It seems that every couple of months we are treated to more news of Russian spies being identified and deported from various countries, signifying either that Russian spies have become remarkably inept, or, more likely, it’s a sign of sheer volume and growth of Moscow’s espionage program.  Just last week, the British discovered and expelled a Russian diplomat accused of spying, which followed shortly after the Ekaterina Zatuliveter fiasco.  We need no reminding of the misadventures of Anna Chapman and the “desperate housewives” deep cover crew in the U.S.

So it should come as no surprise to see the main Spanish newspaper El Pais reporting another tit-for-tat expulsion of Spanish diplomats from Russia last week in retaliation for spies deported more than a month ago.  So why did we not hear about the original discovery of Russian spies by the Spanish?  According to the BBC, “Spain’s respected newspaper El Pais said the Spanish government had not publicised its expulsions last month because it did not want to spoil the forthcoming events,” with reference to the upcoming “Year of Spain in Russia” and “Year of Russia in Spain,” as well as a visit by the royal family.

Self-censorship out of fear is deplorable on its own, but this political cobardía is mirrored on behalf of Spanish officials, who appear to be walking on eggshells in a desperate effort not to offend Russia for having discovered a couple of spies.