When a troop—sending US. ally in the war on terror pulls out of Iraq, it generates a flood of news stories about the failure of the coalition to hold together and the inability of the U.S. to attract allies. But when such an ally considers increasing its participation after repeatedly renewing its participation beyond the agreed upon date, determined to go with the U.S. till the bitter end in eradicating terror — well, you have to dig deep into the communist Chinese press if you'd like that particular news.

Xinhua  reports our notably brave and steadfast allies in El Salvador are ready to renew their troop commitment to Iraq for a fourth time, interested in sticking it out with us until the job is done. This is a small nation whose stature is rising. At least President Bush knows.

A.M. Mora y Leon  10 18 04