[jpthomas]

This is how the major German media is portraying what happened in Spain. It seems altogether too convenient and contrived to me. Germany and France are delighted at the change in government in Spain -- it increases their changes of getting the EU constitution ratified with the major provisions they want put in place.

If on the other hand the Spanish government did indeed deliberately mislead to the extent purported here, then they deserved to lose the confidence of the people.

Can any of our European Freepers shed more light on this?

[eno_]

Aznar made a serious mistake. Yes, the Spanish populace turned into surrender monkeys, but Aznar did himself no favors.

[lonewacko_dot_com]

See this report from Fri 12 March, 2004 15:04 (presumably that's GMT or I guess 4 or 5pm Spanish time)

http://www.reuters.co.uk/newsPackageArticle.jhtml?type=topNews&storyID=474912&section=news

"Rucksack bombs used in deadly Madrid train bombings were set off by mobile phone and contained copper detonators, which are not generally used by armed Basque separatist group ETA, a radio station has reported... The Interior Ministry could not immediately confirm the report."

So, the Germans might be telling a half-truth about that point. "German officials were also not informed until after the election that the detonator found with the explosives was not a type used by ETA." They might not have been informed, but it would appear that information was out there.

[mtbopfuyn]

Germany whining because they were misled by Spain? Oh, puleez, they're tickled pink with situation.

[JasonC]

Commies covering for the lies of other commies. The Spanish government told the world what it knew when it knew it. We knew instantly about Koranic verses in a van. They arrested Moroccans before the vote. The entire line that they tried to deceive is a lie, left spin, an allegation for political advantage without anything to back it up. They are trying to criminalize not being omniscient the day after a terrorist attack.

[McGavin999]

I'm not falling for this. This is a set up. The socialists have long tried to work things out with ETA. Watch for an effort to have the ETA removed from the terrorists lists, followed by a bit for their own country.

[nkycincinnatikid]

Jesus F Chr... you know what I mean.. we are talking hours here, after a terorist attack invited upon Spain by the german and french governments. schroeder is jealous of Aznars un blackened unpomaded hair. When Goebbels dictated public opinion the people used that as an excuse, what is the excuse now .

[Publius6961]

I happen to believe that the Germans aren't stupid. Why would they ask (and expect a definitive answer) as to who is responsible for an atrocity just hours after the event?
Makes no sense. Looks like the spinners in Europe are no more rational than the domestic variety. Oh well.