I have heard a lot of commentary and analysis about this, so what makes me think I have anything to add? Like that’s ever stopped me before . . .
The timing isn’t just a matter of being 6 months off from the September 11 attacks. If ETA was the culprit, that would strengthen the hand of the ruling party, and with an election coming up 4 days after this attack, that could be significant. But if someone else, like Al Queda, were the ones responsible and it’s considered retribution for Spain’s support of the Iraq war, then the anti-war side may have an edge.
What if ETA took a leaf from Al Queda’s book and used their style of attack? Of course, the goal of terrorism is to call attention to one’s cause and they have denied responsibility so far. So that’s doubtful . . .
This may mean Al Queda is not as moribund as we’ve been told and that they’re willing to strike outside their traditional targets but with their traditional methods.
What I haven’t heard referenced is any reference or link to the historical Islamic presence in Spain: it was a part of an Arabic, later Islamic, empire for seven centuries.