Should Spain withdraw from Iraq?

Spain's new prime minister, Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero has said that he has given orders for the country's troops to be returned from Iraq in the "shortest time possible".

Mr Zapatero said he had made the decision because he could not ignore the will of the Spanish people.

However, Iraq's administrator, Paul Bremer has warned that foreign troops are needed to ensure security in the country.

Spain currently has about 1,300 troops stationed in southern central areas of Iraq and it is believed that the pull-out could take one or two months.

Do you agree with the Spanish prime minister's proposal? What will be the impact of Spain's withdrawal from Iraq?

This debate is now closed. Read a selection of your comments below.

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Your reaction

SUGGEST A DEBATE This topic was suggested by Krishan Kumar, India/USA: How would Spain's pull out impact on the situation in Iraq? Send us your suggestions for Have Your Say debates

I think Spain is right to leave Iraq. The US have misled the world and are still misleading it, calling any kind of resistance against occupation - terrorism. I'd like them to check again the definition of democracy, attackers, coward, brave, terrorism. Who is who following these definitions?
François, France

Spain decision to withdraw is the worst signal one can give to the terrorists, we Poles will stay in Iraq until the country is stabilised, and the terrorists can attack us but we will find them and bring them to justice. The war against terrorist is fought over years. It should not be determined by government changes. It's a very bad and abrupt pullout.
Tomasz Sobieski, Warsaw, Poland

As the US abandoned the UN in favour of a Coalition of the willing. It goes without saying, that those not willing (anymore) should be able to leave.
Sven Fischer, Munich, Germany

Yes, very good Spain - the rest of them also should follow this path.
Naiem, Kabul, Afghanistan

Good to see the Hondurans pulling out too. Bush's invaders are getting stretched even thinner! Soon it'll be just the US and 25 million Iraqis bent on freedom. This war will be over by Xmas, with the US scrambling to recover what's left of their army.
Jon Hardenstone, Vancouver

The psychological impact of a formerly staunch member of the coalition withdrawing its troops will be immense CK Yoe, London

While the 1,300 Spanish troops in Iraq will hardly be missed compared with the massive number of US troops there, the psychological impact of a formerly staunch member of the coalition withdrawing its troops will be immense. No wonder the US is worried. This is just the beginning of the end for George W Bush's Iraq adventure.
CK Yoe, London, UK

No, Spain should not withdraw from Iraq. It will be as good as surrender and how many such times in future Spain would surrender. If this is their decision then the world will not be surprised to see terrorists one day ruling Spain.
Alex Talkar, Mumbai

I agree with him in principle. It's only the timing I disagree with. The message to terrorists: If you pack a big enough explosive, you are listened to.
Maurice Achach, Nairobi, Kenya

I wonder how the freedom-desiring Iraqi's feel about this. If I were them, I'd be insulted.
Matt, New York City, USA

I think is the correct decision, not only because Zapatero promised it months ago, also because Spain is a moderate country with 91% people opposite to the war in Iraq. We shouldn't be there. Spanish people don't want wars probably due to our civil war (36-39) and the dictatorship (39-75). The UN resolutions are the way to solve problems.
Jaime, Santiago, Galicia, Spain

Some of the American contributors to this forum seem to believe that Zapatero has capitulated in the face of terrorism by announcing the withdrawal of Spanish troops. Not so - he announced that he would pull his soldiers out, if elected, well before the terrorist outrage in Madrid. He's simply sticking to a decision he made a long time ago. Whether it's a good decision (for Spain, Iraq, or the fight against Terrorism) is a different matter.
John, England

I whole heartedly agree. All European troops should be brought home. This was a war of America's making - let America deal with the consequences. If only Tony Blair had the convictions of the new Spanish Prime Minister.
Pauline Yates, Suffolk

As a Spaniard, I want to emphasize that the people's will and Zapatero's promise to withdraw the troops from Iraq dates from long before the attacks in Madrid. It doesn't mean surrendering to terrorists (after all, we are the ones used to resisting terrorism) but acting according to the will of the majority. Spain has already troops in UN-sponsored missions in Bosnia and Afghanistan, and their number will probably increase.
Maria, Zaragoza, Spain

