The 'Coalition of the Willing' party is breaking up in Iraq
This BBC Online story looks at the countries who are planning to pull out of the U.S.-led military coalition in Iraq.
An excerpt:
The Bulgarian parliament has endorsed the decision to pull the country's 450 troops out of Iraq by the end of the year.
Japan is reported to be planning to do the same thing.
The Ukrainians, among others, have been withdrawing. Poland is cutting its commitment.
After some very acrimonious departures in the past – like that of the Philippines – it is difficult to escape the impression that Washington's band of coalition partners in Iraq is dwindling.
Of course, US officials would prefer it was not happening, with the security situation still very uncertain.
One bit of good news for the Americans has been that, despite recent strains in their relations, Italy seems to be staying for now.
Changing emphasis
But the departures probably will cause some headaches as US commanders of the multinational force in Iraq try to plug emerging gaps.