Summary
NOW the backlash begins. Early official results from Spain's general election last night showed the opposition Socialist Party leading the ruling Popular Party. The PP had been ahead in the most recent public opinion polls, but looks to have fallen victim to public anger over the government's handling of the Madrid terror bombings. Thus, far from being a blind act of mindless terrorism, Thursday's terror attack may well prove pivotal in triggering political change in Spain. The government was a staunch and highly visible ally of the US-led invasion of Iraq last year. As the finger of suspicion for the bombing moved away from ETA towards al-Qaeda at the weekend, many voters came to see the slaughter as a direct consequence of Spain's support for the war. The speed and conviction with which the government initially blamed ETA for the attacks looks to have further angered domestic opponents.
If early poll indications prove an accurate pointer to the outcome, this cannot but cause massive apprehension across Europe. Spain will even more be seen as a model for future al-Qaeda operations. As it is, Europe's politicians are already battling with the Madrid shockwaves on other fronts. Yesterday, amid growing concern among Arab communities in Europe of an anti-Islamic backlash, Germany called for an emergency meeting of European Union security chiefs as growing signs of al-Qaeda involvement in the Madrid massacre sent shivers of fear through the continent.See the full content of this document
Extract
Leader: Spanish Poll Is Rocked by Terror Aftershock
The German proposal was welcomed by Spain but knocked down by a spokesman for the Irish EU presidency, who said member states already had enough opportunities to discuss counter-terrorism and that there were no plans for special ministerial talks.
European politicians and the public have good reason to be concerned. Las...See the full content of this document
Sponsored links
