Going to War: India’s 9/11

01Dec08

            

 

     While India-Pakistan relations have been icy for some time, the recent shocking events in Mumbai cast a new, darker light on their relationship. It goes without saying that peace is in both India’s and Pakistan’s interests, but there is a time when leaders are forced to make certain, difficult decisions.

     Such is the case today with India’s Prime Minister, Dr Singh.

     The Mumbai attacks have been dubbed “India’s 9/11″, and the Indian public feel that the connection is fitting. The Indian people want something done. Not just “investigations” or an “increase in counter-terrorism”. The mood is angry. Like the US public after September 11th, 2001. They want an eye taken for an eye.

     Incredible pressure is being placed upon the Indian government and military to act swiftly, with overwhelming force against this enemy. Such pressure is both from the public and from within the military leadership itself. Both have pointed the finger at Pakistan. Both have vowed action.

     This ‘action’ has not yet arrived. However, the die is being cast. Pakistan has vowed to “take every last soldier” from its western frontier and move them to the Indian border if tensions continue to escalate. There have been no reports of any mobilization from the Indian side. This is being held off until further ‘confirmation’ comes through of Pakistan’s involvement in the Mumbai attacks. When this happens, then we have a problem.

     Why, you ask? Let’s look at the following quote from India’s Foriegn Minister today. The following is an excerpt from the article in The Age.

     US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice is believed to have spoken to Indian Foreign Minister Pranab Mukherjee, urging India not to escalate tensions with Pakistan. But Mr Mukherjee says the Mumbai attacks have made efforts to improve relations “impossible”.

Link > http://www.theage.com.au/world/pakistan-may-move-troops-to-indian-border-20081130-6nrw.html

     Impossible is a very, very strong word. Especially coming from the government itself. The Foriegn Minister speaks on behalf of the Prime Minister, who speaks on behalf of the people. The people have indeed spoken.

     We can expect a general mobilization of forces from both sides to take place within days. 

     That is assuming the Foriegn Minister’s words are not empty rhetoric.


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One Response to “Going to War: India’s 9/11”  

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  1. 1 vic on December 1, 2008 said:

    I think US and most western governments need to rethink of Pakistan’s role on terror. Its not a friend for sure, rather Pak seem to be playing a double game with US/UK. Pakistan is the safest & strongest camp for all sorts of terrorist groups in world. They are the terrorist producers, like India produces IT professionals and China is in Manufacturing. I sometimes tend to believe that Western Media is forcing a polished face of Pak to their citizens, and force us to believe that Pak is a friend not enemy.

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