"Dealing with Zapatero: An Inexperienced but Probably Manageable Partner"

This wikileak is a confidential message written by the the American Ambassador in Spain, George Argyros, regarding initial reactions to the election of President Zapatero. Argyros discusses how the Spanish Socialist Workers Party (PSOE) and Zapatero were shocked that they had won the election, and that Zapatero and his people were scrambling to get their plan of action in order. Argyros criticizes Zapatero's lack of experience in government administration, and discusses how he will have to lean on his advisors while avoiding the maturation of a corrupt government, such as that under PSOE President Felipe Gonzalez (1982-1996). Furthermore, Zapatero must work to dispel the image that he won the election to appease terrorist organizations. Dealing with terrorist organizations will be one of Zapatero's foremost responsibilities, and it because of this matter that Argyros believes the United States must build a firm relationship with Spain. In conclusion, the United States have long term interests in Spain that transcend governments in power due to Spain's standing in the EU and NATO, and it's historical and linguistic links with the Americas; however, the election of Zapatero, a European Left, means that he will be relatively skeptical about the United States' motives at best, and anti-American at worst. Argyros then goes on to offer suggestions for future actions, and discusses Spain's involvement in the War in Iraq. While a big part of Zapatero's campaign revolved around his opposition to the war, a UNSCR (United Nations Security Council Resolution) giving the UN a leading role in the Iraq mission could provide the impetus for Zapatero to maintain Spanish forces in Iraq. 


There are a few questions I would like to raise for discussion. (1) Why did Spain get involved in the War in Iraq and the War in Afghanistan in the first place? (2) What are the main political parties in Spain and what are their stances? (3) Why do so many European nations remain skeptical of the United States?


http://wikileaks.ch/cable/2004/03/04MADRID960.html#