Thank you!

So my semester assignment is ending, and I have to say I have really enjoyed blogging! It was definitely something new for me, and it was refreshing to be able to educate myself and others on another country, and their current events. Thank you to everyone who was able to check out my page, comment on my blogs, and display interest for my assignment. I hope to be able to have time after I graduate to continue, but for now, gracias y adios!!

ETA Assassination Plans for King Revealed

The French intelligence revealed news of ETA (Euskadi Ta Askatasuna) - a Basque group for "Basque Homeland and Freedom", previous 2004 plan to bomb the plane carrying King Juan Carlos. The plans state that this was to be done with use of surface to air missile, according to an article. The plans, found by French security on property close to the Spanish border in southern France, according to an article, also contained plans targeting the prime minister and his cabinet. The materials were said to not have progressed to "planning stages" according to statement provided by Alfredo Perez Rubalcaba to AP the plans never made it to planning stages. According to another article, it was said by the Spanish publication, El Correo, that the authorities on the case "consider that the information gathering phase was very advanced." When they arrived at the location, they found CDs that contained the information which proved the plans, along with leftovers from an fired missile. There was also a previous threat in 1995 the police arrested three ETA hit men who had set up a rifle on a tripod in attempts to shoot the King on his yacht in Balearic, the capital of Palma.

(Photo credit: Junko Kimura/Getty Images AsiaPac)

Cabinet Shuffle Provides Spain with New Minister for Education

Under the ever recent popular cabinet shuffle, Prime Minister Zapatero has appointed a new minster for education as well. Ángel Gabilondo, who according to an article, is the senior academic and administrative officer for University of Madrid since 2002, and will also be taking responsibility for the Spanish universities - assuming the duties from Christina Garmendia. The decision seems to be a positive one, as Gabilondo is respected amongst the other universities and has, according to an article, already promised, ""‘firmness and dialogue’ with students in what is known as the Bologna Process, the creation of a European Higher Education Area by 2010 by establishing a common structure of higher education systems across Europe."" I really appreciate and respect the emphasis he has also placed on decreasing the failure rate in universities, and his motivation to create an overall flow in all levels of education throughout the country. His overall theme and view for the next few years: "achieve an ‘integrated and global view of education".

(Photo Credit: EFE)

El Mundo

One of Spain's main newspapers, El Mundo, has reviews recorded on a website, www.typicallyspanish.com. The website provides a review of each daily newspaper, including an overview of what the publication provides for its ever dedicated readers, and those who are just curious. I think it is a great way of catching up on the current events in the country, as the site has summaries of all published stories. Click on the link provided below to see whats new today en la España!

http://www.typicallyspanish.com/news/publish/article_20881.shtml

Spain begins Alhambra Inscription Translation

As far as I knew, the Alhambra was a hotel here in St. Augustine - not a previous place designed for military use, then eventually residency for royalty in Granada, Spain. According to an article, experts in Spain have decided to take on the project of translating and cataloging all estimated 10,000 Arabic derived carvings of the Alhambra. According to the article, some of the researchers are surprised this has never been a projected task before, ""It is hard to believe that this had never been done before," lead researcher Juan Castilla told The Associated Press.""

Since the turnover of Muslim "law" in Spain in 1492, the translation of the Alhambra has been a goal of the ruling royalty. Since the turnover of Muslim “law” in Spain in 1492, the translation of the Alhambra has been a goal of the ruling royalty. The projected completion date is 2011, with already a third of the inscriptions recorded on CD including translations to Spanish-language, according to the article, only 10 percent of the translations will follow back to Qu'ran origin; contrary to the majority belief that all translations would originate from the Islamic religious text. According to the article, the reasoning for all the inscription was because the the "sultan's wanted to leave a record of their presence" - evidence of their convictions for belief in God and it was also their way of decorating, as Islam doesn't encourage a "representation of art". The art, the inscriptions, are said to create a book of poetry on the walls, one that will hopefully be fully revealed under the time plan Spain's experts have of now.

(Photo Credit: www.alhambragranda.com)

Controversial Abortion Powerpoint in Classroom Sparks More Law Reformation Issues

