By Susie P. Gonzalez

October 2004 – José María Aznar, prime minister of Spain from 1996 to 2004, knows about terrorism first hand and believes the world’s political leaders can thwart terrorists “if we know what we’re up against” and if international democracies unite resources. Speaking as part of Trinity University’s Distinguished Lecture Series on Oct. 6, Mr. Aznar told a group of students, staff, faculty, and San Antonio community residents that as an optimistic person, he is certain that terrorists can be defeated. He was in office when terrorists struck his country last March.

“ Victory is possible if we keep our hearts cool and our minds clear,” he said during his lecture at Laurie Auditorium. “The most important factor is strong political leadership.” He also outlined a seven-point plan to help achieve the victory.

First, Mr. Aznar said leaders of every free country should know “what they are up against” in terms of the terrorists who have targeted that country. Questions to consider include: What do the terrorists believe? What might motivate them? “Next, we must accept and understand that we are at war, a new form of war, a war we never looked for,” he said. In addition, government leaders must pursue what Mr. Aznar called “a true victory,” not merely a “policy of containment.” Fourth, Mr. Aznar said the war is not only against terrorists but also against anyone who hates the modern way of life. Every war has a central focus, he said, explaining that the current war is taking place in Iraq. “This is something we must understand and accept.” Sixth, international cooperation is required to combat the global phenomenon of what Mr. Aznar described as Islamic terrorism. His final point was that efforts to end “new terrorism” should not end the focus on eradicating “old terrorism.”

Persistence will be necessary, Mr. Aznar warned, to end terrorism. He reminded the audience that Europe had to use force to stop Hitler in World War II. “The best weapon democratic nations have is our confidence in ourselves,” he said. “We must fight back.”

Students seemed to enjoy his visit to campus, which included an hour-long question-and-answer session earlier in the day. “I thought it was really great,” said a student from Caracas, Venezuela, with the same first two names. José María Vega, a sophomore, said people from Venezuela closely watch political and cultural developments in Spain, and he felt as if he were listening to someone from his homeland.

“ Considering his opinions on politics, it brings in another perspective to a liberal campus with liberal views,” said Hester Brown, a first-year student from Oklahoma City. “He was a good challenge to what many students are used to hearing on campus. Students were enthusiastic.”

Mr. Aznar’s visit held special meaning for Tyson Neal, a senior from Round Rock, Texas, who was studying abroad in Spain earlier this year when the terrorists struck the Madrid train station, killing more than 200 people. Mr. Neal remains in contact with a host family in Spain with whom he lived and asked Mr. Aznar to autograph a program to send to that family. “They will be very touched,” Mr. Neal said.

© 2006 Trinity University