A Spainyard in the Works
by international correspondent,
cousin Lemuel Dash

The probable result of the new government in Spain will be a "smart" anti-terrorist policy.

The general concern over the Iraq adventure included a significant European concern that this was a diversion from the real enemy. Saddam was evil but wasn't setting up cells inside your country and getting ready to blow up your citizens. Ex-patriate Muslim fanatics were and still are. Many European countries have significant Muslim populations. The vast majority are good citizens. They should be allies in avoiding being blown up. But you have to allow them to be allies, and give them a realistic stage to express themselves. Having a very public war on a sectarian regime (however brutal and despotic) but comprised of Muslims, was not the best step forward.

Look for a more holistic, legal, and finessed approach to terrorism. But not a retreat from defeating terror and advancing civil society.

A little instant history: The Popular Party treated Basque national aspirations with a contempt inherited from Franco. The political wing of ETA has been calling for negotiations not armed struggle for about ten years. The PP resisted any dialogue. The result was the targeted terror of ETA over the past years. The Socialists may not be so dogmatic. They have significant support in the North. So watch this space.... This could be a Historic Moment where Basque national aspirations are recruited into a pan-European effort to defend the continent. Or maybe not.

On a broader front: The wheel is finally in spin and the possibility of real New World Dynamic could be forthcoming. Maybe better than a New World Order. Maybe not. Stay tuned

Lemuel
P.S. Suggested Reading: here