"Who Was Behind the Madrid Bombings? Uncertainty Reigns"

MADRID, Mar 12 (IPS) - Spain awoke Friday still in a state of shock over the devastating terrorist attacks in Madrid which left at least 198 dead and 1,430 injured Thursday. As the country gets ready for Sunday's elections, uncertainty prevails over who was responsible for the attacks.

Prime Minister José María Aznar said Friday that the authorities had not ruled out ''any line of investigation.'' He added that ''the only difference marking religious fanaticism is the alibis they use, but all terrorists obey the same murderous impulse.''

No one claimed responsibility for the attacks immediately. However, Interior Minister Angel Acebes initially told reporters that ''there is no doubt that the (Basque separatist) terrorist group ETA is responsible'' for the incidents. Full Article

Slaughter in Madrid: Consolidating an Ally?

By James Hollander, www.counterpunch.org

My own feeling is that the attack, either deliberately or not, could end up making Spain a firmer ally of Washington in the "war on terror," regardless of who wins the elections this Sunday. Some 94% of the population opposed the invasion of Iraq and the Aznar government's unconditional support for it, and at least 10% of the population took to the streets against the war on February 15 last year. That is, the "war on terror" and the US/UK/Israel crusade aroused very little support among the populace.

As Spain's own 9/11, this attack might be the "blood bond," the tool for the Spanish political class to consolidate broader social support for coming imperial wars, restrictions of civil liberties and general social paranoia, phenomena from which Spain had been relatively exempt until today. Those responsible for this must have known. Full Article

Madrid bombings expected to play decisive role
in Sunday's general elections in Spain

Depending on who voters believe is responsible for the Madrid bombings, Sunday's general election in Spain could turn into a referendum on Prime Minister Jose Maria Aznar's support for the Iraq war.

Spaniards reacted furiously last year when Aznar aligned himself with President Bush and British Prime Minister Tony Blair to support the U.S.-led invasion. Aznar did not send combat troops but did dispatch 1,300 peacekeepers.

The Spanish government initially blamed the Basque separatist group ETA for Thursday's devastating train blasts in Madrid that killed 199 people and wounded more than 1,400. But now it is analyzing a reported claim of responsibility on behalf of al-Qaida. Full Article

¤ Madrid atrocities: Was it Eta or al-Qa'ida?
¤ Bombing not work of Al-Qaida
¤ Finger points at ETA as Madrid toll rises to 198
¤ Spain mourns Madrid bomb victims
¤ 'This is our September 11'
¤ Purported Qaeda Letter Says U.S. Strike Near Ready
¤ Investigation of Bombings in Madrid Yields Conflicting Clues
¤ Iran: 'We're not going to take it anymore'
¤ Mercenary leader goes on TV to describe plot to kidnap president