Members of U.S. coalition reaffirm support

Washington Times ^ | 4/22/04 | Nicholas Kralev

[kattracks]

Members of the U.S.-led Iraq coalition said yesterday that the decision of three countries to withdraw their troops from Iraq does not set a trend, while others said they were rethinking their position.

Spain, which was the first coalition member to announce a pullout, sent its top diplomat to Washington to ease tensions resulting from the decision and assure the administration that Madrid wants a strong relationship.

[EGPWS]

"We appreciate the strong statements of support for the Iraqi people, helping the Iraqi people move forward on a free and peaceful future.

That is the key factor for support right there.

Spain, which was the first coalition member to announce a pullout, sent its top diplomat to Washington to ease tensions resulting from the decision and assure the administration that Madrid wants a strong relationship.

An announcement that increases one's mindset that with a change of power in Spain the change of attitude along with it is ones of "we want to receive American $$$'s but don't want to support America to receive such financial support".

[risk]

The Japanese are showing some real potential here. We also see the Poles reaffirming their resolve. Many thanks to our allies! Having to make these regular declarations of committment must be tiring.

[rickylc]

However, Mr. Powell, who usually comes out to talk to reporters along with his guests, did not accompany the new Spanish foreign minister.

Do ya think Spain was told we're a bit unhappy with their back door deals?

[patj]

This whole story is a lie. Kerry told us that we have no help in Iraq. It is all unilateral. What could this reporter be talking about?

[blackie]

Brave Allies ~ Bump!

We are winning ~ the bad guys are losing ~ trolls, terrorists, democrats and the mainstream media are sad ~ very sad!

~~ Bush/Cheney 2004 ~~

[bogdanPolska12]

Thank you for a ping risk. What did I told you, stay tune, don't dwell too much on media news. They just want to create impression that USA has no friends. And they are dead on arrival with their stories. Poland and others didn't travel hundred miles, just to leave. We have job and obligation and our Honor is at stake, and so is other countries and USA it self. We will stick to it till the end.

I have pretty good reason to believe why media attacks Poland. Not only because my country became strong ally of United States, but also because US gave Poland important job to do – control of more then 9500 coalition soldiers – you see my point guys.

God Bless America

spg
Bogdan

[risk]

I do see your point: a strong Poland forcefully committed to the notion of religious, intellectual, and economic freedom (just like the United States) is a threat to the hollow ideal of multipolarity. But why should any free people cede strategic power to those who are ruled by an iron fist, such as the Chinese or the Iranians? And why should Poland trust those who have either stood idle when they were put to the gun or else helped their oppressors?

And what better nation to entrust a large share of Europe's defenses than Poland? During the 20th century it was brutally occupied and apportioned twice by totalitarian fanatics. The memory of German and Soviet oppression is too strong in the Polish people. They can taste their fear even today. That fear reminds them to be resolute in their preparations for war -- so they can remain free.

This Polish love for freedom and the bravery that comes with it reminds old Europe a little too much of Americans!