Two Years

I suspect this headline may be a bit cryptic; this saddens me. On March 11th, 2004, Madrid experienced the second of three major terrorist operations in the western world this century. Nearly two hundred died and another fifteen hundred were injured. It was a stark reminder, exactly two and a half years after the World Trade Center/Pentagon attacks, that terror is still a large threat. Today, I often wonder how seriously this threat is being taken. Some isolationists and people on the far left would like to see nothing more than the GWOT end. Others who prefer pacifism would like to see diplomacy used, despite radical Islamists being unwilling to listen. Everyone else? With such a focus on the perceived failings in Iraq and the issues that have arisen domestically, many others in America appear to have all but forgotten about the terror threat. Maybe my concerns are reinforced through my experience dealing with other college students. Someone please tell me I am wrong.

Regardless, this must be a painful day for many in Spain. Remember them; just like the families of 9/11 and 7/7, this will be a day marked on their calendar every year.

Related blog entry: A Sad Anniversary