Spain is targeted by terrorism

Demonstrators hold up their hands and call for an end to violence at a gathering in Seville.

Taunting claim of responsibility

In a five-page e-mail claim sent to Al-Quds al-Arabi, Abu Hafs al-Masri said the brigade’s “death squad” had penetrated “one of the pillars of the crusade alliance, Spain.”

“This is part of settling old accounts with Spain, the crusader, and America’s ally in its war against Islam,” the claim said.

The statement taunted the prime minister, asking: “Aznar, where is America? Who will protect you, Britain, Japan, Italy and others from us?”

The message, which the newspaper faxed to The Associated Press office in Cairo, Egypt, also warned the United States that another major strike was approaching.

“We announce the good news for the Muslims in the world that the strike of the black wind of death, the expected strike against America, is now at its final stage — 90 percent ready — and it is coming soon, by God’s will,” the message said.

This apparent disconnect led some Thursday to speculate that Islamic terrorist groups might be behind the blasts, perhaps striking a blow at Spain for its decision to support the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq, or angered by the fact that Spain has arrested more alleged al-Qaida operatives than any European country outside Germany and France. Certainly, viewed from the perspective of al-Qaida, a group that dwells on perceived injustices centuries past, striking at the nation that drove the Moors from Europe in 1492 would not be hard to justify.

“… we weep with the families. We stand strongly with the people of Spain. I appreciate so very much the Spanish government’s fight against terror, their resolute stand against terrorist organizations, like ETA. The United States stand with them. Today we ask God’s blessing on those who suffer in the great country of Spain.”

–U.S. President Bush

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