WikiLeaks: US concern about terrorism in Spain

The Associated Press: WikiLeaks: US concern about terrorism in Spain: "The U.S. grew so concerned about the possibility of an Islamist terrorist attack in Spain in 2007 that it proposed setting up a counterterrorism center in the country's second-largest city, according to confidential cables.
The three U.S. cables, released by WikiLeaks on Saturday, say the U.S. planned the 'counterterrorism, anti-crime and intelligence center' at its consulate in Barcelona.
The goal was 'combating the target-rich environment of terrorist and criminal activities centered in the region,' which has a 'presence of over 1 million Muslims,' a 2007 cable says.
In March 2004, a total of 191 people were killed and more than 1,800 wounded in bombing attacks on Madrid commuter trains. Islamic militants claimed responsibility.
One U.S. cable, dated 2005, sets the scene, saying that 'Spain is both a significant target of Islamic terrorist groups and a major logistical hub for Islamic extremist groups operating across the globe.'
The 2007 cable says Spain 'is a past and current al-Qaida target' and a critical player in U.S.-EU counterterrorism efforts.
It says Barcelona has a large Muslim population 'susceptible to jihadist recruitment' and adds that 'Spanish and U.S. authorities have identified Catalonia as a major Mediterranean center of radical Islamist activity.'"

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