Spain pulls troops out as soon as possible

[Pille1234]

Spanish Leader Pulls Troops From Spain
7 minutes ago


MADRID, Spain - Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero said Sunday he had ordered Spanish troops pulled out of the U.S.-led occupation force in Iraq (news - web sites) as soon as possible, fulfilling a campaign pledge and acting to salve his uneasy nation.

Zapatero, who swept to victory in elections three days after 191 people were killed in terrorist commuter-train bombings in Madrid last month, said he acted after deciding the United Nations (news - web sites) was unprepared to take over the occupation of Iraq — his condition for keeping Spanish troops in the country.


In the announcement, surprising for its timing, Zapatero said he had ordered his defense minister to "do what is necessary for the Spanish troops stationed in Iraq to return home in the shortest time possible."


Zapatero spoke just hours after the new Socialist government was sworn in. His party won March 14 general elections and had pledged to bring Spain's 1,300 troops home unless the United Nations took political and military control.


"With the information we have, and which we have gathered over the past few weeks, it is not foreseeable that the United Nations will adopt a resolution" that satisfies Spain's terms, Zapatero said.


http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=540&e=1&u=/ap/20040418/ap_on_re_mi_ea/spain_iraq

[Lobo]

Hmm... Paying back to leftist and nationalist parties their support to become PM? :|

[Romulus]

BOOOOOOOOO!!!

[Seoulstriker]

it's wholly irresponsible for him to do that. the terrorists see a victory and thus will continue to commit acts of terrorism. recently, they have begun taking hostages of just about everyone, thanks to this Iraqi pullout. :|

[Romulus]

it's wholly irresponsible for him to do that. the terrorists see a victory and thus will continue to commit acts of terrorism. recently, they have begun taking hostages of just about everyone, thanks to this Iraqi pullout.

I agree. Thanks Zapatero you have now become the poster boy for cowards around the world.

[mustamato]

it's wholly irresponsible for him to do that. the terrorists see a victory and thus will continue to commit acts of terrorism. recently, they have begun taking hostages of just about everyone, thanks to this Iraqi pullout. :|

Hm I don´t think that is the only reason.

[Russian Texan]

"Spain is like a good lover - it knows when to pull out"

I just love that quote :lol:

[_Samez_]

What about rest of stabilization force?

[_Samez_]

double post

[Russian Texan]

Cowards :(

What if Poland decides to pull out tomorrow, can we call you "cowards" also?

There is a difference between being a coward and not being an idiot to die in someone elses war...

[Pille1234]

Difficult situation. The spanish ppl want their soldiers at home. If they pull them out, they act as the terrorists want. If they don't, it's just because they have to do the opposite of what the terrorists want them to do. Either way, their actions are dictated by foreign terrorists. Lose-lose-Situation. Saying that, it's best to act as you would have done without Madrid bombing and this is what Zapatero actual does.

[_Samez_]

Cowards :(

What if Poland decides to pull out tomorrow, can we call you "cowards" also?

There is a difference between being a cowardness and not being an idiot to die in someone elses war...

Yes of course, I understand - I use to strong words.

(Sorry, my English is poor, I believe you can understand me.)

[Russian Texan]

Yes of course, I understand - I use to strong words.
(Sorry, my English is poor, I believe you can understand me.)

I understand.
Clear.

[-Max2-]

it's wholly irresponsible for him to do that. the terrorists see a victory and thus will continue to commit acts of terrorism. recently, they have begun taking hostages of just about everyone, thanks to this Iraqi pullout.

I agree.

[Pille1234]

****. pls delete msg

[fdt]

Cowards :(

What if Poland decides to pull out tomorrow, can we call you "cowards" also?

There is a difference between being a coward and not being an idiot to die in someone elses war... Madrid bombing = pull out, Budionnovsk = pull out.... Does such a pattern lead us anywhere else than more bloodshed to come? Russian soldiers in Chechnia die in the same war as yanks and Iraqi coalition... or I am mistaken?

[Lobo]

All this is quite strange. Zapatero woud had waited until June to take a decision. He would even had waited a week (!!!) to avoid being remembered as the PM whose first political action was pulling back the troops from Irak....

I read about the USA and the UK making movements to call for a UN resolution on Irak. That makes me wonder if one of the conditions imposed by the small parties that support Zapatero's proclamation was this.

Anyway the Spanish position was quite stupid. Due to the lack of popularity of war on Irak, PM Aznar send troops in "humanitarian mission" to Irak. I read that Spanish soldiers were sitting down around the outskirts of Najaf while U.S. Marines were fighting in.

