Coalition Grows
From New Zealand Herald:
The small South Pacific kingdom of Tonga sent 44 soldiers on Tuesday to join United States-led forces in Iraq.
Tonga, with a population of 100,000 spread over 170 coral islands 2,000km north of New Zealand, was an original member of the so-called "coalition of the willing" who lent military, political or moral support to the US-led invasion of Iraq.
Prime Minister Prince 'Ulukalala Lavaka Ata said Tonga was obliged to make a commitment when the United States asked for assistance.
"We remember when the United States came to defend Tonga and the region during the Second World War... but Tonga's contribution to the effort to bring peace and stability to Iraq is only relative to what we can afford," he said.
Matt's Chat
Let's watch John "Waffles" Kerry disrespect this country. There is nothing fradulant about this nation, its contribution to our effort, or the cause to which they join.Mark's Remarks
Thank you, People of Tonga, for being part of the good fight we are fighting against the evils of terror.
