No sooner had Spain's new Socialist leader, Jose Lusi Rodriguez Zapatero, ordered his country's troops out of Iraq Read about it here, United States President George Bush and British Prime Minister Tony Blair did a surprise about face Read about it here  I  And here.

Bush announced his sudden willingness to let the United Nations take control of the transition government in Iraq, and Blair announced his willingness to have a constitutional referendum in the June European elections.

For both Bush and Blair, these moves mark major changes in tactics. Prior to the Spanish election, both leaders strongly held to opposite views. Time and again Bush rejected turning the Iraqi government over to the UN. And, Blair had long refused allowing a constitutional referendum.

Another interesting thing to note about their about face is, it occurred at the same time -- during Bush and Blair's meeting in Washington.

Political observers are startled and don't know what to make of it. No one was expecting either leader to suddenly change directions like this -- let alone, at the same time.

It appears the unexpected Socialist victory in Spain has created a new reality for Bush and Blair -- a reality that requires a major shift in their positions.

This is what I think: If the same thing happens to them that happened to Spain's outgoing prime minister Jose Maria Aznar in coming elections, the free world may fall beyond the ability to save anymore.

Solana world will be here.