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Politics : Foreign Affairs Discussion Group -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: Bilow who wrote (129540)	4/18/2004 11:05:43 PM
From: stockman_scott	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 281500

The Neocon Conundrum truthout.org <<...With the situation in Iraq darkening, hawks are saying we can't leave without unleashing a catastrophe. The problem is, that'll happen if we stay, too...>>

To: Bilow who wrote (129540)	4/18/2004 11:13:07 PM
From: Sig	Respond to of 281500

<<<Hi Sig; Re: "Scott: It appears Spain has a polished Politician in charge. Notice he has an "out" on that promise to withdraw troops, if the UN becomes involved in Iraq. He can use that threat a bargaining chip with the EU, with other countries, to gain concessions. It would just require his use of the right words to the public, to explain what advantage could result from leaving Spanish troops in Iraq. Sig@spintime.com">>> <<Yes, it was "spin time", but, as usual, you were the one that was doing the spinning. Spain is pulling out. Any comments? >>> Hey, Bilow, I thought i did good on that post, and left myself an out... In leaving, Spain tells me is that if we are ever come under attack from outer space or from China, we have to be prepared for a unilateral defense with a strong military. Besides, those troops can be better employed as guards for their 170 mph trains and tracks. Who ever expected the military do any actual fighting? Thats hazardous. Sig

To: Bilow who wrote (129540)	4/18/2004 11:25:12 PM
From: Sam	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 281500

Philippines Says Considering Iraq Withdrawal Wed Apr 14, 2004 04:49 AM ET Printer Friendly \| Email Article \| Purchase for Reprint (Page 1 of 2) Top News Spain Pulls Troops from Iraq, 10 U.S. Troops Killed Hamas Vows to Avenge Israel's Killing of Rantissi Kerry Says Iraq Solution May Be New President MORE By Stuart Grudgings MANILA (Reuters) - The Philippines, one of the staunchest allies of the United States, may withdraw its peacekeepers and aid workers from Iraq as security conditions worsen, President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo said on Wednesday. The withdrawal of the small force would be a symbolic setback for the U.S. administration as it struggles to contain violent insurgencies on two fronts in Iraq, although Arroyo stressed she had yet to make any decision. "While the government is determined to help the Iraqi people in rebuilding their nation, the safety of our peacekeeping forces in Iraq is still our utmost concern," she said in a statement. "The decision on whether or not to withdraw our peacekeeping forces will depend on the security situation in Iraq in the days to come." Some analysts said the move was aimed at defusing domestic pressure before a presidential election next month. The reassessment comes after a spate of kidnappings of foreigners in Iraq, including one Filipino who was released, and amid growing calls on the government to pull out the small Filipino contingent of soldiers, police and medical workers. U.S. officials in Manila declined to comment. Arroyo's deputy spokesman, Ricardo Saludo, said government policy on Iraq had not changed but officials were reassessing the security situation to ensure the safety of 3,000 Filipinos working there. The Philippines sent a nearly 100-strong team last year to help in the reconstruction of Iraq and has sustained no casualties yet. It now has 51 soldiers and police officers stationed there, serving under Polish command. The United States had asked the Philippines to send a larger all-military 175-member force to Iraq as security conditions deteriorate before a June 30 deadline for the U.S.-led administration to hand power to an interim Iraqi government. Lieutenant-Colonel Daniel Lucero, an army spokesman, told reporters a 45-member peacekeeping contingent was preparing to leave for Iraq this week to replace soldiers, police officers and civilian doctors who came home a month ago. Continued ... reuters.com