September 2003

News theme: Spanish military presence in Iraq

1,300 Spanish troops are in Iraq to support the intervention force. They are leading the 'Plus Ultra' division of Spanish speaking troops (including 1,200 Central American troops), based in Diwanya, central Iraq and under the Polish overall regional leadership. Obvioulsy, with the great insecurity in the country, new moves in the UN and related issues, the Spanish presence will be a topic of newsworthiness for months to come.

On September 4th, Defence minister Federico Trillo admitted the Spanish presence in Iraq could be longer than initially planned, especially in the light of US statements saying they may need to pull back partially in due course.

Once again, the Spanish forces are getting involved in an international peace-keeping type mission. Since 1983, when Spain joined NATO, the Spanish forces have been ever more involved on the international scene. Previously, the military in Spain were a largely inward-looking force aimed at maintaining the Franco dictatorship. After a difficult time of transition, the new Spanish forces appear to play their part well in non-war situations.