[fdt]

http://www.e-faro.info/Imagenes/CHISTES/WChmes02/Acudits2003/030212ZAPATEROAZNAR.jpg
http://www.registeredmedia.com/parodies/spainpm.jpg

[Russian Texan]

Madrid bombing = pull out, Budionnovsk = pull out....
Russian troops did not pull out because of Budenovsk.

Does such a pattern lead us anywhere else than more bloodshed to come?
Arguments can be made for and against such a decision.

Russian soldiers in Chechnia die in the same war as yanks and Iraqi coalition... or I am mistaken?
In my opinion - you are mistaken, ask other Russians what they think about it though...

[UkrainianAmerican]

It is my opinion that if the decision to commit troops is made they should stay until the end. Half-measures are the absolute worst as far I as I am concerned.

[mustamato]

It is my opinion that if the decision to commit troops is made they should stay until the end. Half-measures are the absolute worst as far I as I am concerned.

Well "they" got kicked out of the office by the voters. And I wouldn´t exactly
call it a half-measure what the new leader is doing now.

[gorg]

Blame the former Spanish PM, it was his decision to send the Spanish troops to Iraq, the Spanish people was against it.
But Spain it going to increase it's military in Afganistan as I've understand it.

[fdt]

Russian troops did not pull out because of Budenovsk.
Right, but anyway Chernomyrdin has halted the military then...

[UkrainianAmerican]

Russian troops did not pull out because of Budenovsk.
Right, but anyway Chernomyrdin has halted the military then...
As far as I know Chernomyrdin is a corrupt prick.

[Aeron]

Too Bad.. :(

[fdt]

Blame the former Spanish PM, it was his decision to send the Spanish troops to Iraq, the Spanish people was against it.
But Spain it going to increase it's military in Afganistan as I've understand it.Please... It was not Aznar, it was Spain who committed it's troops to Iraq. AFAIK it was done according to all the spanish laws and constitution... Now in half way there comes a new guy who says "we withdraw", we will not pay the Spain's obligations...
In fact nothing really happens, but Spain's credibility as a country was here hijacked for ideological and political reasons... Adios.

[MARINO]

Sorry to Poles, Americans, Brits, Poles, Salvadorians, Hondurans, Ukranians, Dutch, etc.... All colations forces.
Sorry to Spanish Army. Spain doesn't merite Spanish people. :(

[Soulhunter]

He was voted partly because he told the troops would get called back (and he told that MONTHS BEFORE the Madrid bombings). So he has to deliver now. Or should he now brake his promise?

And he hasn't ruled out that Spain will participate in a UN mission, should there ever be one.

[Lobo]

I have just read in SER radio channel's website (close to Socialist party) that "Spain will support the rebuild and stability in Irak by no militar ways" (money? humanitarian aid?)

By the way, Zapatero's words:


Esta decisión responde, antes que nada, a mi voluntad de hacer honor a la palabra dada hace más de un año a los españoles. El Gobierno, animado por las más hondas convicciones democráticas, no quiere, no puede y no va a actuar en contra ni de espaldas a la voluntad de los españoles.

Esta es su principal obligación y es tambièn su principal compromiso.

La decisión responde tambièn al propósito de contribuir a la lucha que libra la comunidad de naciones contra el terrorismo desde el más estricto respeto a la legalidad internacional.

El Gobierno español seguirá apoyando firmemente la estabilidad, la democratización, la integridad territorial y la reconstrucción de Irak.

Y de acuerdo con este principio promoverá cuantas acciones de Naciones Unidas y de la Unión Europea ofrezcan un marco de cooperación internacional que contribuya eficazmente a que los

iraquíes recobren su soberanía y puedan organizar libre y democráticamente sus elecciones para construir su propio futuro en paz, independencia y seguridad.

El Gobierno mantendrá la condición de España como aliado fiel de sus socios. Cumplirá los compromisos internacionales de nuestro país, muy especialmente los relacionados con nuestra participación en misiones internacionales de paz y seguridad.

[HELEX]

In a german article I just read, was mentioned the June 30. Deadline is "dead". So the Occupants will stay in power for the forseeable Future.
Democracy? No way....

[Soulhunter]

Since the military stays there after June 30th, the whole is a bit of a charade. The occupation forces won't tolerate a government that doesn't act in the interests of the US. So much for 'real' democracy.

The US wants democracy only if it's guaranteed that it's pro-US (and pro-US-business of course).

