It’s not rocket science
Incoming Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero pledged to withdraw Spain's 1,300 troops from Iraq by June 30. But even that wasn't good enough or fast enough to placate al Qaeda. The most recent threat to Spain's government, sent in a letter from an Ansar al Qaeda Europe group spokesman to Spain's newspaper ABC, now demands immediate withdrawal from Iraq. Further, it demands all Spanish forces removed from Afghanistan as well. Failure to do so immediately, the letter claims, will result in a "hell" where "blood will flow in rivers."
The letter, coupled with an unsuccessful bombing attempt on a Seville-bound rail line last week, was a stark reminder that terrorists won't relent when placated; success only serves to embolden those bent on destruction. Promises of appeasement from the newly elected Socialist government in Madrid, particularly the premature withdrawal of forces from Iraq, did nothing to stop the bloodlust. Terrorists won't go away, even if the Spanish government meets their increasing demands. Pulling troops from Iraq ahead of schedule, or an exit from Afghanistan, however, will not end the violence or the threats. New accommodations will bring only new demands, new violence and dangerous implications well beyond Spain's borders.