Euskadi Ta Azkatasuna: an intelligence investigation

This paper was an academic paper written for my Foreign Policy class. It uses standard APA formating. Thank you for reading.
-Joel

Euskadi Ta Azkatasuna: an intelligence investigation
Joel Grosjean
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University


AbstractThis paper is designed to address Euskadi Ta Azkatasuna (ETA). It will discuss the basic mechanics including the infrastructure of the organization, the region of significance – Basque Country, relevant historic information including facts about Franco Francisco, evolutions in ETA’s movement, and how ETA has defied traditional terrorism.



IntroductionSince the eighteenth century, terrorism has affected our world. Though they usually die out after a short time, terrorist networks have permeated modern society (White, 2009). In this paper we will look at a specific terrorist network: Euskadi Ta Azkatasuna (ETA). Using open source materials, we will outline the basics behind ETA followed by a look at the historic anomalies. A focus will then be made on the Basque culture – the region of relevance, - followed by ETA as a counter-revolutionary - including the social political atmosphere that has surrounded Spain. We will then conclude with an explanation of how ETA defies conventional terrorism.

ETA: The basicsEuskadi Ta Azkatasuna (ETA) is a declared terrorist network by Spain, France, the European Union, and the United States (Nation Master, 2005; Department of State, 2008). Their name, translated from Euskara - the region’s native language, - is “Basque Fatherland and Liberty”.

Mission
ETA’s goal is to gain independence for the Basque Country - including the French Basque Country - and to release ETA’s incriminated members (Nation Master, 2005). This is in response to the Basque region currently being governed by Spain to the south and France to the north. ETA has also taken up other causes; these include counter drugging efforts, fighting against a nuclear power plant project in Lemoiz, and the fight against the Liezaran highway (Nation Master, 2005).

Organization
ETA split into two factions in 1974 following Francisco’s resignation (see below): the military wing, ETA-M, as distinguished from ETA (White, 2009, p. 321). Some source state it has split into over six factions and sub-factions (Martin, 2006, p 167). Despite splitting, they operate - and are view - as a harmonious whole, campaigning together under the alias ETA (White, 2009, p. 322).
ETA is further composed of different specialty branches. Originally there were three such branches; now they have become subdivide into 11 different bodies (El Correo Digital, 2006). These branches are composed of logistical, political, international, military, reserve, prisons, extortion, information, recruitment, trading, and treasury duties. Such subdivision has assisted in decentralizing the organization. This has brought the organization from a pyramidal to an umbrella structure.
The head of these branches are governed by a “counsel” officially called a Zuba (El Correo Digital, 2006). The Zuba is advised by the Zuba-hitu. This body is composed of former leaders currently incarcerated by Spain and France (El Correo Digital, 2006). (I find it interesting their continued interaction with the ETA network despite being imprisoned by a government hostile toward the organization.)

Approximate Size
ETA is composed of various branches as previously mentioned. These eleven different bodies previously outlined are estimated to be composed of a network of about 100 people (El Correo Digital, 2006). The governing powers – Zuba and Zuba-hitu – are arranged in a Marxist-Leninist structure with 7-11 executives forming the Zuba and 15 in the Zuba-hitu (El Correo Digital, 2006).

Historic SignificanceGeneral Franco Francisco
General Franco Francisco marked the beginning of animosity and essentially the birth of ETA (BBC News, 2008b). His contribution cannot be underestimated. After gaining control of Spain through the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939), Francisco sought to forcibly assimilate the Basque into Spanish culture by banning their language, suppression their culture, and imprisoning and torturing those holding to their political and cultural beliefs (Martin, 2006, p. 94; BBC News, 2008b). Francisco continued rule of Spain until his death in 1975 (Martin, 2006 p. 167).

French Response
ETA has been viewed with mixed results in France. Sharing borders with France, the Basques in general and ETA members in particular have sought asylum within its borders. This was because they were viewed as political refugees during Francisco’s reign in Spain. By 1994, however, France reversed its position and incriminated over seventy ETA members (White, 2009, p. 322).

