Letters to the Editor
Spanish elections
after train bombings
(March 15, 2004)
The Spanish electorate have sweeped out the ruling Popular Party
led by Prime Minister Jose Maria Aznar and brought the Socialists
to power. This is perhaps the first election in history where terrorism
has played an important role in the outcome. After the March 11
(3-11) attacks in Madrid, a claim has been made by Al-Qaeda that
it was responsible for the attacks and said the reason behind the
attacks was Spanish support for the US-led coalition alliance against
Iraq. The timing of the attack just a few days before a national
election proved fatal for the government led by Aznar. The Spanish
electorate, hurt by the attacks seem to have put the blame squarely
on Aznar and voted him out of power.
This is the first time that a terrorist attack has played an important
role in the outcome of a general election in the western world.
http://www.hindu.com/2004/03/17/stories/2004031700821000.htm
http://www.hindustantimes.com/news/181_625876,00120004.htm
Published in Delhi MID DAY (March 16, 2004)
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