26/11: Seriously not ready
Brigadier Xerxes Adrianwalla takes a hard look at the security response to 26/11 and outlines the urgent systemic changes needed in our approach to combating terrorism.
Brigadier Xerxes Adrianwalla takes a hard look at the security response to 26/11 and outlines the urgent systemic changes needed in our approach to combating terrorism.
Mumbai is surrounded on all sides by water and is just as vulnerable to attack by sea as it was on 26/11. Maharashtra needs formalised maritime governance - a coordination of all maritime activity with a constant, collective awareness of the surrounding maritime domain.
An active, vigilant citizenry is a vital partner in the fight against terrorism. However, Dr. Jayaprakash Narayan, founder of the Lok Satta Party, argues that this can only be possible with a new legal framework that emphasises efficiency and inclusiveness.
The 'double-dealing' of the U.S. and Pakistani army - all with the ambition of military dominance - has significantly aided various terrorist groups. After 26/11, there is no place to hide for the Mike Mullens and countless others who have been apologists for the Pakistan army and the state it controls.
In the aftermath of the Mumbai attacks, the Pakstani deep state role was highlighted. The U.S. has come to realise this reality too. Bilateral information sharing could prove to be vital to combat terrorism - both regionally and globally.
Amidst the ongoing blame game between India and Pakistan, Masood Hasan, a Lahore-based columnist, explores the complex range of Pakistani reactions to 26/11 – from denial to defensiveness to even apathy, and the ramifications of this tenebrous environment.
Last May, U.S. citizen David Headley confessed to being a spy for the Lashkar-e-Taiba. What no one has tackled yet is whether there are other Headleys out there whose actions threaten India, or any other country. Even with thousands of intelligence agencies scouting for terrorist activities, are we really safer?
Creating a neighbourhood of compatible interests in South Asia isn’t easy, especially when intra-regional trade accounts for only 5% of total trade in the region. However, the region has seen considerable progress in the past year. India is well poised to lead the change, starting with the upcoming SAARC summit.
India and Brazil’s increasing engagement in Africa is a clear sign that both countries are embracing their new roles as global diplomats. By joining forces to bolster Africa’s food security, they have the chance to break ground on a tangible agenda that could have a far-reaching impact on matters of global concern
The first Indo-U.S. Education Summit held last week showed much promise. While education can be driving force of the strategic dialogue between the two countries, this is also an opportunity for business. India's massive education sector, estimated at $25 billion, is waiting to be tapped.