The Spanish left likes to portray Prime Minister Aznar as an American puppet, as someone whose decisions are made for him by the gringos in Washington. Nothing could be more false. Aznar is very highly respected, at least in conservative circles, in the United States, and Spain's support of the US was not taken for granted. The Aznar government was genuinely appreciated. Spain was a prime ally and its concerns got a damn good hearing. Spain hasn't seen unfriendly behavior from the United States for years, due to Aznar and his policies. Zap, on the other hand, seems to believe France has more to offer while the Americans peel off Germany from the Axis of Weasels. Warning to Zap: France is not popular in the US these days. You side with them and you'll get treated like they do.

Here's National Review's Jay Nordlinger:

Before we forget him — and we should not forget him — can we praise outgoing Spanish prime minister Aznar?

Said this bold, wise — this great — man two days ago, "When there's been an attack as brutal as Spain has suffered, when the fight against international terror is everyone's main battle, one must fulfill responsibilities. I think sending a message that you can beat terrorism with concessions is wrong."

And I think José María Aznar is a miracle.

I think Mr. Nordlinger means what he says.

Meanwhile, here's James Taranto from the Wall Street Journal:

A Spanish basketball team, Pamesa Valencia, says it may beg off on a scheduled game against the Israeli team Maccabi Tel Aviv because it fears terrorism, the Jerusalem Post reports:

Valencia announced yesterday that as a result of the increasing security threats in Israel after the assassination of Sheikh Ahmed Yassin on Monday morning, the team does not plan to come to Tel Aviv for the match.

In a statement released on the club's Web site, Valencia said that "the climate of tension and the situation of violence which is only escalating are not conducive to playing basketball and that the team is not prepared to play under these conditions. The team's mental state is not good [because of the situation] and it will only get worse upon entering the warlike atmosphere, for the players as well as their families."

Maybe they should play in Spain, which is safe from terrorism.