Okay,say that it is the work of Al Qaeda in Spain. What is the motivation?

[efhmc]

I know why the US is a target but I do not see the reason to attack Spain. Because they can? Because the Spanish government is holding an election tomorrow (are they still having one?) and if so why to that question also, because they aligned themselves with us in Iraq (the government and not the people)?

[boobooday]

1. I choose reason #3

U.S. Allies in Iraq.



http://www.wgoeshome.com

[mmonk]

2. could it be

that Spain is now part of the US system?

[efhmc]

5. Gosh, the one Spaniard I know would not be pleased with that statement.

He is one proud person.

[Sparkly]

3. Yes, to hurt the U.S.

Doesn't make other governments want to cooperate with us! (How many were left that did, anyway?)

[efhmc]

4. If that is true, I feel sorry for the people in Britian because they will

be in the line of fire. Aren't we the great leaders of the world? Right into the quagmire.

[Sparkly]

13. Definitely

Britain has reason to be nervous, and angry.

[efhmc]

15. Heard yesterday before they knew who was doing what that GB had

been informed by al-Qaeda that they were next.

[newyawker99]

18. Hi Sparkly!!

Welcome to DU!! :toast:

[molly]

6. All of the above replies

[July]

7. Long memories?

That is, the Crusades, driving the Moors out of Spain? Perception that we (with Spain's help) are warring against Islam?

[efhmc]

8. Interesting thought but somehow I cannot see this gang of evildoers

that concerned about past powerful countries that did them wrong.

[WoodrowFan]

12. are you kidding??

that's why they refer to the US and allies as "crusaders" still. Ever watch Middle-Eastern TV? They've got shows about the crusades like the US History Channel still covers World War II. It's not JUST that, it's also Iraq (mainly Iraq) but they have very, very long memories.... The US is unusual in that we DON'T have memories that long...

[efhmc]

16. Still upset over the crusades? That makes my relatives that are still

angry about the war between the states seem like newbies.

[Leilani]

9. Mostly #3

To show how costly it can be to ally with the US.

Also, this may affect election outcome, because the Spanish people were 90% against this war. And the gov't has been lying about who was responsible for the bombing.

And lastly, beacuse they can.

[efhmc]

10. So really all of these things played a part. Is the election still being

held tomorrow?

[still_one]

11. The reason has been stated

Al Quadia indicated months ago they would attack any country helping the U.S. in Iraq. They hope to also influence the Spanish election because of this

[efhmc]

14. But how and why? What do they care who wins or is defeated in Spain?

[arewethereyet]

17. here's the justification

After Great Britan, Spain was the most prominent Coalition member.

Spain is a Christian, western nation. What jihadists are on jihad against.

Spain was apparantly more lax in permitting this to occur and so it happened. Proximity certainly didn't hurt.

And I do suspect that ETA and AlQueda did work together on this. The MO was clearly AlQueda but ETA also has an axe to grind and but the expertise to do the job.