The level of controversy amongst Spain's Catholic residents, and the Prime Minister is at a steady increase. In the past month or so there have been multiple protests, on both sides of the issue, and in particular a north Spain parochial school, Purísima Concepción y Santa María Micaela school, located in Logroño (northern Spain). The teacher, Sister Maria Victoria Vindel, according to an article, showed her 15 year old students a PowerPoint presentation which contained graphic images of aborted children. The images provided by Sister Vindel were classified by the regional government, which is run by Popular Party, as "inappropriate" and could "constitute "moral aggression"". This uproar is just one of the several ways the Catholic community is rejecting prime minister Zapatero's abortion law reformation. The article, 'Spanish Leader Picks Fight With Catholic Church' has a bit of a negative undertone, but directly applies to the situation at hand. Although there appears to be an even distribution of opinion to each side, Spain being dominantly Catholic, this continued topic of reformation has spiked some upset among those against and for it. According to the article, members of some of the Catholic brotherhoods who are participants in the processions for Holy Week have pinned white ribbons on their robes, with tiny footprints on it as a sign of protest. Bishops are beginning to reflect their opinion and their strong advisement to not adhere to the new reformation in their sermon's at Sunday mass celebrations. Zapatero's push for this reformation is unfortunately going to cause a lot of issues in the country he needs to keep and continue to gain favoritism in. It is thought by some that the reformation of the law may keep women from late term abortions, but there have been cases before that show this would mend this issue.

Solbes Ousted Under Pressure

During Spain's cabinet "reshuffle" today, Prime Minister Zapatero's most experienced cabinet member, Finance Minister Pedro Solbes was outsted. Although he does hold a strong background, his, according to an article, "...weariness with dealing with a collapsing economy and with battling within the government against extending Spain’s fast-growing fiscal deficit had become palpable." Solbes has been replaced with trained engineer, and minister for public administration, Elena Salgado. Salgado has served under Zapatero once before as a minister, and is praised by the Prime Minister for her management skills. Zapatero and Solbes have had their differences on several issues including public sector spending; which according to the countrys stimulus plan escalated to €50 billion, $66.3 billion. Although Solbes proved decline in

ability to manage the growing economic crisis, the fact that Zapatero has chosen someone from his "inner circle" makes those around him question Salgado's ability to fill the shoes, and to improve the current standing. The concern is that he, Zapatero, according to an article, is, "putting his immediate political concerns ahead of economic management." Luckily, Solbes left office having said just four months prior, once hearing of a planned shift in cabinet, that, "at a certain age, one thinks that one has to have a life too." Hopefully Salgado will be able to prove the initial judgements wrong, and assist Spain in a push towards a more positive direction. (Photo credit: wordpress.com)

Spain Provides Troops for Friendlier Relations with U.S.

Spanish administration continues to work on repairing their relations with the United States, since President Obama's move into office. Their most recent efforts? They have committed to increasing their troops over 1,000 in Afghanistan (a 222 troop count increases from their current 778). According to an article, the move is thought to be "symbolic" of how far the country's Prime Minister[President] Zapatero is willing to go in order to repair the damage caused by the not so friendly relations during the Bush administrations time in office. This move would not only show efforts for increased favoritism of Obama's newest plan for Afghanistan, but also an overall increased respect for the Obama administration all together. According to Time's wrap up of Obama's Afghanistan plan, it is quoted that he, "Like Bush, Obama plans to send more U.S. troops to fight the insurgency in Afghanistan. In fact, when you add them up — the additional brigade Bush announced in January, the 17,000 combat troops Obama announced a couple of weeks ago and the 4,000 trainers added Friday — you get almost exactly the same number of extra troops sent into Iraq for the "surge."" Something I find exhausting about this is if Bush had just had better relations with Spain, their administration, and government - the ability to have support from not only Spain but other possible supports was there. An underlying hope from the Spain administration is for past active relations to become more common again, such as according to an article, "common policies from climate change to relations with Latin America and Muslim countries."

Although the two have already met, they will speak of the official terms and details of the announcement next week when they meet in Prague for a European Union-US summit. Zapatero speaks highly of Obama since they first met, according a quote provided to the Spanish press, saying, "“My impression of [President Obama] couldn't be better. The US and the world in general are experiencing a time of great hope." With Spain stepping up as the first European country to take the first leap towards success for Obama's plan, others are sure to follow. Although this shows a great initiative from the country, it is doubtful they will provide any more troops as, according to article, "most Spaniards don’t support a military solution and want an exit strategy that allows Afghanistan to reestablish control over its own affairs."

(Photo credit: RICARDO GUTIÉRREZ / AFP)

Spain Photo Gallery

I really enjoy photographs, so when I came upon this website, http://www.away.com/, which featured photos from personal travels, particularly from Spain, I had to share the link - enjoy!!

http://vacation.away.com/travel-gd-spain-travel-photo-gallery-sidwcmdev_094048.html?gclid=CMDj0rzi3ZkCFRxinAod1B2IWQ

Esta Es La Semana de la Música Religiosa

This week, April 4-12, is called the Semana de la Musica Religiosa - translated to Religious Music Week. This fiesta traditions have been occurring since the 17th century, and dates back to being held in Cuenca to 1962. The week holds processions including over 30,000 participants who partake in the nine processions. The celebrations directly coincide with the Easter celebrations as it is held from the 4th of April (Holy Friday) until April 12th, Easter Sunday. The week consists of 22 concerts all which feature, according to an article, "important international orchestras and soloists". Some of the featured venues, which are chosen purely to enhance the magical atmosphere include: the Cathedral, the old Carmelitas Convent, San Miguel Church and Arcas Church. The processions combine art, religion, music, and colour - all to depict the death of Jesus Christ. For more information about the week, visit their website: http://www.smrcuenca.es/DesktopDefault.aspx?tabID=8514

(Photo Credit: http://www.turismocastillalamancha.com)

Animals Better Protected than Unborn Babies??

