What can I do?

This has been the question that kept popping up in my head.
I fear that terrorism will soon slip from our immediate focus. And I don't want that to happen.

Like with most things, any action starts first with thyself.
So what I can do?
What I can at least do is contribute to the public discourse on terror.

If I have a voice, an opinion,
if I am a discerning citizen,
see right from wrong,
jingoism from humanism,
I must talk. I must ask.

Which is why I joined the War on Terror.

Reading the latest India Today issue (Newsmaker 2008),
I ask why we have not done things we could easily have.

Understood, we are not the US
Understood, we DON'T want to be Israel
Understood we don't want to strike at Pakistan's camps
(not so much to destroy them as to show zero tolerance)
for fear of incommensurate retaliation
Understood we don't have the capabilities to undertake covert operations

But, couldn't we at least announce a substantial cash
reward for the terrorists we want?
(US got information on Saddam's sons in exchange for a reward)

Picture this -

"$10m for Zakiur Lakhvi dead. $15m if captured alive".

(And can someone first put that money into an escrow account please. Wading through our bureaucratic sludge is as difficult as catching the thugs. It is a matter of collective shame that victims of terror attacks have to run from pillar to post to get their compensations)

At best, someone will take the bait
(sure they must have enemies within their own ranks or someone who will do it only for the money. Amir Kasab, the captured terrorist did it).

At worst, it will
- show India's resolve to explore options other than 'asking' a recalcitrant Pakistan to act
- exhibit a belief that the world be damned, we know our enemies and we will go after them
- make life a little difficult for the merchants of terror.

This is then the question I ask on the India Today Forum.

Sharing what I see

I have been reading around to see what is the mood in Pakistan.
I see some encouraging observations in the Pakistani media.

I liked the article 'Extremism at the grass roots'.

They also mention about the 'Yeh Hum Nahin Foundation'
which is made to showcase the average pakistani and his/her needs.
It is set to lilting music and makes an impact.

Watch it.

How to handle Pakistan?

Following the dreadful Mumbai attacks, this has been the subject of great debate right from the top diplomatic circles to the angry 'aam aadmi' on the street.

With due respect to the civil society in Pakistan, that country should be internationally isolated. All economic, trade, cultural, and sports ties should be suspended. I believe the majority in Pakistan want most other people around the world want. That is peace, security, and livelihood. Pakistan will be safe for the world only when their civil forces come to the fore.

The international isolation hopefully will bring a sense of collective and complete responsibility for their situation. They should also understand that a country cannot cover itself with the shield of sovereignty if it cannot fully control its land mass and people. If there are certain sections that are uncontrollable and become a headache to the world, the world has the right to self-defense.

Yet there should be no external aggression on Pakistan. This will again unify the destabilizers in that country. The message for it should be - sort out your problems and join us only when you've cured yourself of all ills.

On a related point, last night I saw a show on CNN-IBN asking viewers what should India's response to Pakistan be. Don't know why they invited the singer Abhijeet on the show. He makes a complete ass of himself on every forum. This man's speaking skills are so bad that his slanted thoughts come out crooked when he speaks.

My advise to the media, please leave Abhijeet out.