As is always the case when such things happen, the aftermath of the horrific attack on Mumbai is already leading to a blame game. Some are pointing to Pakistan. Others point to India’s internal problems with its Muslim population. It is always important to understand the roots of a problem before attempting to deal with it. But I have long advocated that while a call for revenge is a natural emotional reaction to terror and violence, restraint and careful consideration is the best approach to dealing with international conflict.
This article by Amitav Ghosh makes the same point within the context of this most recent tragedy:
[I]f there is any one lesson to be learned from the wave of terrorist attacks that has convulsed the globe over the last decade it is this: Defeat or victory is not determined by the success of the strike itself; it is determined by the response.
Tags: South Asia, War Crimes