Really?
"The simple truth is, Al Quaeda hasn't issued a list of demands that, if met, would cause them to cease what they do. There's no appeasing them, or others like them; no concessions to be granted."
The bombing in Spain right before the election wasn't a demand?
The outcome of the election seems to indicate the Spanish people are hoping that AQ will "cease what they do."
AQ has been handed a great amount of power with a minimal amount of effort.