It Makes a Difference to the Sheep

THE MARMOT HAS SOME THOUGHTS ON THE ROK SENDING TROOPS TO IRAQ. His conclusion:

In power politics, you got to pay to play. South Korea, on the face of it, appears to have all the goods required to be a major player in world affairs. But if you're not willing to use those goods, you can't complain when other powers cut you out of the loop. A major project in currently underway in Iraq, a project that will impact Korea regardless of whether it succeeds or fails. An American defeat in Iraq carries with it profound dangers for Korea's economic well-being and security, while an American success in Iraq without South Korean support would not only be an opportunity wasted for Seoul, but call into question the utility of the entire ROK-US alliance. If South Korea truly wishes to have an "equal relationship" with the United States, then Iraq is the perfect place to prove it.

UPDATE; Seeing Eye Blog examines some Joong-ang Ilbo editorials on the subject.