Welcome back, Andalusia

For 3 days, we as Americans, shared a common bond with the people of Spain in their time of terror.

But that all changed yesterday, with the elections of Zapatero's Socialist Party.

Prior to Thursday's train bombing in Madrid, the conservative Popular Party, led by staunch US-ally, Jose Maria Azner was expected to win yesterday's elections by a comfortable margin. The victory of the Socialist Party has many dire, yet to be seen consequences. Disregarding the fact that it brings to power another Social Democratic Western European country, it has to be seen as a de facto victory for Al-Qeada.

They were able, with just 10 well-placed bombs, to directly overthrow a democratic government. This sets a horribly dangerous precedent, which I fear may be followed in Italy and Great Britain, not to mention the United States itself. This attack was not in retaliation for the Spanish government's unwavering support in the GWoT. That's just a simple and ill-informed view from someone who knows nothing about the goals and ideology behind Al-Qeada itself. Spain has long been a target for AQ. This NRO article written in late 2001, talks about AQ's hope to return the Islamic caliphate to Andalusia (or modern day Spain). (Via Belmont Club)

Overall, these elections mean the loss of a coalition partner, but as Roger L. Simon pointed out, that's largely symbolic.

Armed Liberal over at Winds of Change has a good summary of the above post.