[Soulhunter]

Foreign Minister Miguel Angel Moratinos confirmed news reports that he will travel Tuesday to Washington to discuss Spain’s plans with Secretary of State Colin Powell and National Security Adviser Condoleezza Rice.

Wish I could eavesdrop on that conversation, especially with Lady Frost!

[HELEX]

Foreign Minister Miguel Angel Moratinos confirmed news reports that he will travel Tuesday to Washington to discuss Spain’s plans with Secretary of State Colin Powell and National Security Adviser Condoleezza Rice.

Dont be so hard on Condi, she is just ******ly frustrated and needs to get laid.... ;)

[fdt]

In a german article I just read, was mentioned the June 30. Deadline is "dead". So the Occupants will stay in power for the forseeable Future. Democracy? No way... Charming schadenfreude...
I always wanted to ask some anti... guy. What should be done... What would You do now HELEX? Imagine You are Helex Almighty... what You do today and tomorrow... how do You deal with the Iraqi mess... huh? (pls spare me the talks that it shouldn't be started in first place ... because You can't turn back the time... :) ... treat it as a small exception of the Almightiness rule).

Feel free to write much...

[cut]

Sorry to Poles, Americans, Brits, Poles, Salvadorians, Hondurans, Ukranians, Dutch, etc.... All colations forces.
Sorry to Spanish Army. Spain doesn't merite Spanish people. :(

no need to be sorry :) wasn't your decision.

[Whistler]

Foreign Minister Miguel Angel Moratinos confirmed news reports that he will travel Tuesday to Washington to discuss Spain’s plans with Secretary of State Colin Powell and National Security Adviser Condoleezza Rice.

Dont be so hard on Condi, she is just ******ly frustrated and needs to get laid.... ;)

Are you volunteering? :slap:

[HELEX]

Just move all Troops out of Iraq and let the Solution find itself. It wont be more bloody than now.

finished.

[Mr Gently Benevolent]

[quote]Dont be so hard on Condi, she is just ******ly frustrated and needs to get laid.... ;)
Nah I won't be doing it Condi's a minger.

[fdt]

It wont be more bloody than now.
What makes You think that?

[oldsoak]

Give the Spanish soldiers their fair due - they turned up when few other countries did and are only being recalled because of a change in Government, so its not as though they were never there. Good luck to them, I hope when they get back they root out any terror cells in Spain.

[ikurinturbiini]

Foreign Minister Miguel Angel Moratinos confirmed news reports that he will travel Tuesday to Washington to discuss Spain?s plans with Secretary of State Colin Powell and National Security Adviser Condoleezza Rice.

Dont be so hard on Condi, she is just ******ly frustrated and needs to get laid.... ;)

Are you volunteering? :slap:

I'd hit that.

[HELEX]

What makes You think that?

What makes you think that not?

Because there is no military any more, the Majority will rule under a religious leader.

[fdt]

What makes You think that?

What makes you think that not?

Because there is no military any more, the Majority will rule under a religious leader.http://www.militaryphotos.net/forums/images/avatars/6171102740803ee0b3351.jpg You mean smth like a "Vaticanisation"?

[HELEX]

No, something like Iran with some more Freedom.

[fdt]

No, something like Iran with some more Freedom.

What kind of freedom?http://www.militaryphotos.net/forums/images/avatars/6171102740803ee0b3351.jpg

[HELEX]

Basically the same they had under Saddam.

[fdt]

Basically the same they had under Saddam.What means....? http://www.militaryphotos.net/forums/images/avatars/6171102740803ee0b3351.jpg

[Nizark]

Is everyone forgetting that he is a politician? What if the 'fastest possible speed' is a year or two? How long did it take for them to arrive wholly and set up? And who knows, maybe we can get some other latin American country to beef up their troop presence..sadly, portugal said they may pull out their 150 troops if it gets worse. Nothing moves fast in politics, and if a bunch of spanish troops get popped on their way out, they may postpone their departure. I don't see them being gone until at least December.

have a nice day

[fdt]

Is everyone forgetting that he is a politician? What if the 'fastest possible speed' is a year or two? How long did it take for them to arrive wholly and set up? And who knows, maybe we can get some other latin American country to beef up their troop presence..sadly, portugal said they may pull out their 150 troops if it gets worse. Nothing moves fast in politics, and if a bunch of spanish troops get popped on their way out, they may postpone their departure. I don't see them being gone until at least December.

have a nice day15 days...

[seruriermarshal]

Zapatero safe ? No , Now is U.S. and next still is Spain !