That whirring sound you hear is Franco spinning in his grave.
Peter, Germany

Whatever the reason for this war I believe that many young and innocent have died unnecessarily Arif Sayed, Dubai

The Spanish government knows that it's a hopeless situation in Iraq. Young soldiers have died without cause. Some argue that it's democracy they wish to impose in Iraq. But many believe this is only a smokescreen for US desires to impose its own rule in Iraq. Whatever the reason for this war I believe that many young and innocent have died unnecessarily. The Spanish will be followed by others and rightly so.
Arif Sayed, Dubai, UAE

So many erroneous postings. Spain deserves all credit for their action. Why? Iraq does not deserve to be treated as a training ground for military hardware or tactics/strategies. Iraq had more to fear from al-Qaeda than the US. Iraq had nothing to do with the war on terror. Iraq had no WMD at the time of the war because it could not buy any from the West or manufacture them thanks to effectiveness of the UN.
Pat, Ilford, UK

People say that the war in Iraq is "terrorism". I really get wound up by this. War targets military infrastructure, terrorists target civilians. The closest thing to terrorism that we have committed was the bombing of Lubeck in WWII.
Paul Weaver, London, UK

The Spanish people never wished to be involved in the immoral and illegal war on Iraq. They are lucky to have had the opportunity to vote out the leadership who joined the arrogant coalition of Bush and Blair. The new government are merely sticking to an election pledge. What a refreshing change!
Graham Galliford, Staines, Middx, UK

I was against the war and I am against the US approach to Iraq reconstruction (if so it can be called) but leaving Iraq in the hands of Iraqis at the moment would make the world regret the toppling of Saddam, as many more people than he killed would die as a consequence.
Frank, UK/Italy

Spain's decision to pull out of Iraq is a victory for the terrorist, and a blow to those that support multilateral operations. For those people that want the UN involved in Iraq, where are they? They have cut and run, and are only now starting to re-engage in a limited fashion.
Mark A, Greenville, TX, USA

Folks here need to get a dictionary and look up the word: Leader Peter C Kohler, Washington DC

Folks here need to get a dictionary and look up the word: Leader. The idea that in a democracy you have 'leaders' who just blithely follow daily opinion polls to determine policy gives you Bill Clintons and Zapateros. Weak. Vacillating. With no clear vision beyond popularity polls. The result is perilous in an issue as grave as world terrorism.
Peter C Kohler, Washington DC, USA

This has always been a coalition of the willing. Those countries with no interest in spreading freedom and democracy should stay at home under the duvet until the danger has passed.
Roger Morgan Freedlan, Whitwick, England

Let's start by saying Spain should not have been there in the first place. If leaders of a democratic nation listened to the voice of 90% of there society that democratically put them in power, 200 innocent people will still be living there today.
Allen Aramide, Warsaw, Poland

Spanish decision is bold and welcoming one. Not only for others but also for the US and UK to follow. At last the world has a really true leader in this new era. Spanish people are very lucky. My best wishes to Spanish people
Ganesan, India

The Coalition should withdraw from Iraq. We voted Mr Zapatero because he promised us before the election. He did it. He is the great leader, he listens to us and we will back him. Anyway this war is illegal and why should our soldiers go and die there.
Ronnie, Spain

What a terrible decision? Unfortunately, it's not altogether a surprising one when you consider that the new Spanish PM campaigned and was elected on an appeasement platform. The US is not the cause of either the Spanish train bombings or the current unrest in Iraq. I fear that more people will die as a result of Spain's complicity with the terrorists.
Jim S, Columbus, Ohio, USA

In war situations the will of the people sometimes defies logic. World War II clearly exemplified this. Most European countries capitulated to Nazi rule. The challenge in Iraq is one of the most important missions in the history of the world. We are helping to free humankind from tyranny and barbarism. It is paramount that the Middle Eastern, Arab and Asian people begin to have a say in matters regarding their life and leaders. Without intervention the terror mentality would reign in this region. At least now there is a chance to reverse this vicious cycle. The cause is noble I am very proud of what the coalition is doing in Iraq. If you speak to the Spanish soldiers, they are acutely aware that they are fighting for freedom.
Brad, Chicago, USA

