It’s always worrying when something like this happens – a direct attack on the connections between two nuclear-armed rivals. Attacks on India seem to be increasing in frequency as well as severity.
This latest attack appears to have used simple incendiary devices rather than high explosive, but to deadly effect (at least 64 killed, mostly Pakistani). The crude nature of the bombs suggests the responsibility of a small group, not state-supported (as many in India will argue) and it could also imply that Hindu extremists (perhaps breakaways from the Bajrang Dal youth organization?), wanting to increase tension with Pakistan, are responsible.
UPDATE: There was a car bombing in Baghdad that killed more than 60 people today, as well, but I guess the media consider that normal. There were also waves of simultaneous bombings recently in Algeria and Thailand, and a courtroom bombing in Pakistan, not to mention smaller bombings in Afghanistan, St. Petersburg, Mogadishu, Uganda and even an ineffective mortar attack on US forces in Japan. How did we get to the stage where that level of world terrorism is nothing out of the ordinary?
Interesting anecdote. Sounds like the situation closely parallels the southern Philippines, with multifaceted groups and centuries-old grievances.
It’s always very interesting how media attention is distributed. What is your opinion, by the way, about the Muslim insurgency in south Thailand? There was some discussion in last month’s issue of the Journal of Counterterrorism and Homeland Security about their operational strengths and capabilities.
Also, thanks for the link add.
Left by A.E. on February 19th, 2007