“Let the whole world know that we shall never accept that the tragedy of Andalucia would be repeated in Palestine. We cannot accept that!” (Uncorrected transcript of a translation from Arabic to English of Osama bin Laden's response to the start of military action against the Taliban in Afghanistan.)

“This is part of settling old accounts with Spain, the crusader and America’s ally in its war against Islam.” ( Posted on 03/13/2004 in FreeRepublic.com, “History points finger at revenge for lost Moor kingdom” by Isambard Wilkinson.)

Back in the 600’s BC, Isaiah 60:9 and 66:19 talks of the role of Tarshish (Spain) in spreading the name of Yahweh to the nations. In 325 AD the Bishop of Cordoba participates in the Council of Nicea and is believed to introduce the phrase homo ousion (one substance) in the Nicene Creed as a response to the Arian heresy of the Visigoth kings. In 1492, Christopher Columbus believes prophecy is fulfilled through his voyages, on the “ships of Tarshish.” The name of Jesus is proclaimed for the first time ever in the Americas, by Spaniard missionaries.

This same year, 1492, marks two other major developments in world history. The Spanish kings cast out from Spain all the Jews, and, after 700 years of occupation, defeat the last Moorish Caliph and cast out the remaining Moorish/Muslim invaders from Al Andalus, or Andalucia. Muhammad XII looses the city January 2, 1492. As he leaves, he turns back and weeps, only to be reprimanded by his mother: "Weep like a woman, son, for that which you could not defend as a man."

Five hundred years later, on September 11, 2001, we realize that the Moors have not forgotten. For them, “the tragedy of Andalucia” is an affront still needing to be remedied.

Next week we will conclude this analysis, from the bombings in Madrid, to the continued threats on our own country's elections.

Have a blessed week.