Socialist Spain a blow to US

Just when it seemed that European nations had made their peace with Washington and among themselves over Western policy in Iraq, the Socialist Party's upset victory in Spain's general elections Sunday has thrown many diplomatic assumptions into doubt.

The defeat of Prime Minister José María Aznar's Popular Party, a strong supporter of US policy in the Middle East, is a blow to America's hopes of rallying Europe behind its vision for the region. It is likely to pose problems, too, for US allies on the Continent such as British leader Tony Blair and Italian premier Silvio Berlusconi, who are expected to come under renewed pressure from skeptical electorates.

"This changes all the equilibriums in Europe," says Sergio Romano, an influential Italian commentator on foreign affairs. "Spain is no longer America's main partner on the European mainland. It is definitely bad news for pro-American governments in Europe, and for sectors of the left that have tried to hold radical pacifists at bay."

Incoming Spanish Prime Minister José Luis Zapatero quickly reassured voters and foreign governments that his country would remain a firm combatant in the war on terrorism, following last week's deadly train bombing in Madrid. "My most immediate priority is to fight all forms of terrorism," he told supporters Sunday night.

The election results, punishing Mr. Aznar for his perceived manipulation of the bombing investigation, and rewarding Mr. Zapatero's outspoken opposition to US policy, "will strengthen those forces in Europe that have questioned US strategy toward the greater Middle East," says Steven Everts, an analyst at the Centre for European Reform in London. "It will shift the balance."

Across the Continent Monday, Europeans observed three minutes of silence to remember the 200 victims of Thursday's bomb attacks. In Brussels, European Union officials held a vigil, while in Germany, thousands of auto workers put down their tools. Passengers at London's Heathrow, Europe's busiest airport, stood quietly as all takeoffs were halted. In Paris cafes, patrons fell silent as sirens wailed and church bells rang.

Miguel Angel Moratinos, widely tipped to be Spain's new foreign minister, did not mince words Monday as he set out the incoming government's position to France Inter, a French radio station.

"We need some self-criticism" over Iraq policy, he stated in an interview. "European leaders and international leaders should meet immediately to take stock, to be clear about the consequences of this blind policy that is leading the Middle East and the West into a dead end. It has to be changed."

Zapatero told the Cadena Ser radio station Monday that he would withdraw Spanish troops serving in Iraq by June 30th. "The Spanish troops will come back," he said. "Mr. Blair and Mr. Bush must do some reflection ... you cannot organize a war with lies."

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