Paul Bremer to Netherlands: Do as we say or else!

Paul Bremer has unceremoniously flunked out of Diplomacy 101. In an interview with the Dutch publication De Volkskrant, he threatened the Netherlands with economic sanctions if the Dutch decide not to send NATO troops to Afghanistan. The Netherlands had previously agreed to send 1,400 troops, but has recently had trouble getting approval from their parliament which is deeply divided over the issue.

Bremer's attempt at persuasion?

If the Dutch decide not to send troops to Afghanistan, that will be damaging for Dutch interests in the United States

Time and time again decisions must be taken by the US government, by Congress, that influence Dutch economic interests. It is not difficult to imagine decisions could be taken that would not be in the interests of the Netherlands

How to win friends and influence people.