This past Sunday, just days after the bombing in Madrid, two Palestinian teenagers armed with bombs attempted to detonate the toxic chemicals stored in the Israeli port of Ashdod. The terrorists fell short of their goal, setting off their bombs prematurely, but managed to kill 11 civilian workers at the dock. The story was overshadowed in terms of media coverage by the carnage in Madrid.
Before news of the mission's strategic failure had spread, exultant Palestinians had begun victory parades, complete with placards depicting high flames and dense smoke clouds. Had the two bombers reached their goal, the death toll might well have rivaled that of Madrid.
The bombing attack was orchestrated jointly by Hamas and Arafat's Al Aqsa brigade, working together. After the bombing, Hamas released a tape promising more attacks of increased intensity.
Israel responded to the suicide bombers by launching helicopter attacks against terrorist targets. Several members of the Israeli cabinet have called for the assassinations of Hamas leaders. After a series of bombings last summer, Israel took this tack and the attacks abated.
However, the terrorist attack also disrupted planned peace talks between Israel's Ariel Sharon and and Palestinian Prime Minister Ahmed Qureia. Thus, a victory for the terrorists.
The newly elected government of Spain has taken a different tack. Spain's incoming prime minister, Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero, has pledged to bring home the 1,300 Spanish troops in Iraq, thereby handing the terrorists what also might be construed as a victory for the terrorists.
So what is the answer? Frankly I do not believe that there will any end to terrorism, in Europe, in Israel or in the United States until the major world powers unite in steadfast opposition to terrorism. As long as there are weak links in the chain, countries willing to surrender to terrorists to avoid attacks within their borders and people willing to provide financial and idealogical support to terrorists, there will never be an end.