(Follow up Article Posted 3/17) In follow-up to my previous write-up in regards to the abortion rights and the subjects standing in Spain, the Catholic clergy has recently decided to launch an anti-abortion campaign. The campaign, according to an article, is said to suggest that "animals are better protected than unborn babies." According to the spokesperson for Spanish Bishops Conference , Jose Antonio Martinez Camino, "We want to speak for those that have no voice as yet" which is even more enforced by the the campaigns billboards which feature a toddler sitting next to one of the most endangered species - the Iberian lynx with the "catchy" slogan "What about me? Protect my life!" In terms of this religious issue battle, it is getting a lot of hype as the Catholic church has decided to react so strongly. In follow up to the previous blog discussing the reformation of the 1985 abortion law, which according to a source states, "Legal up to 12 weeks in cases of rape, deformed baby, or danger to the mother's life or mental health.

Law passed in 1985. In practice, the "mental health" clause has resulted in abortion on demand (up to 12 weeks)as psychiatrists will routinely certify that a woman's mental health is endangered." has now been reformed to allowing a demand for the practice up to 14 weeks.

As a surprise to me, in response to the government's plans, several hundreds of scientists and researchers have launched a response rejecting the plans, saying, according to an article, "Abortion, being an attack on life in the first weeks of development, is no body's right," said Dr. Monica Lopez Barahona, director of Vidacord, a biomedical company that stores stem cells from umbilical cord blood." Being a Catholic myself, I feel as though there aren't a lot of doctor's and scientists here in the states that would have contributed the same response.

Spanish Socialist response? After their attempts to anger the church with their "gay marriage laws" and "fast-track divorces" their spokesperson, Jose Antonio Alonso, provides a statement which labels the church's campaign as "extremist and demagogic."" A major issue the health department in Spain is trying to present here is that it is not the "yes" or "no" to abortion - its the fact that legislation has to move with that of the other European countries they are saying they always want to be like.

The campaign, which ran from March 16-31 has caused a protest - one of which, according to an article, a possibly estimated 500,000 people showed up to the protest, but according to the Agence France Presse news agency, they placed the estimate at about 100,000. The protest was led by cheers of ""Get out of here and let the children live". Children, who participated in the protest, according to an article, chanted, " Thank you mummy for letting me live."

In response to, what an article states, many feminist groups are calling the campaign as "alarmist", they have announced they will be launching a counter campaign - one which will "flood Spain with posters" from the feminist organization comprised of over 200 feminist groups.

(Photo credit: AFP)

Drug Lord Murder Leads to More than Just One Bust

After the murder in January of convicted Colombian drug lord, Leonidas Vargas, Spanish officials have just recently arrested four suspects. The suspects identity, three Colombians and one Romanian, was not released - along with the location of their arrest in order to keep anonymity with the department. Vargas, who was 60, was shot in his hospital bed, just a week after being transferred for treatment, at Doce de Octubre Hospital in Madrid. Although Spanish officials have declined to say what the motive was for the murder, it is said, according to an article, that it is a "settling of scores". Two days after Vargas' murder, his brother Fabio along with another were both found dead in Columbia. Vargas' past consists of an arrest for over 500 kilos of cocaine in July 2006 which landed him with a sentencing of 19 years in jail. He also had a business past with drug lords such as deceased Gonzalo Rodriguez Gacha and Pablo Escobar - killed in a 1993 police shootout.

(Photo credit: EFE)

Spain + Obama + Guantanamo Prisoners = Better U.S. Relations?

After Spain's Socialist Prime Minister, Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero, was indirectly rejected by President Bush (pertaining a no-invite to Washington) he is rather elated to have President Obama in office. Spain having a more left sided point of view when it comes to politics, is hopeful in future foreign policy decisions with the U.S. and progressive developments in several other countries.

The meeting between Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton, and Spain politician, Miguel Angel Moratinos posed for positive growth between the U.S. and Spain. At the meeting, Moratinos told Clinton he would accept prisoners from Guantanamo Bay. "The new Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton, has with her words and messages marked a new stage, in which Spain can have an active and much more intense role in the world," said Moratinos, according to an article.

