Fighting terrorism with bombs, with operations of 'shock and awe', with missiles, that does not combat terrorism it only generates more radicalism. The way to fight terrorism is with the rule of law, with international legislation, with intelligence services. This is what the international community should be talking about.
This uncommon bit of common sense came yesterday from Spain's incoming prime minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero, who, after his party's victory on Sunday, said some things Juan Cole called "a gale of fresh air." Cole's translation:
"Tonight I commit myself to commence a tranquil government and I assure you that power is not going to change me," affirmed Zapatero between the applause of hundreds of people who congregated to celebrate the triumph. . "My most immediate priority is to fight all forms of terrorism (Mi prioridad mas inmediata es combatir toda forma de terrorismo). And my first initiative, tomorrow, will be to seek a union of political forces to join us together in fighting it. " After defining himself as "prepared to assume the responsibility to form the new government", Zapatero described his priorities. . "I will set out to strengthen the prestige of democratic institutions . . . to move Spain into the vanguard of European development and to guide myself by the Constitution at every moment" . . . "the government of change - he added - will act from the dialogue, responsibility and transparency. It will be a government that will work by cohesion, concord and peace."
Clearly a victory for Al Qaeda.
posted by dacknow you know how the spanish got the yellow stripe in thier flag......
Posted by: Marvin Ellis on March 18, 2004 03:15 PMWhat? He's not gonna bomb or kill nobody? What kinda leader is THAT?
Cowards.
Posted by: and by on March 18, 2004 06:38 PMThe victory of the Socialists in Spain was not a Victory for the Al
Qaida Terrorists, it is a Victory For Democracy and against going to
War (in Iraq) by the Back Door By Mr Aznar.
Spain is in Afghanistan fighting along side the US against the Taliban
and Al Qaida. The Troops that Spain might or might not withdraw from
Iraq will go to Afghanistan to fight Al Qaida terrorists or go home to
fight Islamic Terrorists who are spreading in Spain proper.
Why was it could be claimed as a Victory for Democracy ?
Because the public opinion in Spain was overwhelmingly against the War
in Iraq incited by Bush and Blair in early 2003. This opposition was
if anything stronger now than in 2003
. The Conservative led by Asnar had been favored to win before 3/11
was due to the remarkable economic performance of Mr Asnar's policy in
improving economically the Status of Spain which is no longer the
poorest country in Europe with Portugal. Spain's GDP now is almost
the same as Italy's, very close to the British's, French's and
German's so the Spaniards forgave Asnar's sin for going into War.
But by lying in accusing the Basques for the terrorist bombing in
Madrid and by being found out lying to deflect the Spaniard's public
opinion from blaming the Madrid Bombing on Islamic Revenge for Spain
Going to War in iraq , the Spaniards responded in kind. They would
vote the lying scoundrels out.
I hope that there are enough Americans who felt betrayed by the lies
concerning Iraq possessing WMD to make a difference next November. I
hope you do to
I guess some folks think its better to live on your knees than die on you feet........
Posted by: on March 21, 2004 02:00 PMTypical macho comment. The exact way of thinking which put us in this situation. American people should be ashamed for not willing to see the truth: their leaders are lying from the begining to pursue their own agenda.
And after all, if spaniards MAJORITY think that lies are not acceptable, why not: this is called democracy with a big "D".
To the anonymous guy.
How dare you? You don't even respect the dead. Remember: after 9/11, the whole world sincerely respected your grievance, even if there was so much to say...
"Do what we say, not what we do". This is the way America works regarding the other countries. How come you still ask the question: why do they hate us?
The ones who are on the knees, guess who they are.
Posted by: Mad spanish on March 21, 2004 04:55 PMspain should really know better.dealing with eta for years hasn`t taught them how to deal with terrorists.europe is caught up in the "no,we`re nothing like america" thing.much like kerry being nothing like bush.the ragheads will continue to blow themselves up in spain because it`s what they do and in places like spain they can gain support as a consequence.it is a strange type of cowardice.watching your countrymen blown to fuck.it goes to show how different people are around the world.
Posted by: alistair on April 11, 2004 04:20 PMoh,i get it now.turn the other cheek!it`s what jesus would have done.and,of course he was only reacting to the oppression of an occupying force.i do apologise for my last,misguided post.easter has brought me to a revelation.we must embrace the ragheads as kindred souls and when they continue to explode,unabated,we must have faith in our new found understanding of the mechanism of the word of the lord and know that the screams and agony will only last for an instant and then we will be embraced by allah and shown where we will live for ever with the seven virgins bathed in a river of milk and honey.no,wait a minute,that`s what they believe.now i`m confused again.
Posted by: alistair on April 12, 2004 07:56 AM"no,wait a minute,that`s what they believe.now i`m confused again.
Posted by: alistair on April 12, 2004 07:56 AM"
Yes, that's been obvious in every one of your posts.