I am dismayed by the Spanish PM's decision Lyn Hudson, Hong Kong

Whilst I do not agree with the war in Iraq I am dismayed by the Spanish PM's decision. The bombing in Madrid was a terrible thing for their country, however by pulling their troops out of Iraq they are telling the terrorists that they have won and that their actions worked. In this cowardly act by Spain they are sending out the message to terrorists that violence works and this in turn may motivate them to perform other similar attacks on more innocent people.
Lyn Hudson, Hong Kong

Everyone should withdraw from Iraq, except the Iraqis. When is the world going to wake up?
Gene Ahart, Kansas City, USA

Who is worse? Is it the terrorists who delivered violence to Iraq under the pretence of removing weapons of mass destruction, or the terrorists who delivered violence to Spain to demand the removal of armies of mass destruction from Iraq? Violence is never the answer. The Spanish should step out now, and stop the cycle of violence. I hope the UK will be grown up enough to do the same.
Cat, London, UK

The Spanish made it clear from the beginning that they didn't want their troops in Iraq. But do they really want them pulled out now in this inelegant manner? A responsible nation (which I believe Spain to be) should stick around for a bit to help repair some of the damage done and provide security for the ordinary Iraqis until such times as they have their own, reasonably operational troops and police force.
Joy Natan, Brussels, Belgium

I am delighted. Thank You Mr Prime Minister for your courage and insight. Bush is a disaster and has avoided dealing with terrorism by attacking Iraq. Unilateralism will not work and should not be tolerated. The world is too small to have such a reckless man in the White House.
Peter Schneider, Forestville, USA

The occupation is illegal and Spain is admitting that its action to go along side with UK and US was a wrong decision made by Aznar Kamarudin, Malaysia

Yes, morally Spain is doing the right thing to withdraw its troops from Iraq. The occupation is illegal and Spain is admitting that its action to go along side with UK and US was a wrong decision made by Aznar. Now Zapatero is rectifying its policy. The objective of the war was found to be faked. Until now the WMD could not be found.

Democratic leaders like Bush and Blair should be ashamed for what they have done to Iraq and its people. Their actions are against democratic principles which ironically they are trying to promote and advocate in Iraq. Don't you think it is double standards? If you cannot uphold what you are preaching then I consider both of them hypocrites of the first order. Should we respect both of them? Not at all! Now I am sensing that both of them are trying to divert public attention to the Palestinian issue rather than WMD which they are trying to avoid highlighting it further.
Kamarudin, Malaysia

I don't blame the Spanish for wanting their troops out. I want to bring the US troops home as well. But they have inadvertently made things far more dangerous for other nations; by pulling out they are acceding to terrorist demands, and increasing the likelihood of civilian-targeted terrorist attacks in European cities. Now these terrorists know that if they cause enough casualties on the home front, that they will get what they want. Dangerous precedent.
Bennett, Los Angeles

Spain's withdrawal has already bolstered terrorists and thugs. Great message you sent there, Spain.
Nate, Wichita USA

Spain can and should do whatever it believes is best for Spain.
Shawn, Washington, DC, USA

No win decision. Nobody should be there in the first place. Having said that, to leave because a terrorist tells you to is the wrong thing to do. Spain has shown itself to be totally unreliable and not worthy of support should they require assistance in the future.
Keith, Sunderland; UK

Yes, Yes Yes! And I hope the British people will convince Blair to do the same!
Tam Yeng Siang, KL, Malaysia

Absolutely! Mr. Zapatero's duty is to the Spanish people, and to fulfil his pre-election promise to them, not the US administration. Anyone who disagrees with this move must have a minimal understanding of democracy. But I agree with David from Washington that the redeployment of Spanish troops to UN supported missions in Afghanistan or Kosovo would be a laudable move.
Rachel, Tokyo Japan

It is nice to see the government of a country actually doing what the citizens of that country want. We are not used to such open and forthright governments here in the UK.
Graham, Aberdeen, Scotland

Spain has a duty to stay on and help restore order Alberto, Madrid, Spain

Spain has a duty to stay on and help restore order, even were it not for the fact that it appears as if this is a direct victory for the terrorists who murdered so many people in Spain.
Phil, Edmonton, Canada

