Madrid: UN's credibility critically wounded

[G_j]

http://www.atimes.com/atimes/Front_Page/FC16Aa05.html

Madrid: UN's credibility critically wounded
By Ritt Goldstein

Within hours of Thursday's fateful Madrid blasts the United Nations Security Council met. During a five minute session the council's 15 members unanimously adopted a resolution condemning the Basque separatist group ETA for the deadly attacks. But as it became increasingly clear that ETA was not responsible, questions of attempted manipulation of the public were abundant.

Spain's ruling Popular Party went down in defeat to the Socialists in Sunday's national election. It did so amid accusations that the government had withheld information on the bombings in an effort to influence the forthcoming vote.

A tough line on ETA had long been part of the Popular Party's platform. If indeed such a horrific ETA attack occurred, it would be certain to win Prime Minister Jose Maria Aznar's chosen successor the prime ministership. But with the Iraq war strongly unpopular among Spaniards, Islamic jihadi involvement in Thursday's nightmare would have grave implications for the Popular Party's votes, and it indeed did.

Despite doubts among experts in many corners, the Spanish government's reaction to Thursday's tragedy was immediate. Spain's interior minister, Angel Acebes, demanded that there was "no doubt" with regard to ETA's responsibility. But while Spanish passions could well be expected to influence judgement, what of the 14 remaining members of the Security Council? And notably, this was the first instance of a terrorist attack where any group was ever explicitly condemned by the council, let alone done so in five minutes.

..more..

[BayCityProgressive]

1. The UN is a joke

They are controlled by the 15 most powerful imperial nations and no one else gets a say. it is nothing but a US puppet government.

[ludwigb]

2. Well they certainly piss Bush off a lot

for a puppet :)

[Westegg]

3. Good point.

[BOHICA06]

4. Better Headline:

Madrid Hurts UN Credibility

[G_j]

5. It would be interesting

to know what sort of communications occurred between the US, Spain and the other Security Council members before the vote, something doesn't seem Kosher.

[NV1962]

6. Even better headline:

Aznar Hurts UN Credibility