WAR: U.S.-Led Coalition Could See Desertions, page 1

The war in Iraq may become more difficult as nations in the coalition begin to depart. Despite U.S. efforts to keep countries from leaving, Hungary has announced it will pull out its troops by March 31, the Czechs intend to pull out in February, followed by the Dutch.

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BUDAPEST, Hungary - President Bush's "coalition of the willing" in Iraq isn't quite so willing any more, even though its largest members � Britain and Italy � are standing firm.

In a blow to U.S. efforts to keep countries from deserting the multinational force, Hungary said this week it won't keep troops there beyond March 31. The Czechs plan to pull out by the end of February, the Dutch soon afterward. And Japan is feeling pressure to withdraw.

There could be even more troop pullouts after Iraq holds elections in January and nations feel their obligations have ended. The United States has about 142,000 troops in Iraq.

"We should never have sent troops to Iraq. Bringing them back now is already too late," said Janos Fekete, a Budapest shopkeeper.

Key allies said this week their troops were staying. Britain said Hungary's decision would not prompt a withdrawal of its 8,500 troops, and Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi said his country's 3,000 troops would remain for as long as the Iraqi government wants. Berlusconi said it was part of Italy's duty in "defending democracy in the world."

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Domestic pressure may force Japan out of the coalition as well. The biggest groups, the U.S., Brittan, and Italy have no intention of leaving at this time. Other nations have announced that their troops will remain including Denmark. Some like Romania have announced increases in strength