time,” said State Department spokesman Richard Boucher. “We certainly would encourage them to consider how to continue their contribution to the effort in Iraq, through NATO or with their direct deployment.” Boucher also sought to minimize the impact of a withdrawal of Dutch or any other forces from the US-led coalition in Iraq.Full Story