Spain Arrests Five in Madrid Bombings

[BeyondGeography]

By JOHN LEICESTER, Associated Press Writer

MADRID, Spain - Spain arrested three Moroccans and two Indians on Saturday in connection with the Madrid train bombings, the strongest indication yet of a possible Islamic link to the attack on one of Washington's staunchest allies in Iraq (news - web sites).

The announcement by Interior Minister Angel Acebes came just hours before polls were to open Sunday in general elections weighed down by debate over who carried out Europe's deadliest terrorist attack in 15 years.

A London-based Arabic newspaper received a claim of responsibility in al-Qaida's name, but the government has been reluctant to blame the Islamic group.

Opposition members believe Islamic militants targeted Spain because of Prime Minister Jose Maria Aznar's support for the U.S.-led war in Iraq. They believe Aznar's government is trying to downplay that possibility to improve its chances in the election.

About 5,000 people protested Saturday.

http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=514&e=1&u=/ap/20040313/ap_on_re_eu/spain_3

[ugarte]

1. Spaniards wanted no part in invading Iraq

but their arrogant government cared more about kissing up to the U.S. Now the blood of the dead is on Aznar's head--not just Iraqi dead, but 200 Spaniards.

Like Tony Blair, Aznar deserves nothing but the same contempt he showed for Spanish public opinion.

[CerealMurderer]

4. What does Iraq have to do with the bombing?

Please explain.

[muriel_volestrangler]

2. dupe

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=102x420081

[phaseolus]

3. couple other ideas --

1.) Al-Q is still pissed about Ferdinand and Isabella, the whole reconquista thing five centuries ago, and
2.) They're sick fucks who like blowing shit up

??