The Basque CountryETA is founded on the mission to free the Basque homeland. This deserves a discussion of the Basque Country and its impact on society. The Basque region is split between the Spain and France (Nation Master, 2005). The Spanish side of the Basque region is known as Basque Country while the French side is called the French Basque Country. The Basque Country includes Bizkaia, Gipuzkoa, Araba, and Nafarroa; the French Basque Country includes Lower Navarre, Lapurdi and Zuberoa.

Language
The Basque language, Euskara, has puzzled linguist who try to discern its origin (Universidad del Pais Vasco, 1999). Some have tried to link it to Caucasian languages or Iberic though there has been no successful match. It has been agreed, however, that it was developed independent of other cultures. There was no written form until the tenth century when Catholic missionaries sought to write a Bible in their language (Cardoza, n.d.). Ancient Roman ruins depict Basque culture testifying of the fusion of their respective cultures. Currently, Euskara is considered to be endangered with less than 600,000 estimated to speak Euskara (Encyclopedia, 2007; Gordon, 2005).

Oak of Guernica
The Oak of Guernica runs throughout the Basque’s history. Though its origin dates into legendary history, the general assemble is known to meet under its boughs since the Middle Ages (Steves, 2009). The Oak of Guernica has come represents their separatism (Steves, 2009; Cardoza, n.d.).
Most notable is the oak’s recent survival following the bombing of April 26, 1937. Following Franco Francisco’s rise to power, Spain’s control of the Basque Country was met with disdain of their culture and heritage. Given Spain’s alliance with Nazi Germany, General Francisco offered Guernica - a town in the despised region - as a bombing range for Luftwaffe experimentation. Apart of the Spanish Civil War (1936 - 1939), this was bloody and cost the lives of many - including, noticeably, the city inhabitants of Guernica. Pablo Picasso, a fellow Spaniard, was inspired by the devastation in Guernica and painted a work grieving the infighting, and his painting carries the city’s name. In the words of Rick Steves (2009), “The notorious result - the wholesale slaughter of innocent civilians - was immortalized by Pablo Picasso’s mural Guernica” (p. 126). Despite the devastation, the Oak of Guernica - symbolizing separatism – survived. This particular tree, however, has since died and its offspring has taken its place, a practice that has carried through the centuries and, thus, symbolically immortalizing their freedom (Corrigan, n.d.; Steves, 2009).

ETA: Counter-revolutionariesResponse to Franco Francisco
ETA was birthed in response to General Franco Francisco’s suppression. It was marked as a student rebellion against Francisco (BBC News, 2008b). Their goal was to counter the offensive repression and bring the Basque culture into recognition. During Francisco’s reign, there was minimal violence seen coming from ETA. Over 600 deaths occurred between 1968 (the beginning of ETA’s killing rampage [Barry, 2006]) and 1991 with only 7% of them occurring during Francisco’s tenure (Martin, 2006, p. 197).

Turning Events
While ETA was initially successful and popular, skepticism has been seen in more recent years. In July of 1997, ETA kidnapped a prominent political leader: Miguel Angel Blanco, a councilor for the Basque region (BBC News, 2008b). This grew attention while ETA held him hostage; ETA demanded Spain to release its 480 ETA prisoners. Spain, however, was noncompliant. Blanco was soon fund shot and died shortly afterward in the hospital. Following this event, distaste grew throughout Spain over ETA; thus, a mass demonstration formed, speaking out against ETA and involving over six million participants (BBC News, 2008b).

Political Clout
ETA has been aligned with Marxist-Leninist philosophy since the nineteen-sixties (Barry, 2006). This has attributed to their alliance with such communist nations as Cuba, Libya, and Lebanon (Nation Master, 2005).
ETA has developed a political party: Batasuna - formerly Euskal Herritarrok or Herri Batasuna (Nation Master, 2005). This party has been voted by about 10% of the Basque Country. Batasuna has been met with much controversy with the Spanish parliament who began working on outlawing the party in 2002. By 2003, the Spanish court found Batasuna to be connected to ETA with the United States and the European Union consenting months later.

