March 11, 2004
Spain's 9/11
Today is Spain's September 11th. Over 107 dead confirmed in cowardly terrorist bombings of civilians. Reports on who's responsible vary, but terrorism is terrorism, regardless of who pulls the trigger.
The Spanish people deserve our support and solidarity, just as they supported our fight against terrorism after 9/11 and the continuing war on terror. Even though these bombings may not be directly linked with Al Qaeda or other related factions and may be part of an ongoing internal problem with the ETA, every freedom loving country of the world should stand with the Spanish government and her people to ensure swift justice and punishment of the guilty parties.
Today, we are all Spanish.
UPDATE: As of noon today US eastern there are over 180 dead, at least 900 wounded.
I am surprised by some of the reaction around the blogosphere to these attacks. There are many who feel a solidarity with the Spanish people, not only because of today's death and destruction, but because the Spanish have been our allies, against popular support at home and the rest of the "world" community, in the War On Terror.
Yet there are others angered by world press and opinion showing outrage caused by the attacks. I've read more than a few complaining that the media and the world doesn't show said outrage when attacks on innocent civilians occur in Israel and the Middle East. I agree. It does seem the world doesn't really care about the Israeli plight and the media does seem to slant their stories and coverage in favor of the Palestinians.
However, that fact should not deter people from feeling for the Spanish people at this moment. Hundreds of innocent people dead, regardless of nationality, is a terrible thing.
Perhaps this attention is not tended to Israel as it should because your "neighbors" are so awash in hatred, and attacks happen so often there, and have been happening for so long that it is almost an every day occurence. While Spain has not been free from terrorist attacks, they are few and far between and with much much less loss of life.
For you naysayers out there, for those of you that are more upset by the fact that the world is angry about Spain and not about Israel, stop whining. Some of us do care about your plight. Some of us do support your cause. Some of us do feel for your losses of life. Some of us do stand shoulder to shoulder with you against your foes. Some of us really do believe in you.
Your moaning and whining only hurt your cause.
Posted by Val Prieto at March 11, 2004 09:32 AM
Comments
I am not Spanish.
Not now. Not ever.
Posted by: Laurence Simon at March 11, 2004 10:06 AM
Apparently not Laurence. I'm not Jewish or Israeli, but it doesnt stop me from supporting my Jewish and Israeli friends. To each his own I guess.
Posted by: Val Prieto at March 11, 2004 10:22 AM
Val,
I was just reading through the headlines of elpais.es and their estimate is 186 dead,and about 1000 woundeds.
You're right to say this is Spain's 9/11, this is probably the most violent, sickly calculated terrorist attack continental Europe has seen in ages.
My thoughts go to the families of the victims.
Posted by: erwan at March 11, 2004 10:56 AM
"sickly calculated" is absolutely the correct description...
Today, I am Spanish, dammit.
Posted by: J.Scott Barnard at March 11, 2004 11:06 AM
Today, my sympathy and my prayers are with those families. This fight is an indirect extension of our own, and we need to show Spain support in what will be a painful time for them.
The 9/11 comparison is apt.
Posted by: zombyboy at March 11, 2004 11:43 AM
Terrorism = Cowards
Posted by: Latino Pundit at March 11, 2004 11:46 AM
Beautifully said Val. But let's not be fooled into thinking that it's "part of an ongoing internal problem." ETA, IRA, PLO, Al-Qaeda, FARC... whoever committed this atrocity, these terrorist organizations are no more than organized crime families, who are increasingly interconnected in their efforts to launder money and deal in arms -- often using the international drug trade as their paramount revenue stream.
This is not Spain's problem, it's everyone's problem.
Posted by: Todd at March 11, 2004 12:33 PM
What Todd said. Pretending any terrorism is purely local is sticking your head in the sand. And as a Jew, I'm absolutely apalled that some of my coreligionists would regard this as an opportunity to take out their justifiable anger at the biases of the media on the people of Spain. Please, have some fucking sympathy and some sense: we're all in this fight together.
Posted by: Dave J at March 11, 2004 02:25 PM
I've always tried to think of myself as all people. And, yes, today I'm Spanish.
The real sad tragedy of the "war on terror" is that these groups do coordinate. IRA bomb specialists help the FARC, who's assasins help Hamas, etc. It's a web of barbarism. And. It must be resisted. Worldwide.
Posted by: miguel at March 11, 2004 03:03 PM
I haven't said anything about this because I'm waiting to find out if it was Basques or Muslims. Now Drudge is linking to an article claiming there is evidence of an Arab connection.
Big surprise, I know.
Posted by: Steve H. at March 11, 2004 05:26 PM
Que viva Espania!
I've been in shock all day. I'm virtually in tears...and as I see more evidence of Al Qaida...my anger at them grows yet hotter.
Posted by: Calixto at March 11, 2004 06:09 PM
Val: He is not whining, this is his usually hidden opinion. VERY SAD.....
Posted by: Bill at March 11, 2004 08:51 PM
To the citizens of Spain:
We are so sorry to hear about what happened. If there is anything we can do for you, you have only to ask.
From the citizens of
Houston, Texas USA
Posted by: Jason at March 12, 2004 11:41 AM
Europe cries out! They finally reached us.
We began to feel them a little closer after 11-9-2001 but we never thought they would dare hit Europe.They are ruthless and completely fanatic.
I can't imagine what awaits us.
By the way I am Greek and here we are all concerned about the Olympics.
Posted by: Anastasia at March 15, 2004 11:11 AM
Thank you all for being so supportive. I am Spanish, and one of my friends almost died in the attacks. I agree with Val. When September 11th happened in the U.S, my family and I prayed for the people in the towers. When the bombings in Iraq started, we prayed for the innocent Iraquis there. And, I would just like to say to everyone here, violence is not the answer. Well, bye for now. *PEACE*
Posted by: Carli at April 18, 2004 11:45 PM