Option 1: Respond Like the U.S.
Well, it certainly seems to be a popular idea. All of the pundits and reporters and TV commentators seem to be stuck on the metaphor of "India's 9/11". And there certainly are parallels. Like 9/11, it was a devastating attack on India's soil, with a high number of civilian casualties, on a national landmark, with shocking swiftness, preparedness, and surprise. If India chose to go the route of the U.S., they would likely raid Pakistan to destroy the training camps, because it is the country of the terrorist's origin.
Option 2: Diplomacy and Cooperation
The Indian government could, instead, work with Pakistan to take down the terrorists in a more lasting and damaging way, by building up security and intelligence and then sharing information with Pakistan. It's not like the Pakistani government was behind the attacks; it was an entirely solo attack by the terrorists. Pakistan's government is weak at this time, and is unable to effectively root out the terrorists hiding within its borders. It needs help from other countries, especially India, to fight it's terrorists. Plus, Pakistan has had some horrible attacks of its own, such as the September attack on the Islamabad Marriott. It's not like the government enjoys having such dangerous chaos-makers inside its' borders.
So what'll it be? Go on a reckless military offensive, attacking other countries mercilessly and needlessly? Or will it be a diplomatic approach, working with other countries to counter-act the terrorists and root them out? So far, it seems that India is going with route # 2. I'd say that it's by far the right choice.
Now, what about the Pakistanis? The terrorists came from their country, and they claim to be waging a jihad against the forces of evil. What should the people of Pakistan do? Should they sit by, let the governments make big, sweeping statements about how this cannot be tolerated and the terrorists will be dealt with? Or should they act on their own, and show the terrorists that they are not helping their Muslim sisters and brothers?
Do you remember when the Muslim world rose up and protested the offensive Danish cartoon about the Prophet Muhammed? What if the Muslim world rose up again and protested the killing of innocent civilians? Most of Pakistan is not under the control of the radical fundamentalist Imams who preach hatred of the West. They can show the terrorists that killing others is not the way to get to heaven and the promised 72 virgins.
So far, there have been some positive signs of a repudiation of the terrorist's ideology. The Pakistani government has responded with sincere seriousness and has shown no link to the group involved. In addition, many of the prominent political and cultural leaders have stated their outrage and dismay and horror at the attack. Now, however, it is time for the rest of Pakistan and the Muslim world to step up. Because its' one thing for a politician to say something. It's quite another for the people to rise up as one and agree.
SOURCES: New York Times Op-Ed Column
