Sure, Britain's still in. But what about Mongolia? Checking in on the "Coalition of the Willing"

FRICTION ACCOMPLISHED When Tony Blair reluctantly steps down as prime minister later this month, he'll join a long list of political casualties of war. To show support for America's Iraq debacle is a radioactive position for most heads of state these days. To offer support is downright lethal. Yet, whether borne out of loyalty or opportunism, we still have a few friends around the world willing to get our back

Remember the "Coalition of the Willing?" Those countries that trailed right behind us like a rapper's entourage as we rolled into Baghdad to give Saddam a little taste of American freedom? In all, there are still about 12,000 foreign troops fighting for our president in Iraq, plucked seemingly at random from a battle-ready Epcot Center of 27 different nationalities. (Mongolia sent 160 infantrymen. Mongolia!) Some offered succor in a symbolic gesture of solidarity, others in a blatant bid for NATO recognition.

Given the vastly disproportionate number of American boots on the ground (150,000), it's hard to argue that the "coalition" is anything more than international garnish on a U.S. venture. But it should be recognized that many thousands of non-American soldiers have gone to Iraq since 2003, and nearly 300 of them have died. Many still remain despite the catastrophic strategy failures and raging chaos, but significant withdrawals have taken their toll on the dream team. Spain pulled out after the March 2004 terrorist bombings in Madrid, and more than a dozen others have followed suit. Of those who packed it in, Italy suffered the most casualties, with 33 soldiers killed.

So, as Bush's base of support disintegrates at home, who's still holding his hand in Baghdad? And who's inching toward the door? Below, Radar's comprehensive, country-by-country State of the Coalition Report, from A to Z.

Albanian Defense Minister Pandeli Majko reviews an honor guard during an embarkation ceremony for a 71-strong brigade of elite commandos headed to Iraq

ALBANIA 120 troops

Albania's defense minister has stated that his armed forces "will stay on the side of the American armed forces in Iraq until the mission will be over." And there's no reason to doubt his sincerity. Albania has been one of America's staunchest allies in Iraq. It was one of the few countries to contribute troops to the initial invasion, and currently has 120 troops patrolling the Mosul airport.

Unlike most U.S. partners, the Albanian government has not been buffeted by the domestic political unrest which generally accompanies Iraq involvement. There were grumblings over its parliament's decision to strip Albanian security forces of their weapons during President Bush's recent visit, but support for the U.S. remains high. Clad in a T-shirt bearing the United States' official seal, the mayor of Albania's largest city assured a New York Times reporter that "Albania is for sure the most pro-American country in Europe, maybe even in the world." It should come as no surprise that the U.S. is also backing Albania's NATO bid.

Armenian President Robert Kocharyan and the President of Lithuania Valdas Adamkus inspect the guard of honour

ARMENIA 46 troops

Armenia's 46-man delegation is comprised mostly of truck drivers. And to make sure that the depth of Armenia's commitment to the mission was fully grasped, the prime minister advised that his country's presence in Iraq is "primarily symbolic and for political purposes." While this probably did not boost the morale of the Armenians currently risking their lives in Karbala and nearby town al-Hila, it appears to aptly characterize the views of a country that was probably forced into participating by its desire to keep up with their neighbors—Georgia and Azerbaijan (Armenia's hated rival)—who have been more enthusiastic in vying for U.S. support and gratitude.

Australian Defense Forces Deputy Chief of Joint Operations bids farewell to 450 Aussie troops being deployed to Iraq

AUSTRALIA 1,300 troops, 1 fatality

Australian troops were among the very first to invade Iraq, having been assigned with taking out Saddam's scud missiles a day before the initial U.S. bombing campaign began in March 2003. And while Australian Prime Minster John Howard has suffered politically for his outspoken support of the mission, he recently reaffirmed Australia's commitment to keeping troops there until the Iraqi government can defend itself.