Spain to send 1,300 troops to Iraq

The Telegraph (U.K.) ^ | 07/12/03 | Isambard Wilkinson

[Pokey78]

Spain agreed yesterday to send 1,300 troops to Iraq, the country's largest foreign military expedition since its colonial wars in Cuba and the Philippines more than a century ago.

The troops, mostly from the Spanish Foreign Legion, will join a 9,200-strong multinational Polish-led force that will take over security in the south-western provinces of Qadisiyah and Najaf bordering Jordan.

The announcement was greeted with caution in Spain, which in recent decades has maintained a pacifist stance, stemming from the painful memory of the civil war.

The last time Spain sent as many troops abroad was in 1898, during the Spanish-American war which culminated in independence for Cuba.

Then, among others, they faced the Rough Riders, an irregular force led by the future president Theodore Roosevelt.

Defeat marked the final end of Spain's position as a world power, leaving it only a few minor possessions in North Africa, and sparked a century of soul-searching.

As well as Spain's contribution, the Polish-led brigade will include units from the Dominican Republic, Honduras, Nicaragua and El Salvador. The first Spanish troops and equipment are due to sail from Valencia today.

[Gabrielle Reilly]

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[BCrago66]

Poland has a population of about 40 million, so sending over over 9 thousand troops is a big committment. Let's see: America has around 300 million people, and it has sent over to Iraq about 150,000, which is 500 troops per million. Poland, if you do the math, is sending over about 225 troops per million, which is almost half our troop committment.

Thank you, Poland :)

[decimon]

...will include units from the Dominican Republic, Honduras, Nicaragua and El Salvador.

That's something you don't hear about.

[livius]

Good! Thank you, Spain! In addition, being just across the Straits from North Africa and its easily stirred-up Muslim population, I think Spain probably has a personal stake in encouraging stability in the Middle East.

[Sparta]

Viva Asnar ping

[McGavin999]

Thank you Spain, I know this is hard for you to do, but it's the right thing to do. You have taken part in liberating a brutalized people and the Iraqis will remember it.

[MattinNJ]

Thanks for the ping. Aznar is a true friend to the US.

[Sparta]

Yes he is. He's the best Spanish leader since General Franco.

[MattinNJ]

He's the best Spanish leader since General Franco.

Aah-hah-I knew I'd convert you sooner or later ;-)