Iraq Effect

Vaclav Klaus, former right-wing prime minister of the Czech Republic, is apparently the first European politician to be elected thanks to Iraq crisis. Long-time deadlock in the Czech Assembly was over after his archenemies from Communist Party decided to back his run for Czech presidency instead of left-wing Social Democrats.

Of course, Vaclav Klaus' post of Czech President is mainly ceremonial and Klaus won't be able to influence Czech policy or change Czech government's pro-war policy. However, his opposition to war would represent a huge contrast to pro-war stance of his predecessor Vaclav Havel.