[Alberta's Child]

Because the Socialists were opposed to Spain's involvement in Iraq in the first place.

Call me cynical, but I suspect that this is why the Spanish government was so quick to blame ETA for this.

On a separate note, I'm struck by a conversation I had last year with a close friend of mine from a moderate Islamic country -- which introduces the intriguing possibility that these Muslims have nothing to do with al-Qaeda.

I'll post more as further details emerge.

[thoughtomator]

That radical, murderous Islam needs no leadership, but in fact is a self-propogating meme?

[livius]

I'll bet that ETA was connected, but Spain blamed ETA alone initially because it has always been responsible for such things in the past, and because there have been a number of arrests of ETA members transporting bombs and explosive towards Madrid.

The fact that it's AQ is probably going to mean that Spain will capitulate and elect appeasement-oriented Socialists tomorrow. I hope proof of ETA's involvement (and I'm certain there was some) can be turned up quickly.

[Publius6961]

which introduces the intriguing possibility that these Muslims have nothing to do with al-Qaeda.

Ohhh. OK
I suppose that means that it's OK for the sandmaggots to kill hundrerd, as long as they're not al-qaeda. If they're not al-qaeda, but muslim, then they can do whatever they want and there's no connection btween them.

What, exactly, is "intriguing" (never mind relevant) about the fact that they are not al-qaeda?

[Teacher317]

Because the Socialists were opposed to Spain's involvement in Iraq in the first place. Call me cynical, but I suspect that this is why the Spanish government was so quick to blame ETA for this.

Cynic!

(But I happen to agree 100% with your analysis)

[hardhead]

That IS intriguing. The human in me wants to think that there may be muslim counterparts who disdain violence. However, I wouldn't bank on it.

[mdmathis6]

Muslims are taught to be a brotherhood...they are all tied together psychologically in a most unique way. Even the most moderate one aren't going to rat another more extremist out. Even if this groups of Muslims is not tied directly to AlQuaeda, they support the same goals and means as AlQuaeda. These groups pretend not to be tied directly together so that when one group strikes another says..."oops wasn't us". It is a means of psychologically confusing an opponent who doesn't just want to strke at a "innocent" victim.

If a group strikes...we should strike at what we can reach; those who have similar aims as the groups who claimed responsibility for the original strike. That way we concentrate on each segment of the snake one at a time. If nothing else if a western target is struck, we do the Israelis a favor and Hamas and the PLO hard. We hit any group that expresses war-fare against us...after-all if they express war-fare against us they have declared war!