When Spain voted in the Socialists after the Madrid bombings, I also thought it was sending the wrong message and confirming the terrorist strategy.
But it's worth bearing in mind that an overwhelming majority of Spaniards had never wanted to join the war in Iraq in the first place. Aznar defied the voters in sending troops to Iraq, and they had a right to punish him for it, even though the timing was unfortunate.
If you'd accuse them of wimpishness for wanting to stay out of the war, I don't think I agree. Spain's armed forces exist to defend Spain, and arguably its vital interests abroad. Iraq certainly isn't Spain, and I don't think it counts as a Spanish vital interest either.
If I had friends or relations among Spanish troops sent to Iraq, I guess I'd be cross with Aznar too for putting their lives at risk just so that he could sit at a table with the big boys.
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Re: Wimpish Spaniards
Date: 2005-07-09 05:54 am (UTC)But it's worth bearing in mind that an overwhelming majority of Spaniards had never wanted to join the war in Iraq in the first place. Aznar defied the voters in sending troops to Iraq, and they had a right to punish him for it, even though the timing was unfortunate.
If you'd accuse them of wimpishness for wanting to stay out of the war, I don't think I agree. Spain's armed forces exist to defend Spain, and arguably its vital interests abroad. Iraq certainly isn't Spain, and I don't think it counts as a Spanish vital interest either.
If I had friends or relations among Spanish troops sent to Iraq, I guess I'd be cross with Aznar too for putting their lives at risk just so that he could sit at a table with the big boys.