Catalonia's Bid for Independence Is a Zero-Sum Game

When asked about Madrid's potential reaction to the independence process in Catalonia, many Catalans used to say, "as soon as they send the tanks, they will have lost the battle." On Oct. 1, the Spanish government didn't send in the military to block the independence referendum. But it did send the police, resulting in clashes that left over 800 people injured according to Catalan authorities. And images of policemen storming schools, seizing ballot boxes and using force against voters will resonate at home and abroad for years to come. Yesterday's events have not only exacerbated Spain's worst political crisis since democracy was reestablished four decades ago, they have given the independence movement serious momentum, which Madrid will struggle to stop....