" Spaniards were condemned for appeasing terrorism by voting for withdrawing troops from Iraq in the absence of U.N. authorization – that is, for taking a stand rather like that of 70 percent of Americans, who called for the U.N. to take the leading role in Iraq. "
- Noam Chomsky

In the quote, Noam Chomsky highlights a criticism directed at Spanish citizens who voted against continuing their military involvement in Iraq without United Nations authorization. This decision was seen by some as supporting terrorism, which seems paradoxical given that most Americans supported a U.N.-led approach to dealing with the situation in Iraq.

Chomsky's statement delves deeper into the complexities of international relations and public opinion. He suggests that there is often a double standard when it comes to evaluating actions based on national interests versus those grounded in international consensus. By mentioning the support for a U.N. role from 70 percent of Americans, Chomsky implies that similar principles should be applied universally rather than being selectively criticized. This highlights the importance of consistency and fairness in political discourse, especially when it comes to global issues like military intervention.

Noam Chomsky is an American linguist, philosopher, cognitive scientist, historian, social critic, and political activist. He is renowned for his work in linguistics but has also made significant contributions to various fields through his critical analysis of power structures and their impact on society. His observations often challenge mainstream narratives, advocating instead for a more balanced perspective that considers the broader implications of governmental actions on a global scale.