Opinion - Letters to the Editor   

On terrorism

This refers to the editorial "Terror and the Pakistan connection" (Aug. 12). It argues that carnage in the name of religion will remain a threat as long as terrorists have access to the necessary infrastructure. Hence "security services should look not so much at the intention of individuals to execute violent acts as at the capabilities available to them." Jihadi terrorists are funded by rich individuals like Osama bin Laden. Capability to acquire infrastructure is no problem for them. It is therefore the intention of individuals which needs to be looked at.

K.S. Ramakrishnan,
Chennai

The editorial says "... the British security services have foiled the plans of a clearly `Islamicist' terrorist ring ..." What is an `Islamicist terrorist ring?' Such mention of terrorists in the context of Islam will sideline Muslims and give rise to the suspicion that the followers of Islam are terrorists. A terrorist being a Pakistani or an Arab does not and cannot mean that Islam and its teachings are to blame. The media should be more responsible.

Mohamed Yunus,
Chennai

The British police and the Scotland Yard deserve to be congratulated for foiling the terrorists' attempt to blow up 10 U.S.-bound planes midair, thereby preventing a major strike. It shows that they have learnt their lessons after the 7/7 attacks. Contrast this with our casual approach to terror strikes and the manner in which our politicians seek to gain political mileage after every incident.

V. Padmanabhan,
Bangalore

After 9/11, Pakistan was designated as an ally of President George Bush and the West in their war against terrorism. But Pervez Musharraf has succeeded in befooling them. Every terrorist activity in the world is traced to Pakistan but it demands conclusive proof when India says it sponsors cross-border terror. And the world seems to believe its sincerity in fighting terror.

Amit Gupta,
Ghaziabad, U.P.

The major battle against Osama bin Laden's network can be won if the world unites to put pressure on Islamabad to destroy all the Kashmir-centric terror networks in Pakistan. This is in the interest of the entire international community. More delay will lead to more disasters.

R. Padmini,
Secunderabad

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