The need for calm heads...

As disgusted and riled up as I was at the events of last week in Mumbai, I realize there is a strong need for calm heads to prevail at this crucial time. It is going to be very difficult, considering the enormous emotional strain placed upon not just Indians but the entire world, but we must do our best to avoid knee-jerk reactions.

The origins and identities of the mass murderers must be investigated, and quickly! However, government officials must try to remain disciplined to avoid leaking out half-baked information to the media. Already, rumors abound about the terrorists' supposed connections to Lashkar-e-Toiba and Pakistan's ISI, and Indo-Pak ties are getting considerably more strained by the day. This is not going to help matters! Please, government officials, for once, conduct a quick and comprehensive investigation before releasing a detailed report to the media and the public! Is this asking for too much?

The Mumbai attacks bear a significant resemblance to the attacks of 9/11, and I thought it was extremely ironic to have Condy Rice and George W. Bush's administration clamoring for Indian and Pakistani leaders to remain calm! After reacting rather impulsively to the events of 9/11, the Bush administration managed to drag on the fiasco for 7 years and involve Iraq in the mess along with Afghanistan, and now, they are advising India and Pakistan not to act impulsively?? You've got to be kidding me right? What moral credibility does the US have to advise other nations in such matters? None, whatsoever in my opinion. America, you have got to stop employing double standards. First, clean up your own acts and re-earn your credibility in the world, before offering advice to other nations!