IRAQ

Guardian: Troops bear 'Moor Killer' badges

A row broke out in Spain yesterday after the country sent its first troops to patrol Iraq wearing on their shoulders the Cross of St James of Compostela - popularly known in Spain as "the Moor Killer".
Patches bearing the cross, the symbol of a saint who allegedly guided the medieval Christian re conquista of Spain from the Muslims, are to be worn by a 2,000-strong Spanish brigade in central Iraq, who will patrol the sacred Shia city of Najaf.

While newspapers and radio stations reacted with astonishment at the choice of symbol, politicians avoided the argument.

"If we start debating this subject the risks surrounding the mission will only be increased," said a spokesman from the opposition Socialist party, Jesus Caldera.

"Gratulation an Spanien, wie dumm muss man eigentlich sein?"