Powell: Madrid Bombings Show 'Terror Must Be Fought'

American Forces Press Service ^ | March 14, 2004 | By Gerry J. Gilmore

[Calpernia]

As new evidence points to the possibility that al Qaeda is responsible for the March 11 bombings in Madrid, Spain, America's top diplomat today noted in a television interview here that no country is immune to terrorism.

The Spanish commuter train bombings, which killed 200 people and wounded more than 1,400, shows "there is a war on terror that must be fought," Secretary of State Colin L. Powell said to interviewer Chris Wallace on the "Fox News Sunday" program.

Spain, a U.S. ally in the global war on terrorism, sent 1,300 troops to support efforts to establish a democratic government in Iraq. Fugitive al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden has threatened Spain for its support.

Spanish authorities first blamed the Madrid attacks on the country's Basque separatist group, known as ETA. However, news reports now say a videotape received by Spanish authorities allegedly shows al Qaeda claiming responsibility for the bombings.

Powell said "nobody is immune" from terrorist attack. The Madrid bombings, he said, should serve as rationale to "redouble everyone's efforts to go after terrorist organizations of any kind, whether it is ETA, whether it is al Qaeda or any other terrorist organization.

"Terror," Powell emphasized, "has to be brought to an end," noting the Spanish "will get to the bottom" of who conducted the Madrid bombings.

Much has been accomplished in the anti-terror war, Powell noted to Wallace. Last year's successful U.S.-coalition military campaign against Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein, he pointed out, removed a ruthless despot who had used weapons of mass destruction.

The recently approved interim Iraqi constitution, Powell noted, "gives the Iraqi people -- for the first time -- a bill of rights (and) puts in place an independent judiciary."

Powell also discussed Iraq on ABC's "This Week with George Stephanopoulos" program with the show's host and commentator George Will.

"The Iraqi people seem to want a democracy … they enjoy the ability to speak out," Powell said, noting that the United States won't abandon Iraq after the June 30 transfer of sovereignty.

"We will continue to have 100,000 troops there, helping them with their security," Powell said. In the meantime, he added, Iraqi security forces will gain more experience and ability.

Over the coming months, Iraqi authorities will need "to determine what kind of government they want to have during this interim period," Powell said.

"There is a lot more to come," he noted -- "the writing of a full constitution, real, full national elections for an assembly and for a new government."

[Calpernia]

Powell said "nobody is immune" from terrorist attack. The Madrid bombings, he said, should serve as rationale to "redouble everyone's efforts to go after terrorist organizations of any kind, whether it is ETA, whether it is al Qaeda or any other terrorist organization.

"Terror," Powell emphasized, "has to be brought to an end," noting the Spanish "will get to the bottom" of who conducted the Madrid bombings.

Private Mail to be added to or removed from the GNFI (or Pro-Coalition) ping list.

[Prodigal Son]

Kerry, Americans emphasized, is a war hero.

I have absolutely no faith in Americans not to elect the terrorist candidate.

Can anybody give me any reason to believe that in November, America will also not capitulate to al Qaeda by not electing Bush?

[nkycincinnatikid]

Sr. Aznar was a great leader, his judgement by history is secure. Spain is not a great nation. nothing there has changed ....Except that I hope and believe the Germans have received an inescapable message , that their democracy and their culture is threatened by this attack in Madrid. If they do not find their backbone now Europe is condemmned, but if this profound shock wakes them the war is truly engaged.

[ASTM366]

The attack on Spain is just a reminder to us all that Islam is full of miltants who are going to continue to attack non-muslim countries.

Can we all just admit that Islam has declared war on the rest of us and its now time expand the war on terrorism.

[D-fendr]

America does not capitulate to attackers. We rally around our leaders.
AQ would only help re-elect GWB if they tried to pull a Madrid.

[hershey]

9/11.

[PhilDragoo]

When the going gets tough, Spain goes Socialist.

The demonstrators jumping up and down with their peace signs.

The terrorists will be happy to peace on you, too, schlubs.

This is a war.

Spain just chose Neville Chamberlain over Winston Churchill.

God have mercy on your souls, because the terrorists will merely eat you last.

[Alamo-Girl]

Bump!

[SkyPilot]

We won't have Spain to help anymore...

Speaking after the victory, Socialist leader Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero said his priority is to combat terrorism.

"We, the German Führer and Chancellor, and the British Prime Minister, have had a further meeting today and are agreed in recognizing that the question of Anglo-German relations is of the first importance for our two countries and for Europe. We regard the agreement signed last night and the Anglo-German Naval Agreement as symbolic of the desire of our two peoples never to go to war with one another again. We are resolved that the method of consultation shall be the method adopted to deal with any other questions that may concern our two countries, and we are determined to continue our efforts to remove possible sources of difference, and thus to contribute to assure the peace of Europe."

[Adam36]

Neville Chamberlain should have said we just signed the peace of the Brave.

[Greenpees]

The saddest thing is this.

The Islamofacists voted for the party they wanted, using bombs and killing innocent people.

The Spanish people voted the way the Islamofacists told them to, afraid of retribution.

It's a sad day to be Spanish. God give strength to those who understood this, and now have to live under the socialists.

This vote weakened a country. let us not allow the same thing to happen here.

[yonif]

"Terror," Powell emphasized, "has to be brought to an end," noting the Spanish "will get to the bottom" of who conducted the Madrid bombings.

Strong language, which is rightful, but absent when it comes to Israel.

[blackie]

We are winning ~ the bad guys are losing ~ trolls, terrorists, democrats and the mainstream media are sad ~ very sad!

~~ Bush/Cheney 2004 ~~