(BREAKING) ARABIC TAPE AND DETONATORS FOUND IN VAN IN MADRID - SPANISH MINISTER

Reuters ^ | 11 march, 2004 | Skynews

[Eurotwit]

Sky News just reported that a Spanish minister has just announced that an arabic tape (?) and detontator where found in a van in Madrid.

[yonif]

It doesn't matter if Al Queda is in existance or not. As long as the ideology it follows continues to spread throughout the world, more attacks will be forecoming.

[jtminton]

Spain isn't a nuclear capable nation

That sounds so P.C.!!!!!

[Tempest]

Why target Spain though?

[cajungirl]

This gives me concern for all our allies,,Italy and Britain mostly. I think they will try something there.

[Diddle E. Squat]

So what is your best guess right now as to any level of ETA involvement? Could one of their cells have been used by AQ to pull this off? I have read that the ETA previously tried but failed to bomb a Madrid skyscraper.

[cardinal4]

Fox now reporting Al Qaeda responsibilty for Madrid, the two synagogues in Turkey and the UN HQ in Baghdad. I guess Monsieur Kerry was wrong about an exaggerated threat..

[Eurotwit]

Thanks, Dog. Here's a good piece from Haaretz posted by catspaw on another thread about the Al Qaeda claim:

http://www.haaretzdaily.com/hasen/spages/403722.html

Report: Al-Qaida claims Madrid attack that kills 190

By Haaretz Service and Agencies



The London-based Arabic newspaper Al-Quds al-Arabi said Thursday it had received a claim of responsibility issued by The Brigade of Abu Hafs al-Masri in the name of Al-Qaida for the Madrid terrorist attacks that killed at least 190 people and wounded 1,247.




The claim received by email at the paper's London offices said the brigade's "death squad" had penetrated "one of the pillars of the crusade alliance, Spain."

"This is part of settling old accounts with Spain, the crusader, and America's ally in its war against Islam," the claim said.

Referring to Spain's Prime Minister Jose Maria Aznar, the statement asked: "Aznar, where is America? Who will protect you, Britain, Japan, Italy and others from us?"

The newspaper received similar letters from the same brigade claiming responsibility on behalf of Al-Qaida for a November bombing of two synagogues in Turkey and the August bombing of the UN headquarters in Baghdad.....-snip-

[swilhelm73]

Since when is Spain the great satan? Why wasnt I informed of this change?

Well, Spain did play a major role in saving Europe from the Islamic hordes - both with the Reconquisista that threw the invaders out of Spain inself and then with various wars and battles taken to the Muslim world.

Most notably, Spain was a major partcipant in the battle of Lepanto that helped break most of the Muslim naval threat.

It would later take an Austrian-Polish alliance to stop the Turkish advance on land.

This is all ancient history of course, and while Spain and Poland are American allies, don't overlook historical hatred completely as one of the reasons for Islamist aggression. Osama himself has complained publically about the Reconquisista.

[NeoCaveman]

Why target Spain though?

They have been one of our strongest allies in the WOT

Also, the Muslims ran controlled much of Spain until King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella (and the Inquisition) finished running them out in 1492. So in the Islamic mind, Spain is Islamic territory occupied by infidels.

[Lexinom]

Someone finally noticed this. Exactly 18 months to the day of 9/11. Al Queda does pick its dates carefully.

[michigander]

Your link.

[thackney]

Kerry says threat of terrorism is exaggerated
http://washingtontimes.com/national/20040129-115023-8966r.htm

The Washington Times
January 29, 2004

[Rutles4Ever]

Who will protect you, Britain, Japan, Italy and others from us?"

Not good at all.

[NeoCaveman]

Someone finally noticed this. Exactly 18 months to the day of 9/11. Al Queda does pick its dates carefully.

30 months, but your point is well taken.

[Lexinom]

30 months rather.

[Dog]

They better beef up Aznars security after this statement..

Referring to Spain's Prime Minister Jose Maria Aznar, the statement asked: "Aznar, where is America? Who will protect you, Britain, Japan, Italy and others from us?"

This is down right chilling.

[Rutles4Ever]

Notice how they did not specify either Germany or France?

[Dog]

Those countries better increase the threat level....the chit is about to hit the shan.

[Finalapproach29er]

Elections in Spain in a matter of days.

Plus P.M. ASNAR has been a great friendto the USA; sent 1300 to Iraq.

[Dog]

Yep..