What will Obama's presence in the office do for Spain? Well Spanish officials hope for a more "multilateral foreign policy approach and be favorable to Spain and their special areas of interest such as Latin America and North Africa. Along with these new developments, Spain would also like to see more of a development in Afghanistan.

In regards to the prisoners, Moratinos says they will determine the minimum and maximum accepted on a case by case situation.

All in all, they hope for more of an opportunity for an open relationship now that Obama is in office - providing for a better foreign policy foundation, and stronger more welcoming relations with the U.S.

Spain Proud of Penelope Cruz's Well Deserved Oscar Win

After a long night at the Oscars, Penelope Cruz went home with the Oscar for best supporting actress.

Cruz, who was nominated for best actress in 2007, is the first Spanish actress to win an Oscar. Her performance in Woody Allen's movie "Vicky Christina Barcelona" as a fiery ex-wife is what landed her the award.

The major publications in Madrid held off on their editions of the Monday morning paper, as they all held a spot for the marvelous Cruz.

Cruz was praised by several admirers, including director Pedro Almodovar, and Deputy Prime Minister Maria Teresa Fernandez who praised Cruz on her win by saying it, "places Spanish actors and actresses at the highest level" according to an article.

According to an article, Mariano Rajoy, conservative opposition leader said in Cruz's honor, that the Oscar pays tribute to, "your natural talent and your effort, and continued sacrifice in a job well done."

(Photo credit: www.celebla.com)

Abortion Policy to Change

Spain recently, Wednesday, made decision to loosen its currently restrictive law on abortion. The mention of the policy change has stirred up trouble between what has been called, "a Socialist government that has already introduced sweeping social changes and conservatives and Catholic clergy bent on preserving traditional family values." (GMANews)

The newly changed policy, from parliament, is said to suggest to the government that it be done in the early stage - posing for stronger restriction of the progression of the pregnancy. As it stands currently, abortion is a legal offense. The ability to perform the abortion, however, is readily available under the current system - the law states that the abortion may be performed "in the first 12 weeks in case of rape, and 22 weeks in case of fetal malformation". The only requirements are for a certification of health (mental and/or physical) stating that proceeding with the pregnancy would be a risk.

Being that Spain holds a strong Catholic population, this has brought a lot of attention to the forefront. Parliamentary spokeswoman for the opposition Popular Party, Sandra Moneo, believes, "Abortion is bad. It is bad for women and it is bad for society. A woman cannot have a right to something that is bad for her." The church's reaction? They have held several pro-family rallies which have drawn thousands of people - reflecting back on the man Roman Catholic priests and nuns that were killed by Republicans in the Spanish Civil War.

Opinions from the opposing, Dr. Sergio Munoz, spokesperson for an association of Spanish abortion clinics says that it is necessary to protect women and doctors from unnecessary lawsuits, but is hopeful for more specifics.

The newly adaptations to the current law say that this provides for more respect for women, allowing them to make the decisions which directly effect their bodies - without doctor's approval.

Last year, over 100,000 abortions were performed in Spain.

Judicial Strike

On Wednesday, February 18th, more than 30 Spanish provinces were represented by judges who went on a one day strike - due to the lack of judges, and the excess of work faced by the current judges, according to an article.

The judges were led by 21 local judges assemblies, and the AJFV, Francisco de Victoria Association and FJI, Independent Judicial Forum. What exactly are these judges so upset about? Adoption of electronic technology, which primarily controls the excess workload for Spain's estimated 4500 judges. The country's Minister of Justice, Mariano Fernandez Bermejo, responded with an offer to discuss the issues at hand, but will also be administering a law which limits the ways in which they may assert their rights given their status in government - which the already challenging judges said they would fight.

Country's King and Queen travel to Florida

King Juan Carlos I (Carl’s Jr.) and Queen Sofia arrived at Naval Air Station Pensacola for a 17 hour visit yesterday. The nature of their visit is to celebrate the 450th anniversary of Don Tristan de Luna's arrival in 1559 to Pensacola Bay, and celebrate the . The visit will last about 17 hours, and the King was said to have shocked Floridians as he showed up in a "fancy suit" versus the traditional royal garb.

(Photo Credit: www.royalnews.wordpress.com)

Spain Issues First Passport

Spain recently, February 5th, 2009, issued its first of 200.000 passports to qualifying Cubans. The passports are given to those who qualify for Spanish citizenship under their historical memory law. This law, which recently created, applies to those decedents who's mother or father were Spanish and the grandchildren who fled.



The sole purpose of this passport process is to compensate for the victims of Spain's 1936-1939 Civil war. Since the law has been passed on December 29th, over 25,000 applications have been submitted.

Many of the applicants do not feel as though this will be the return to a strange land, but to where they've always belonged.