Letters

April 19, 2004
In your article ("Madrid bombings highlight terrorist links in Iraq," OGJ, April 5, 2004, p. 76) you argue that the recent bombings in Madrid show conclusively that there was a strong link between Al-Qaeda and Iraq, thus demonstrating that the US was correct that our war in Iraq is about fighting terrorism.

Madrid bombing

In your article ("Madrid bombings highlight terrorist links in Iraq," OGJ, April 5, 2004, p. 76) you argue that the recent bombings in Madrid show conclusively that there was a strong link between Al-Qaeda and Iraq, thus demonstrating that the US was correct that our war in Iraq is about fighting terrorism. I believe this logic is flawed. The US invasion of Iraq has been used by Al-Qaeda as a selling point for their argument that the US is intent on waging a war against Islam. False as this argument is, there is little doubt that it has been wildly successful, stirring anti-Americanism and anti-Western feelings among Moslems throughout the world.

The Spanish government supported the US war effort, and Spain was made to pay for it. This is highly unfortunate, but it "proves" only that the bombers either bought Al-Qaeda's message or were simply intent on sending a message that support for the US would bring catastrophic consequences. Why this demonstrates that Saddam Hussein was in cahoots with Al-Qaeda is beyond me.
Steven Plotkin
Rockville, MD