Voting for Tony Blair
Now we know (see below) that the atrocity in Madrid did little to change the election, and until we know why the tiny % of right-wingers who changed their minds did so, the main concern about Sunday's Spanish election is that it gave the impression to Al Qaeda that they can get what they want. The argument is simple -- Al Qaeda want Western troops out of the Middle East, the Socialists plan to withdraw Spanish troops, ergo Al Qaeda wanted the Socialists to win.This argument is clearly weak -- Al Qaeda wanted US troops out of Saudi, but few think Rumsefd is in their pay (well ok, some do...). But it's the only argument we have. So my worry is this.
As a leading figure in the War on Terror, Al Qaeda would presumably love to be rid of Tony Blair.
I think this is unarguable, whatever Michael Howard's policies would be (and of course there is evidence that by slashing defence spending, and - see ex-Tory MP Michael Brown in today's Independent - their more sceptical policy towards Iraq those policies would be seen to be weaker on terrorism).
Thus a vote for anybody but Labour is a vote for Osama Bin Laden. Now I know it's not, but that would be the impression. And impressions count.
What am I going to do?
posted by Matthew @ 3/17/2004 09:08:00 AM
Comments: 0
