Posted on 03/16/2005 5:39:22 AM PST by Eurotwit
MADRID- Spain welcomed a decision by Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi to begin withdrawing the country's troops from Iraq from September.
The Spanish media saw the approach of Italy's regional elections as prompting the move.
Spain's Socialist government withdrew its own troops, sent in by the previous conservative administration, shortly after taking office last April.
A government source said Madrid "clearly welcomes with joy" news of Berlusconi's announcement.
Spain's government pulled its troops out in line with an electoral pledge, the decision to send them into Iraq having been hugely unpopular with the electorate.
Berlusconi's move to
deploy 3,000 troops, making Italy the fourth-largest troop contributor in Iraq, was also massively unpopular at home.
"Berlusconi reacts in time," was how El Mundo daily saw the Italian leader's move.
The paper noted that Berlusconi "is seeking re-election in 2006 and he knew full well that keeping troops in Iraq would pose a serious risk to his chances."
Italy is also holding regional elections next month, and El Mundo opined that his decision showed that "his political noose is greater than the fine speeches which he made to defend his participation in the occupation of Iraq."
For Barcelona-based El Periodico, "Berlusconi has understood, albeit late in the day, that you cannot dismiss public opinion and he is trying to leave Iraq while annoying his friend (US President George W.) Bush as little as possible."
In the opinion of El Pais, "if the withdrawal begins in September as scheduled Berlusconi will arrive at the polls having unburdened himself of an unpopular participation in the (Iraq) conflict."
[Copyright EFE with Expatica]
"With tails between our legs, we run with pride. Proudly, we advance to the rear. Join us and roar out in triumph."
How pathetic.
Italy did not withdraw because of terrorist bombs, unlike Spain. I blame Sgrena and her handlers for changing the perception of Italy.
Nothing but cowards.
The only pathetic thing here is the fact that the newspaper is ignoring the lessening violence in Iraq and the growing numbers of effective Iraqi troops.
I wonder, could the US ask countries leaving the coalition to sign a 'release' upon departing? Something like, 'we will not request/expect assistance or have any right to support when Terrorists attack OUR homeland'.
I can understand why they might be happy that their own troops have been withdrawn. Urging other nations to do so as well just seems like viciousness.
Good point, but I think Spain's gloating is also pathetic. "You see? He ran too!"
Actually, I thank God for Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi. He did the right thing, even though at the time and perhaps even today, it's unpopular in Italy. In time, perhaps Italy will feel the same warm feelings I have about what we did in Iraq. FReegards....
Agreed. Spain is currently being run by DUmmies.
Cheers.
The Spanish Communists certainly are cowards. But I have to hand it to Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi. He was much the same as Tony Blair, perhaps a 'Blair Lite'. FReegards....
Socialist cowards. No surprise that Spain's government would applaud this decision by Italy, it just bolsters their position.
A French military manuever being used by Italy.
It's all the anti war crowd can do. The failed miserably. They couldn't stop the war, they couldn't stop the Iraqi elections, and now democracy is spreading across the region. All they can do now is spin good news to bad and claim victory where they have none.
Their numbers are shrinking.
Isn't it crazy? A military pull-out is a victory? It's like a dog that walks backwards.
It's even worse. It's like a dog that barks from it's rear-end.
I'm wondering if Spain has been a mess since the Spanish Armada.
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