As a Spaniard I am pleased with this decision, not just because Spain will be military out of Iraq but also because it will be under the UN rules. I think the majority of people in this country are supporting the action, socialists but also a big part of the conservative voters who were against the war.
Alberto, Madrid, Spain

The Zapatero government's long standing decision to pull out troops aligns policy with the will of the people. It isn't sudden or unexpected as some have said. However, it does increase the danger to democracies during the election cycle. My country has made serious policy mistakes which must be acknowledged and corrected.
Dale Lanan, Longmont, Colorado USA

As democratic as the decision may be, the terrorists now know what they have to do to achieve their objectives. It is Spain's right as a sovereign nation to decide whatever it does. Let us hope this does not promote the loss of more innocent lives.
Fahd Rafi, Orlando, FL, USA

I agree with the Spanish PM's decision, and think that the move might help to gain early domestic support for Zapatero's new government, an important objective for a new administration. Beyond the withdrawal from Iraq, I think that Spain should give significant consideration to the idea of redeployment in Kosovo or possibly Afghanistan, to alleviate strains to US and other UN/Nato forces on peacekeeping missions around the world.
David, Washington, DC, USA

Spain have spoken with a clear voice Arttu Ulmanen, Warwick

If all European countries were true democracies, then this would not be an issue. With the possible exception of Britain, no European country would be in Iraq. It would be a matter of fact. This isn't a decision made by Zapatero, the people of Spain have spoken with a clear voice. Hopefully Spain's withdrawal will wake the Bush administration up, and force the US to reconsider its intransigence in handling the situation.
Arttu Ulmanen, Warwick

Zapatero's decision won't affect the future of Iraq. What I find bizarre is the way so many people here continue to insist that the occupation should be legitimised by the UN, as though that would somehow make the occupation morally OK. They also seem to forget that the UN left Iraq of its own volition and against the wishes of the Coalition.
P. Wilson, London

It's what the Spanish people have wanted from the start, given that there is no UN involvement; so yes I believe Zapatero has made the right decision for the Spanish people. Also, Zapatero's pledge to remove troops from Iraq was in his election manifesto before the Madrid bombings, so therefore this is not giving in to terrorism like the US administration calls it. If the UN had been involved from the start it would be a very different story now in Iraq.
Ivan Hernandez, UK

There's no reason for him to keep the troops there considering 90% of the population were against the war. However I would like to see them kept there until June 30 as a sense of duty for the Iraqi people not the CPA. That way they would at least be finishing the job they started. I don't think it will cause a major issue as there are only 1,300 troops there. The impact is more likely to be political than a security issue. Although I'm sure the Americans will weigh in with their usual round of insults.
Stephen Thompson, Newcastle, UK

Iraq is for Iraqis Hmoud Sharqawi, Kuwait

I think not just Spain, but all so called coalition forces should pack and leave before it is too late, Iraq is for Iraqis not Yankees.
Hmoud Sharqawi, Kuwait

Zapatero's proposal will increase the likelihood of a UN resolution on Iraq before June 30, which will increase the likelihood that Spanish troops will stay. So I think it is quite probable that the troops will in fact stay.
Mick, Amsterdam, The Netherlands

I am disappointed that Spain is withdrawing its troops but in equal measure I do not blame it for doing so. The US politically and militarily has shown itself to be inept in so many theatres of war. Its philosophy is to meet insurgency with power fire. History has shown that the guy with the biggest gun does not always win!
BP, Crawley, UK

It proves what we already knew: some countries will kowtow to terrorists. No surprise there but Spain's not exactly renowned for its state-of-the-art army anyway so no big loss. When their fuel prices go up the Spanish people will turn against Mr Zapatero and forget all about why they wanted out of Iraq in the first place.
Steve B, Edinburgh, Scotland

I love Spain and her people and have always admired their brave stand on Eta. But pulling out Spain's troops would be a cowardly act. Handing a victory to the terrorists is just not a very Spanish thing to do.
Susan, London

Yes, finally a leader with some sense.
Janeen, USA

If the US would give control to a legitimate UN led force then they will gain the support of both Spain and new political allies. They say pride comes before a fall.
Phill C, Sheffield, UK