[danneskjold]

Does this mean Spain will get to re-vote?

[Post Toasties]

Yigal Carmon, president of the Washington-based Middle East Media Research Institute and counter-terrorism adviser to three prime ministers, said the Abu Hafs statement does not represent Al Qaida.

"The text of this statement includes linguistic usages and concepts that are incompatible with or alien to authentic Al Qaida writings by Osama Bin Laden, Dr. Ayman Al Zawahiri, and others," Carmon wrote in an analysis.

Possibly, but if this is the strongest argument for believing that there are no ties between Al Qaeda and the Madrid bombings, it sounds weak because isn't Al Qaeda supposed to be largely decentralized?

[wayoverontheright]

Who had the most to gain from these bombings? How about Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero and his minions?

First, remote detonation simply isn't al-Qaida's signature, there was secular involvement here. Secondly, al-Qaida still hasn't acknowledged involvement in 9-11, why this one and why so rapidly?

This looks like a frame up to me, since when did Socialists not consider their own citizens to be expendable to achieve their grand vision?

[Dog Gone]

Abu Hafs said it also supports the re-election campaign of President George Bush.

Proof that this group likes to send prank notes.

[Atlas Sneezed]

The analysts said the Abu Hafs Al Masri Brigade appears to be a fictitiou organization that could represent part of Al Qaida's psychological warfare campaign against the West. They said Abu Hafs has taken responsibility for non-existent attacks and that its communiques don't bear Al Qaida's imprint.

---

Wow! These brilliant "analysts" figured out the same loons who claimed credit for the 2003 US East Cost power blackout might not be responsible for this either?

Thank heaven for experts!

[Paradox]

I am far from a tin-foiler, in fact, I think the vast majority of them are cranks. So I wont buy the idea that the Socialists set this thing off. However, I would entertain the thought that post bombing, knowing that an ETA link would strenghten Aznars position, they might have posted the fake Al-Q letter..

[Rocky]

"Abu Hafs said it also supports the re-election campaign of President George Bush. "

Why would Al Queda say this? Just to embarrass Bush? Who would believe that Al Queda supports Bush? No one in Al Queda could seriously believe that this would carry any credibility.

Maybe someone else is involved. Maybe the Spanish socialists? Their leader comes out for Kerry, so the terrorists come out for Bush to distance themselves from Zapatero?

[mhking]

Anything to downplay the overall threat of AQ; Bottomline: Spain surrenders and joins the Axis of Weasels.

[hosepipe]

Wonder if the Spanish Socialists planted the bomb FOR the terrorists or aided them in any way.. they sure seem to be on the same page worldwide. Americas socialists are tearing their clothes and throwing dirt on themselves when any HARM comes to any terrorist.. Hmmmmmm. I just wonder..What have the democrats got planned..? An event at the democrat convention..?

[sully777]

I sensed MEMRI's conclusion. The major factor for me was the statement about being responsible for the blackouts in the summer, Spain's role in Iraq (Spain has always been on the moslem shortlist since the Moors retreated to North Africa), and the coalition are pummeling AQ positions throughout world. I suppose you can add Spain's bombing HAILED by the worldwide socialists/communists. The communist-led "peace" movement is energized. The western media is jazzed.

Something is very wrong with this entire scenario.

[ampat]

The purpose of claiming credit for a bombing is to get the bombed party to give up, or negotiate. In order for that to happen, the bombed party must know who the bomber is. Otherwise, if the bomber wishes to remain anonymous, then there is, usually, a clandestine agenda. The last reason for not taking credit is to wage war while not identifying oneself. However, that is very small scale and would take centuries.

[RetiredArmy]

Yadda, yadda, yadda. So, who did do it? A rogue militant group from Tibet?

[cake_crumb]

I caught the reference to "crusade" too...but it doesn't matter. The fact is that al Qaeda was credited with the victory over Spain. It's too late to take that back now. It'll create a huge jump in terrorist recruits just drooling to "choose death"...which IS definitely an al Qaeda-ism, and was on the tape.