Sorry, guys. A three-day-long weekend full of family gatherings has kept me from the blog longer than I expected.
In the days after 11-M bombs in Madrid two years ago, it was much insinuated (at the least) that there were clear connections between the bombs and Al Qaeda. Most of the time it hasnīt been said so clearly, but some people were very interested in getting us to have that impression.
Here there are some aspects of the terrorists MO that donīt fit in that theory:
1.- There were no kamikazes like in NYC, London, Yemen, Casablanca...
2.- Itīs not common among islamic integrist terrorist to use non-muslim people, or to work with them, during the preparation of the attacks. But here, all the people who supposedly sold them the material were Spanish.
3.- Many suspects and people involved have no relation with muslim integrism, and/or are police informers.
4.- It doesnīt fit Al Qaeda so well to employ other criminals (drug and stolen cars delaers), who may endanger the mission or be involved in something else at the same time.
5.- The bombs in Madrid were quite clearly intended to change the election result. If Al Qaeda hates everything related to western countries, democracy and liberalism, why would they prefer a party over other? Wouldnīt have they done the same in London, where, just by attacking a few weeks early, it would have been in the middle of the campaign?
6.- In other attacks, like NYC and London, the terrorists have had no problem in giving away as much money as needed in order to take in risks. They buy or rent a car, not steal it. But in Madrid, some of the most important vehicles were stolen. In the same way, Al Qaedaīd rather make its own explosives with common-use stuff, than buy explosives that can be easily traced.
7.- Last, but not least, in London for instance itīs been pretty clear shortly after the attacks what happened. Here, two years later, there are yet many unanswered questions, hidden by a desinformation campaign planned probably by the same people who prepared the bombs: what clues and evidence should be found in what order to create an official version that change the election results and which isnīt as clearly cut as it seems.
Fans of the iconic VW Golf range will have to wait with bated breaths, as the appearance of the the Golf VI is likely to be postponed. An interview with VWs head of development Ulrich Hackenburg at the Shanghai Show established that VWs best seller will not be replaced next spring as per original plans. Apparently, the current Golf V is still selling well and there isnt sufficient reason to effect a hasty replacement.
However, new VW head Martin Winterkorn was not pleased with the Golf VIs design and rescheduled the 2008 Geneva Show premiere of the car. He is said to have ordered a complete redesign. The latest addition to Golfs long lineage seems due for launch sometime in the later months of 2008. According to Hackenburg, the new Golf will utilize an updated version of Audis current 160Hp 1.8 Litre plus an amazing Volvo Shocks and other VW accessories. Turbocharged FSI mill, most likely with a GT badge, as word suggests that VW plans halting the production of the 170Hp 1.4TSI motor due to reliability problems.The Golf VI GTI is likely to use an upgraded version of the current 2.0 TFSI motor. An SUV variant of the Golf is rumoured to be planned for introduction in the new lineup.