Opinion - Letters to the Editor   

U.S. pressure

There is no doubt that we are shocked, hurt and sad. But Senator John McCain's warning to Pakistan that India would be left with no option but to conduct air strikes against select targets in Pakistan if it did not act swiftly against those responsible for the Mumbai terror attacks was untimely. The U.S. has not given up its practice of interfering in the affairs of other countries, inciting hostility and precipitating war.

India is addressing the terror issue in a mature way and setting an example to the world on how to respond to such situations.

J. Simy,
Bangalore

Instead of cooling tempers and defusing the situation in the subcontinent, Mr. McCain's statement, in a way, prompts war. What we need is advice from seasoned diplomats who can help bring reconciliation between India and Pakistan, not warmongers who stoke the fire of bitterness and hostility.

M.A. Hakeem,
Hyderabad

It is imprudent for us to expect the U.S. to fight Pakistan on our behalf. The U.S. has its own agenda. We have one of the best armies in the world.

Mudgal Venkatesh,
Gulbarga

It is encouraging to see international pressure, particularly from the U.S., mounting on Pakistan to act against the perpetrators of the Mumbai attacks. While Mr. McCain has described the Mumbai attacks as India's 9/11 and warned Pakistan of Indian air strikes, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice has pushed Pakistani leaders to act.

Thankfully, there has been an overwhelming response from the international community to India's plea to bring pressure on Pakistan to act.

B.H. Shanmukhappa,
Davanagere

Some may doubt the intention of America in assisting India but it should be acknowledged that terrorism is no longer a local issue but a global one. It should be ensured that collaboration is not reduced to a game of one-upmanship.

If the Mumbai terror attacks can get the nations of the world to join together to fight terrorism, it will turn out to be the most enduring positive outcome of the attacks.

Sarath S. Pillai,
New Delhi

The government can consider outsourcing security related to international terrorists. After all, we import a lot of defence equipment from foreign countries. Why not use the services of counter-terrorism experts too?

This is not to undermine the ability of our security agencies. It is only a step towards finding a multi-national solution to the global menace.

Pudipeddi Satyavathi,
Sriharikota

Reports of American activism, though laudable, should not be seen as a sign of U.S. support for India because America is guided only by self-interest. We need to dispense with our dependence on Americans and prepare to deal with Pakistan on our own. Warmongering will not help but strengthening our defences will.

Manish Manglani,
New Delhi

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