[Basenshukai]

Sadly, as the nearly 200 bodies are prepared for burial, the Spanish population is questioning the wisdom of its government having supported the United States in its Global War on Terrorism (GWOT); namely Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF). About two years ago I had the pleasure of training alongside a Spanish infantry officer. He was not only highly competent in his country’s doctrine, but was equally adept at our own. On the eve of his return to Spain, he told me about the one thing that set the United States military apart from the Spanish armed forces the most. His revelation was surprising. It was not our realistic training – constantly tested and validated in battle. It was not our cutting edge technology - years ahead of any military in the world. It was not our highly trained non-commissioned officer corps - the most professional in the world. It was the willingness of the American people, more than anywhere else in the world, to commit their sons and daughters to voluntary military service and to have the moral and physical courage to get after the enemy, wherever he may be. Historically, Spain, as a nation, has lacked the willingness to involve itself in modern conflict.

Spain remained militarily neutral during World War One. Economically, it was a very significant source of goods for France, the other allies and South America. Amazingly, Spain also lost close to 140,000 tons of shipping (not to mention ship personnel) to the German U-Boats during the war. Nevertheless, Spain was not eager to engage the Germans, directly, or otherwise, in the prosecution of any retaliatory military action.

During World War Two, Spain was neutral as well. However, from the period of 1939 to 1942, it was quite close to the Axis Powers. The rule of Franco and the economic destruction following its three-year civil war, took any incentive out of the Spanish government to involve itself into a destructive conflict. Nevertheless, Franco had entered into talks with Hitler in order to secure Spain’s security during the war (a pervasive attitude in Europe called “appeasement�).

In the end, I think that fighting is not in the heart of Spanish people. It will probably take a strong government and, sadly, another catastrophic event, to propel Spain forward into a true fight against terrorism on its own soil and beyond. Al Qaeda’s strike against Spain has come at a critical time. The fact that the strike has come exactly 911 days after our own collision with destiny should not be lost on us. The symbolism here is obvious. However, the most important aspect of this strike is just below the surface.

This latest attack clearly punishes Spain for supporting the United States during OIF and the GWOT. The average Spaniard psyche is germane to the next point. These attacks will likely, and predictably, create a backlash against the current ruling party as it supported the United States and indirectly proposed an alternate target for Al Qaeda to exploit. Many on the left see Spain’s support as a return to the days of St. James the Moorslayer, who is said to have helped the Spanish warriors drive out the Muslim occupiers nearly 800 years ago. This is nonsensical rhetoric but nevertheless, not lost on the far left there, or anywhere else in Europe.

If this strategy works to significantly affect the upcoming elections, Al Qaeda would have achieved an even grander victory. If Al Qaeda proves to itself that it can manipulate a nation’s elections, then no election, anywhere, is safe.