Ya Basta
Independence has been a long-standing goal of the Basques in general. Current polls show 33% support independence, 32% support autonomy, and 31% support federalism (Nation Master, 2005, social support). While many of the Basques agree with ETA’s ultimate mission - regional independence, - many do not agree with its use of violence (White, 2009, p. 322). In renunciation of ETA’s violence, Ya Basta - literally translated “Enough is Enough” - was founded. The mission of Ya Basta is primarily to oppose ETA terrorist attacks and support its victims (Central Intelligence Agency, 2008).

Grupo Especial de Operaciones
From the events of General Franco Francisco, ETA formed as a counter-revolutionary. In response to ETA, the civilians started Ya Basta (among other organization) to speak out against terrorism and help its victims. Equally important to Ya Basta was the Spanish government’s response to ETA: the formation of the Grupo Especial de Operaciones (GEO). Emerging in 1979, the GEO was formed for counter-terrorist operations and hostage rescue (Martin, 2006, p. 491). Though it also operates as a law enforcement agency, most of its counter-terrorist activities have been directed at ETA.

ETA: Defying terrorismTerrorism is often viewed through the stereotype of Middle Eastern terrorist networks. This is arguably because of their prominence in today’s news, particularly in post September 11 culture. This leads toward inaccurate assumptions about terrorism - most notably its religious nature. Terrorism has a variety of definitions and is, thus, not well defined. It has been equated to Justice Potter Stewart’s definition of pornography: unknown by definition, though known when seen (White, 2009). As White (2009) further articulates, “We can agree that terrorism is a problem, but we cannot agree on what terrorism is” (p. 3).
Although the following traits are not unique to ETA alone, many of the visible terrorist networks do not follow these traits, thus making them counterintuitive. Indeed ETA is arguable most akin to the IRA and its tactics; indeed, some traits are seen in other networks (White, 2009, p. 322).

Non-religious
Among the assumptions of terrorism is a need for religious motive. Though arguably caused by the media’s attention to Middle Eastern terrorism, terrorism transcends religion and more closely aligns to extremist’s behavior in general. Although Spain is predominately Christian, ETA is not religiously motivated (Centro de Investigaciones Sociologicas, 2005, Question 35).

A Voice for a Larger Body
ETA further portrays uniqueness by considering themselves the voice of the entire Basque region (White, 2009, p. 322). It is not an exclusive organization like Al Qaeda, but rather composed of the population and has similar demographics. Further distinguishing themselves from the Al Qaeda model, ETA’s members do not consider themselves full-time terrorists; they hold legitimate jobs in society and average a three year tour with ETA and terrorism (White, 2009).

Ceasefire
ETA’s further defies traditional terrorism by announcing a “permanent” ceasefire (BBC News, 2006). Though later withdrawn in 2007, this ceasefire was issued in 2006 arguably in response to their lost image as a Robin Hood – engaging in auspicious violence. Abandonment of violence, however, is atypical of traditional terrorist networks who usually continue their actions regardless of having met their goal. Known as a nihilist, this model is about revolution for revolution sake, and it has labeled such organizations as Al Qaeda (Martin, 2006, p. 158). During this time, ETA had not abandoned all forms of coercion, though. In 2006, ETA bombed a car park during the ceasefire raising concern by citizens and closing negotiation with Spain (BBC News, 2008a).

Seeking definitive goal
Akin to our discussion of their ceasefire, ETA, surprisingly, is still seeking their mission: to create an independent state of the Basques. It is unusual for a terrorist network, realizing their power and financial advantage, to continue true to their original mission and goal. They have fought against the nihilist model and still seek their original goal. Given the Basque’s semi-autonomy, ETA is beginning to meet its goal, thus explaining their perceived closing acts (entertaining diplomatic negotiating with Spain and issuing ceasefires for example). ETA’s remaining mission is to establish a truly independent and free state for the Basques (BBC News, 2008b).

