Spain empowers terrorists
I refer to the letter headlined 'Terrorists of the future' (April 1), by Sean Niem.
It is Mr Niem who has confused the issues. He suggests that the people of Spain voted the Socialist Party into office in order to support withdrawal from Iraq. Interestingly, the party won the election after the terrorist attacks in Madrid.
Before the attacks, the opposition party, which supported the war in Iraq, was favoured to win. What this suggests is that Spanish voters allowed a terrorist attack to sway their decision. I respect the democratic decision of the Spanish people, but it is a shame that they empowered the terrorists.
Contrary to Mr Niem's assertions, this will only lead to further terrorist attacks before key votes. I fail to see how it stops a cycle of violence.
What causes terrorism? I fail to see how overthrowing a despotic ruler who brutalised his people and attacked neighbouring countries is sowing seeds of violence. Certainly, there are terrorist groups and others loyal to Saddam Hussein who are attempting to capitalise on the lack of real government in Iraq.
In independent polls conducted among Iraqis, the vast majority want the Americans to stay until a legitimate government can be formed. A timetable for Iraqi self rule is already being put into place. Moreover, in a recently published poll, a majority of Iraqis said they felt safer now than before the war.
