Basque Peace and Freedom

• Global Exchange

Despite opposition by the Spanish state, an international panel — including Sinn Fein leader Gerry Adams — has backed the peaceful, democratic aspirations of Basque country. As one of Europe's most ancient and cohesive indigenous nations, Euskal Herria — which spans the French-Spanish border — appears headed for both peace and freedom. Their long struggle for autonomy, which is mirrored by movements in Catalunya and Andalusia, portends a new era of pluri-nationalism in the Iberian Peninsula.