BBC - International Terrorism (2008) Part 6 ETA

International Terrorism: The Global War on Terror

The terrorist is by no means a new actor on the world stage. However, thanks to startling developments in military and communications technology, this perennial threat to freedom and security has taken a quantum leap forward during the past thirty years. In many cases, these vicious and determined men and women have supplanted nation states on the globe's “most wanted” list! This extraordinary 26-episode series provides a comprehensive look at these modern masters of political murder and extortion. From the I.R.A. to al-Qaeda, Global Terror runs the gamut of groups that have pledged themselves to destroy the stability that we cling to so tenuously—examining their goals, their methods and their terrifying prospects for success!

Part 6: ETA

Between Spain and France on the Atlantic coast is the Basque region of Spain, which has for centuries been a unique culture and people bearing allegiance to neither of its large neighbours. In 1937, General Franco occupied the Basque country, abolished their existing degree of autonomy and ruthlessly repressed their aspirations for independence. ETA (short for Euskadi Ta Askatasuna which means Basque fatherland and freedom) was founded in 1959. Initially peaceful, it quickly evolved into the terrorist branch of the Basque separatist movement and to date has caused upwards of 800 deaths. Since the death of General Franco in particular, ETA has bombed its way into the headlines by committing outrage after outrage designed to weaken Spanish resolve and grant regional independence to its distinctive population.

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