Spain has been hit by a devastating terror attack, which has left over 180 people dead and over 600 more wounded.
Officials have blamed Basque separatist group ETA for the attack, although there are signs that it could be Al Qaeda.
Here is some information on ETA.
ETA is a leftist group that uses terrorism in hopes of forming an independent Basque state in parts of northern Spain and southwest France.
Sounds like the PLO Arabs to me. Except the Basques have been in the area for much longer.
The Basques are a linguistically and culturally distinct Christian group that has lived since the Stone Age in the mountainous region that straddles the border between modern-day Spain and France. The Basques have never had their own independent state, but they have enjoyed varying degrees of autonomy over the centuries under Spanish and French rule.
But despite the similarities, world leaders unanimously view the ETA as a terrorist group, condemning today’s attack in no uncertain terms. On the other hand, world leaders are, at best, equivocal in their condemnation of the PLO Arab terrorist groups. Here is a comparison of reactions by world leaders to today’s bombing in Spain, and terror attacks in Israel over the past few years.
Brian Cowen, Foreign Minister of Ireland (holds the rotating EU presidency)
Terror in Spain: Unequivocal condemnation.
“I condemn in the strongest terms those responsible for this morning’s bomb attacks in Madrid. Horror and revulsion are the words that come to mind.”
Terror in Israel: Equivocal condemnation. For example:
The Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ireland, Mr. Brian Cowen, TD, speaking as Presidency of the European Union strongly condemned this morning’s suicide bomb attack on a bus in Jerusalem. The Minister offered his condolences to the families of those killed and expressed his hopes for the speedy recovery of those injured in the attack. These attacks do nothing to advance the cause of the Palestinian people or prospects for a comprehensive settlement of the conflict.
This attack and the killings of Palestinians in Gaza yesterday are worrying signs that violence may be on the increase and that prospects for peace are receding.
The Presidency calls on all those who desire peace in the Middle East to do everything possible to ensure an end to violence and to work to implement the Roadmap, which alone offers the possibility of Israel and a Palestinian State living side-by-side in peace and security.
Jack Straw
Terror in Spain: Unequivocal condemnation:
“We have all to recognise that these atrocities are a disgusting assault on the very principle of European democracy.”
Terror in Israel: Equivocal condemnation. For example:
“I am appalled at the horrific suicide bombings in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem yesterday, which left at least 15 Israelis dead and many more injured. I offer my and the British government’s deepest condolences to the families of those killed, and to the injured. There is no justification for such brutal acts of terrorism.
It is tragic that so many innocent people, Israeli and Palestinian, are suffering because of the small minority who do not want peace, and the cycle of violence which their terror sustains.”
Straw has also in the past expressed sympathy for the PLO Arab terrorists, saying:
“When young people go to their deaths, we can all feel a degree of compassion for those youngsters. They must be so misguided and depressed to do this.”
The Pope
Terror in Spain: Unequivocal condemnation, describing the explosions as “detestable attacks” and an “offense to God.”
Terror in Israel: Equivocal condemnation. For instance:
The Pope’s message, relayed by the Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Angelo Sodano (bio – news), assailed the “recourse to violence” and “attack on innocent and defenseless persons.” The Pope said he was “terribly saddened” by the news of the new bombing, and expressed his solidarity with all those “Israelis, Palestinians, and people of good will– who are plunged into anguish and consternation” by the latest tragedy. The Pope issued a new appeal to all those involved in Arab-Israeli negotiations, and “the members of the international community who are in a position to help the peace process,” to work for an immediate return to negotiations. Such talks, he said, should secure “the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people” as well as the lasting security of Israel. At his Angelus audience last Sunday, the Pope spoke with emotion about both the horror caused by the earlier bombings in Jerusalem and the subsequent sufferings of the Palestinian people, especially in Bethlehem, as the result of Israeli blockades.
He has also condemned the security fence, Israel’s response to terror.
Nobel-prize-winning writer Jose Saramago
Terror in Spain: Unequivocal condemnation.
“It is the most cowardly attack imaginable because it struck at working people who get up at five or six in the morning to go to work, people who have no bodyguards.”
Terror in Israel: No condemnation. But has condemned Israel for trying to protect its citizens against terror:
And this is just a sample of hypocritical juxtopositions. I could add tens of other world leaders to this list, but I think you get the point.
Update: Charles has another example of hypocrisy: A picture of someone demonstrating against the terror in Spain, but seemingly aligning himself with PLO Arab terror.
