The response to terrorism must be right, not fright – Nandan Nilekani (in Indian Express, Nov 30, 2008)
Today it was quite natural to see the rage, anger and hatred in the words, in the eyes and on the faces of fellow Indians. But such natural feelings be dealt not naturally but rationally. So what is a rational response? There can be many ‘rational definitions’ of a rational response in this time of crisis. A useful one as I see is – Wait !
Wait for right time to strike. But be determined to strike, the right target.
India would need to go ‘resolutely offensive’ than ‘resiliently defensive’.
Crumbling crown
While those dreadful events are discussed and analyzed, photographs are shared and forwarded – the anger in individuals would be intensified. This anger might overcome logic and reasoning. Financial crisis is mounting on global economies and hence India also can not afford a full-fledged war kind of situation. Even Pakistan can not afford it.
The resignations, as politically correct steps, are being asked/given/accepted/denied. Symbolic campaigns and marches of common people that would take place in days to come, would bring even more pressure on the governments.
In case of earlier attacks, India could not succeed enough to prove Pakistan’s role in those events. International community in principle was agreed with India’s concerns, but on ground less was done. This time also though India has received condolence messages and support from international community including US President Bush and President-elect Obama, it would be not so good idea to respond in a panic mode. Rather we should reserve their support and cooperation for future actions.
We need to do three most important things -
- Fix our problems at home
- Prove Pakistan’s role in attack by diplomatic means
- Prepare for a strike against terrorist camps (as US, Israel and even Turkey had done earlier)
One of the reasons behind this terrorist attack, as discussed on one of the news channels and reported by a Pakistani author, might be to divert the attention of Pakistani forces from destruction of terrorist camps at the Pakistan’s border with Afghanistan, so that Taliban and Al-Quida squads can rush deep into Pakistan, taking control of the country much quicker than anticipated. Till the time Government of India arrives at a solution, Indian army can join ‘hands’ with American army at the Afghan border.
Updates
- US, India face Pak blackmail on terror
- India has right to protect itself: Obama
- Pakistan an international migraine: Madeleine Albright (former Secretary of State of United States)
- Lashkar-e-Toiba has no ISI backing: Zardari (Partially accepting the historical linkage)
- Let’s Buy Pakistan’s Nukes – Bret Stephens (suggesting US $100 Billion package for Pak’s nukes)
