This is addressed in the Wall Street Journal today. The writer points
to Poland as the next probable target, since it too has troops in
Iraq, and is more vulnerable than either the U.S. or Britain (and
perhaps more susceptible to blackmail).

On Mon, 15 Mar 2004 16:44:17 GMT, "Tony Cox" wrote:

"Cub Driver" wrote in message
.. .

That was my reaction also. I don't know if it makes random attacks on
Spanish targets more likely, but it certainly makes attacks on BRITISH
targets more likely. Probably Polish targets as well.


I disagree. Britain has always been a target. An attack would not
change government policy (even if Labour were kicked out, the
Conservatives are even more bullish). And the UK have a clearer
sense of their global responsibilities than Spain. Of course, this
doesn't preclude an attack out of spite, but that is as likely now as
it was before the weekend. The most likely enhanced targets are
France and Germany (over the hajib issue), and in fact these two
have today called for an EU-wide emergency security conference.

The big loser in this is not the coalition forces in Iraq; rather it is
the institutions of the EU. The idea of a common defense force is
exposed as a farce (with Spain turning tail after just one bloody
nose), and continent-wide unity dealt a further blow (as the Spanish
political establishment is clearly not in the least concerned that their
actions have made life more dangerous and difficult for the rest of
the people of the EU).


all the best -- Dan Ford
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