Spain . . . Iraq . . . Al-Qaeda

Al-Qaeda proclaims itself to be a defender of the Muslim faith against American imperialism. They didn't have to have been involved in Iraq or Saddam Hussein. As long as the American power aggressively acts against a Middle Eastern nation, Al-Qaeda appears to take it as an assault against all Muslims. Such is the nature of all extremist groups. Even so, you point out the lack of logic. Hehe, since when was terrorism based on logic? It's the emotion that fuels them.

 

When it involves Muslims, Al Qaeda likes to claim to be acting on their behalf, even though those they're supposedly acting for would vehemently dispute it. No logic required.

 

I think it was the idea of your president, wasn't it ? "Reshape" the middle east through Iraq. Turning Iraq into a democracy, as kind of shining light for the region. By the getting rid of a cruel dictator, who also happened to be a thorn in the side of people with a very extreme political ideology based in Pakistan and Saudi-Arabia. Now that the regime in Iraq has gone, there's a race between the Americans and the political extremestes who can reshape it their way. Then, Iraq would be a shining example in another way. Iraq could fit in beautifully between Saudi-Arabia and Pakistan, making only Iran seem out of place. Two sides competing. Bring it on, as your president suggested.

Well, the had to hurry to get Aznar, as you know, he chose to leave office long before the Iraq-thing even came up (that also facilitated the decision he took). On the other side, as I see it, the Americans have a serious problem with troops to occupy Iraq. Have to come from somewhere. Europeans could potentially bring in troops and make things easier for the Americans, getting Spain and other countries out of there, makes the US-burden heavier. And don't forget, the opposition to the war was the strongest in Italy and Spain. Even if Berlusconi and Bush are a beautiful pair, a change of the political landscape there will have a review of military commitments as necessary consequence.

Funnily, by the way, if Europeans would join in with the Americans, it could be presented as if the "christians" are after Islam, because they hate god, his word and his commands. Oh, the brilliance of your commander in chief. Got to love it.

Edit: Oops, I've forgot. There is obviously a clear link between Osama Bin Laden and Saddam Hussein. They are Arabs !!

[ March 17, 2004, 15:12: Message edited by: Iago ]

 

Well, that particular group is declaring a truce with Spain. And they apparently have some interesting things to say:

http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story2&u=/nm/20040317/wl_nm/security_spain_truce_dc&e=2&ncid=721

 

I've only heard about Spain pulling out of Iraq.

Iirc, Spanish soldiers serve in Afghanistan, where the hunt for Al-Qaida leaders is supposed to be happening. Any one knows if these troops are coming home as well?

 

For all those not understanding the spanish position, Mr. Zapatero yesterday night refused Kerry's bid to leave spanish troops in Iraq. Enjoy:

That is, and that likely got lost in the US news and especially OP-EDs: Spain will continue to fight terror; but Spain it is convinced, like about everone else outside the US, that Iraq is a distraction in this fight and had nothing to do with the war on terror, Al Qaeda in particular. And by the way, there Prof. Record from the US Army War College very much agrees, probably with a number of top brass in the pentagon. But ... Hush! Coward party biased leftist appeasers altogether!

Besides, and I bet that got lost in the US news too, the spanish withdrawal indeed was an election demand of Zapatero's party throughout the election - and as every leader in "New Europe", Aznar led his country into this war against an overwhelming opposition in his population: 94% in Spain opposed the invasion of Iraq.

That's what democracy and elections are about: The people's will.

[ March 19, 2004, 14:10: Message edited by: Ragusa ]

 

Isn't that what Shrub claims we are fighting for in Iraq? It seems that this is where the disconnect is taking place with the Bushies. Self-determination: Bush determines and everyone goes along - or else.

The Spanish have the luxury to cut-and-run from Iraq, which is something that America cannot do. Bush has us pretty well committed to the situation in Iraq, for if we left, Iraq would collapse into chaos. American soldiers will be there for years to come now, regardless of for whom Americans vote as prez. The only hope America has of getting out of this mess is if the UN and the other European allies, for which Shrub and his followers have shown nothing but contempt and scron, will be willing to bail our butts out. Fat chance, even if it's Kerry, which is what we were all hoping for before recent tragic events in Europe and Iraq.