ETA learns from the neighbors
Spain began formal peace talks with the politcal wing of Basque separatist group ETA today. A recent poll suggests that a majority of Spaniards support the talks, though many are furious that a group that has killed more than 800 people during its 30-year campaign for independence is welcome at any government table. So what ...
Spain began formal peace talks with the politcal wing of Basque separatist group ETA today. A recent poll suggests that a majority of Spaniards support the talks, though many are furious that a group that has killed more than 800 people during its 30-year campaign for independence is welcome at any government table.
So what convinced ETA to lay down the guns, which it has done since declaring a ceasefire on March 22? Some will surely tell you it's the war on terror. More likely, though, it's that the current Spanish government is in an autonomy-granting mood, and ETA is simply trying to take advantage. The day before ETA announced its ceasefire back in March, the Spanish parliament approved language for a statute granting autonomy to Catalonia, another Spanish region seeking greater self-governance. Catalans then backed the new charter in a referendum a few weeks ago, giving the region "nation" status within Spain. Whether the Basques can achieve the same is certainly debatable; ETA in the past has claimed a chunk of southwestern France. But today's talks are one step forward for a group that seems to have decided to simply do as the Catalans do.
So what convinced ETA to lay down the guns, which it has done since declaring a ceasefire on March 22? Some will surely tell you it’s the war on terror. More likely, though, it’s that the current Spanish government is in an autonomy-granting mood, and ETA is simply trying to take advantage. The day before ETA announced its ceasefire back in March, the Spanish parliament approved language for a statute granting autonomy to Catalonia, another Spanish region seeking greater self-governance. Catalans then backed the new charter in a referendum a few weeks ago, giving the region “nation” status within Spain. Whether the Basques can achieve the same is certainly debatable; ETA in the past has claimed a chunk of southwestern France. But today’s talks are one step forward for a group that seems to have decided to simply do as the Catalans do.
More from Foreign Policy
Is Cold War Inevitable?
A new biography of George Kennan, the father of containment, raises questions about whether the old Cold War—and the emerging one with China—could have been avoided.
So You Want to Buy an Ambassadorship
The United States is the only Western government that routinely rewards mega-donors with top diplomatic posts.
Can China Pull Off Its Charm Offensive?
Why Beijing’s foreign-policy reset will—or won’t—work out.
Turkey’s Problem Isn’t Sweden. It’s the United States.
Erdogan has focused on Stockholm’s stance toward Kurdish exile groups, but Ankara’s real demand is the end of U.S. support for Kurds in Syria.
Sign up for Morning Brief
Foreign Policy’s flagship daily newsletter with what’s coming up around the world today. Delivered weekdays.
By submitting your email, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use and to receive email correspondence from us. You may opt out at any time.
