WAC: MADRID INSTALLMENT

By: Toni DeCristofaro

International Master of Business Administration Candidate 2005, Spanish Track

Moore School of Business, University of South Carolina

The bombs hit with brute force, quickly demolishing four commuter trains at three different stations in the heart of the city.  After the wreckage was cleared, safety crews determined that nearly 200 people died as a result of the tragedy of March 11th and more than 1,500 were injured. 

 Madrid, a city known for its carefree lifestyle and all night rendezvous, suffered an incredible blow that threatened to upset an entire society.  As an intern entering the scene less than a month after the bombings, I expected to be faced with a populace that feared the use of public transport and limited their encounters with the outside world.  As anticipated, when I entered the city I was inundated by the black ribbons of mourning hanging in cafes, car windows and shops, nighttime candlelight vigils and various demonstrations.  Remarkably, other reactions in terms of how this event affected the typical Spaniard�s political affiliation and attitude were completely unexpected.

 Initially, the terrorist act had implications in the 2004 Prime Minister elections held three days after the incident.  The Popular Party led by Jos� Maria Aznar was ousted from office and replaced by Jos� Luis Rodr�guez Zapatero of the socialist party.  Immediately upon taking control, Zapatero pulled the Spanish troops from Iraq in an effort to realign Spain with �Old Europe� and distance the country from a war thought to be ill-founded by many. 

Further insight to the reaction of this public is the realization that Spain was under Franco�s rule until 1975.  This is a country that has only recently celebrated the 25th anniversary of its constitution, earmarking a precious few decades of a capitalist economy.  From this perspective, it becomes increasingly more evident why Spaniards want as little to do with war as possible. 

 In speaking with co-workers and friends in Madrid and Barcelona, it seems that an overwhelming majority think the war with Iraq is not Spain�s war; that, indeed, it is a futile crusade with an overzealous President Bush at the lead.  Many Spaniards feel that the only way to fight terrorism is to join with other European democracies and battle al-Queda as a unified force.   

 My own friends are offended at the accusations imposed on them by other countries that charge Spaniards allowed terrorists to overturn their own government.  Rather, my friends insist that they were tired of being lied to by Aznar and his advisors.  In fact, the Popular Party was too quick to blame the Basque separatist group ETA for the bombings but then back-pedaled shortly after Islamic terrorist information came to light. 

 In response, thousands filled the streets outside the Popular Party�s headquarters the night before the elections accusing the government of making Spain a target with its US alliance and then covering up the consequences.  However, it should be noted that there are other Spaniards who agree whole-heartedly with the war in Iraq and wish that Spain would contribute more.  Like any country, the people are often torn between the decision to go to war and for Spaniards, they feel that they have had enough of war. Now is a time to grow and develop in the global scheme of things.  One co-worker told me that war merely hinders the ability to expand.

 Aside from the political reactions, the people of Madrid have managed to put the bombings behind them and move on with their lives.  Some people have expressed that they refuse to let terrorism lock them up their homes.  It is commonly felt by most that you cannot live your life in fear.  Indeed, extra safety measures have been taken, but these visual displays of security have woven themselves into the daily, social fabric of the average madrile�o.

 My trip to work involves a 30-minute metro ride combined with 30 more minutes on a bus.  There have been several bomb scares that have forced my train to deboard but always such events are carried out in a calm manner with everyone more concerned about their destination than it being a real threat.  This should not be seen as na�vet�, but rather as the Spaniard�s refusal to give in to the fear that terrorists have infused. 

 At a glance, the Spaniards are a resilient, if not defiant people, and choose not to dwell on the horrors inflicted on their country.  They have suffered through decades of Franco�s rule and terrorist actions.  Instead, they approach each day with their heads held high and an appreciation for the life they lead.  Regardless, the world at large will long remember the tragedy of March 11th, 2004.