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
2 comments:
The interesting part about what your saying is that either with Pakistan's support or not, India is going into Pakistan. I don't know that Pakistan would tolerate an Indian incursion into their country, remember they've fought three wars since 1947, but I agree with you that something over and above the usual Pakistani flim flam will be the order of the day. The difficulty between these too countries is always Kashmir. Will Pakistan be willing to through over the separatists that it has supported? If not, it could mean war between the two nuclear powers. A corollary to that would be that if even the Pakistani government wants to turn over the 20 terrorists that the Indians have requested, could they do so with out the military or the ISI revolting.
What happened in Mumbai was a terrible display of the violent ideals of terrorists determined to promote fear in the hearts of innocent citizens. Such horribly cruel and cowardice actions commonly invokes a sense of anger and a desire for vengence against those responsible (and often those related in any capacity - e.g. the governments/nations the terrorists had arisen from); not unlike the reaction of the United States after the terrorist attacks on September 11th - which is completely understandable. It is natural to feel compelled to seek retribution after such a cruel display of hate; however, I agree that is not always the most sound option to pursue. In a situation like this, one must keep a level head and suspend intentions for vengence and instead focus on reorganizing, regrouping, and bolstering the protection of the people. The aim of terrorism is to proliferate fear and panic among people, nations, and governments, so that they may act irrationally and often violently out of that fear and panic.
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