Global Terror: The Frightening Reality!

Till that unbelievable 9/11 attack terror did not seem to be a global phenomenon. But since then terror became an industry with the formation of many groups having their bases in countries like India, Pakistan and Afghanistan. Internal factors of these countries made themselves prime targets of the attacks. India has been bearing the brunt of it in a major way since 1993 with many of its cities continuing to be soft targets. The US interests—financial, military or strategic—in these countries and the growing conflicts thereof finally brought terror to the US in a most inhuman way in terms of the 9/11 attack in 2001. Al-Qaeda emerged as the global force of terrorism. However, even then it could be said that terror did not assume a global role thanks to efforts on counter-terrorism by USA and to some extent India. After more than a decade terror returned to America in April, 2013 in terms of the Boston Attack and last Monday’s (September 16) attack on the US Naval Base where shooter (s) killed 12 people is still shrouded in mystery regarding any possible angle to terrorism. Pakistan, Iraq and Afghanistan continued to bleed all the while and India got hit again after a gap of 2/3 years. The scenario is fast changing and the frightening reality of a Global Jihadism is just about unfolding.

Now, Kenya, Pakistan and Iraq in the space of just one day—all mindless, barbaric and demonic attacks. On Saturday a series of bomb blasts killed at least 96 innocents. Night the same day terrorists mounted a cowardly on a crowded up-market mall in Nairobi. Around 10/15 gunmen mowed down the innocents with gunfire and even grenades that continued to Sunday today. At least 60 people including 2 Indians were killed and about 200 injured. The attack bearing a sinister similarity to 26/11 Mumbai terror attack is still not over as several terrorists are still suspected to be inside the mall holding hostages. Shebab, a terrorist group belonging to Al-Qaeda claimed responsibility for the attack citing revenge for Kenya’s military action in Somalia. And on Sunday today, two suicide bombers blew themselves up in front of a historic church in Pakistan killing more than 60 (rose to 78 later) innocents. This is seen as the biggest terror attack on Christian minority in Pakistan. What follows next and in which town or cities of which country it is hazardous even to guess. 

High time India evolve an global counter-terrorism policy in close association and cooperation of other countries like America. For India stakes are not only at home, but considering large chunks of Indian population in many other countries India must take the responsibility of protecting its citizens. The US is becoming increasingly unwilling to take up counter-terrorism operations single-handedly and therefore a global effort is need of the hour. Indian Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh while reacting to a day of unprecedented terror violence emphasized just this fact. For this India need strong and committed leaders. High time political leaders come out of politics in national interest. It hardly helps matters that on Friday the 20^thSeptember a terror suspect of the Indian Mujaheddin just ran away from a court in Mumbai and Mumbai police did not have a clue for two hours. An intensive manhunt is still on to track the terrorist. Get ready now for any eventuality anywhere in the world. Time is running out.