April 19, 2004

Spain's new Prime Min Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero orders Spanish troops to leave Iraq 'as soon as possible,' keeping a firm campaign promise just 24 hours after he is sworn in; says it is unlikely that United Nations will be playing leading role in Iraq any time soon, which had been his condition for Spain's 1,300 troops to remain; Zapatero's move does not come as surprise to United States, but White House officials say decision is bitter moment for Pres Bush; fear is that Spanish withdrawal will make it more difficult to continue to internationalize forces in Iraq as June 30 date approaches for transfer of soverign power to Iraqi government; Spanish Defense Ministry official says Spanish withdrawal from south-central region around Najaf might take one month; national security adviser Condoleezza Rice voices fear that terrorists could draw 'wrong lesson from Spain' and attempt other attacks aimed at dividing allies; Sen John Kerry, Democrat running for president, expresses regret at Zapatero's decision, noting need for United States to find new coalition partners to share burden in Iraq; photo; chart (M)

Kelefa Sanneh Critic's Choice column reviews new CD's by Prince and rapper Ghostface Killah; photos (M)

Rodney Williams is arrested and charged with setting fire to Brooklyn apartment building on April 17 and killing four adults and toddler; police say Williams wanted to settle score with romantic rival who lived in basement of building, where fire started; 12 other people were injured, including two firefighters; photo (M)

Computer Associates International is reportedly ready to consider fate of Sanjay Kumar, chairman and chief executive, who has become focus of federal investigation into accusations of accounting fraud and obstruction of justice at company; up to a dozen employees are expected to lose their jobs as board tries to demonstrate that it is serious about changing its corporate culture (M)

Joyce Purnick column Joyce Purnick column on prospects of demonstrations in New York City during Republican National Convention; says that New Yorkers, as usual, will raise their noisy political voices in protests at convention time (M)