Contrary to what American political pundits have been saying, former President Aznar was not cruising to an early victory prior to the bombings in Madrid. Remember, the Spanish people had overwhelming voiced opposition to Spain entering the Iraq war as an ally of Bush and Blair; their anger at Aznar for the deaths of their soldiers was ripe in their minds as was the economic turmoil this has caused for Spain. This in addition to the Basque problem that was troubling Madrid.
Let us say that the bombing was the final straw for Aznar. The people were already angry, regardless of the government polls that showed him leading. Most of us in the country knew that he would lose this race because he was leading Spain into a disaster like that of Bush and the U.S. But once again, as is the case these days, the Amerian media paints pictures the way Bush wants them, not the way they are. Thus, they paint Aznar’s loss as a total result of the bombings; this is patently untrue.
Now the people of Spain have decided that if Bush wants to put the American people at peril, and Blair wants to do the same for Great Britain, and Berlisconi for Italy, then let them have their little game and take the consequences because it is now clear that no one of these aggressor nations will escape the wrath of the Muslim militants and that retaliation is only a matter of time.
Some have asked what Al Qa’eda wants, as if they didn’t know. Al Qa’eda and other Arab and Muslim groups have made clear that their wants are few: 1. Stop total support of Israel in their killing of Palestinians. Level the playing field so that justice can be served for both sides, not just helping Israel brutalize the Palestinians and stop allowing Israel from stealing their land and continuing this illegal wall. 2. Get out of Iraq and Afghanistan, both Muslim lands and places that America does not belong. 3. Get out of the Muslim Holy Land of Saudi Arabia, and in a short time, get out of all Muslim and Arab lands. If not, the attacks will not stop.
It is time for the West, especially the U.S., Great Britain and Italy, and Poland as well for they may become a target if this pattern persists in Al Qa’eda attacks, to get out of the Muslim world or face attacks that will hurt the innocent people of these countries while the leaders continue to reward their friends with lucrative contracts for the occupation of lands that they do not belong in.
The Spanish people have made their voice heard. We are sure others will be heard in the near future because Mr. Bush’s adventures should not be paid for with innocent blood of American troops, British troops or civilians in any nation on the earth. Up to now, it has been primarily Arab and Muslim blood that has been spilled. Unfortunately, now, innocent Spanish blood has been spilled, following innocent American blood, both on March 11. It is time for this to stop, but the only men who can stop it are Bush and Blair, the cells of Al Qa’eda now seem to acting on their own, which means matters are more dangerous than ever for the West.
Sam Hamod is editor of todaysalternativenews.com; Alfredo Reyes is an independent writer based in Madrid. They can be reached at: shamod@cox.net
