The coordinated train bombings in Madrid have altered Europe’s political structure, shaken global financial markets and unsettled the American-led coalition in Iraq. Although we still do not know for sure who committed the atrocity, the only groups to have claimed responsibility so far say they represent Al Qaeda. In any event, the attacks are clearly consistent with jihadist doctrine and aims. Osama bin Laden, specifically mentioning the loss of southern Spain to Christianity in 1492, has made it clear that any land once in Muslim hands was fair game for global jihad. For the last year the Israeli historian Reuven Paz has monitored jihadist writings about Spain, which focused on the Spanish government’s participation in Iraq. “In order to force the Spanish government to withdraw from Iraq,” one online tract read, “it is a must to exploit the coming general elections in Spain.” It added that two to three attacks would ensure “the victory of the Socialist Party and the withdrawal of Spanish forces,” the first domino in the collapse of the American-led coalition. Full Story
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