ConclusionFollowing this journey through ETA’s infrastructure, it can be seen how the Basque region’s interests are being encroached and why resolution is being sought by the public at large and, though unconventionally, ETA in particular. After a brief look at ETA’s mission and organizational structure, we explored the history surrounding ETA’s formation with particular interest in General Franco Francisco. We then reviewed the Basque country and its culture, followed by ETA as a counter-revolutionary force including Ya Basta and the GEO’s response. We finally concluded by discussing anomalies between ETA and conventional terrorism. It appears from this information that ETA is at a turning point whereby they either disband or become the nihilist with which they have tried to disassociate. Time alone will tell.

Reference
Barry, Derek (2006). ETA Renounces Basque Ceasefire, Retrieved October 30, 2008 from http://nebuchadnezzarwoollyd.blogspot.com/2006/09/eta-renounces-basque-ceasefire.html

BBC News (2006). Text: ETA declares ceasefire, Retrieved October 30, 2008 from http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/4833490.stm

BBC News (2008). Timeline: ETA campaign, Retrieved January 8, 2009 from http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/545452.stm

BBC News (2008). Who are Eta?, Retrieved October 30, 2008 from http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/3500728.stm

Cardoza, Don Juan II (n.d.). The Basques (Euskaldunak), Retrieved October 31, 2008 from www.angelfire.com/nt/dragon9/BASQUES.html

Central Intelligence Agency (2008). Retrieved November 4, 2008 from www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/sp.html

Centro de Investigaciones Socialógicas, (2005). Barómetor de Abril: Fecha Técnica, Retrieved December 26, 2008 from www.cis.es/cis/opencms/-Archivos/Marginales/2600_2619/e260200.html

Corrigan, Damian (n.d.). Pictures of Guernica (Gernika), Basque Country - Guernica Pictures, Retrieved December 24, 2008 from http://gospain.about.com/od/basquecountrypaisvasco/ss/guernica.htm

Department of State (2008). Foreign Terrorist Organizations, Retrieved December 12, 2008 from www.state.gov/s/ct/rls/fs/08/103392.htm

El Correo Digital (2006). ETA ha modificado su estructura interna por motives de seguridad, Retrieved October 30, 2008 from www.elcorreodigital.com/vizcaya/pg060323/actualidad/politica/200603/23/ECD_eta_funcionamiento.html

Encyclopedia (2007). Basque. (Endangered Language)(brief article), Retrieved December 24, 2008 from www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1G1-168586653.html

Gordon, Raymond G., jr. (2005). Ethnologues: Languages of the World [Electronic version]

Knowledgerush.com (2003). Language Isolate, Retrieved December 26, 2008 from www.knowledgerush.com/kr/encyclopedia/Language_isolate/

Martin, Gus (2006). Understanding Terrorism (2nd ed.) [Electronic version]

National Virtual Translation Center (2007). Languages of the World, Retrieved December 24, 2008 from www.nvtc.gov/lotw/months/february2006/basque.html

Nation Master (2005). ETA: Euskadi-ta-Askatasuna, Retrieved November 4, 2008 from www.nationmaster.com/encyclopedia/ETA:Euskadi-Ta-Askatasuna

Omniglot (2008). Basque (euskara), Retrieved December 24, 2008 from www.omniglot.com/writing/basque.htm

Steves, Rick, (2009). Spain: 2009, [Electronic version]

Universidad del Pais Vasco (1999). Euskara, The Language of the Basque People, Retrieved December 24, 2008 from www.cd.sc.ehu.es/DOCS/book.SS-G/v2/Euskara.html

White, Jonathan R., (2009). Terrorism and Homeland Security (6th ed.). Belmont, CA: Wadsworth Cengage Learning.