a) FACE MASKS. Go to a hardware store, and buy a mask used to protect your face from toxic dusts. Learn to fit one tightly to your face
b) ANTIBIOTICS. Have your doctor prescribe a 10 day supply of 500 milligram capsules of ciprofloxacin, which is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic
c) BOTTLED WATER, STORABLE FOOD, FRESH BATTERIES IN A FLASHLIGHT AND A PORTABLE RADIO, AND FUEL IN YOUR AUTOMOBILE. These are standard precautions for natural or manmade disruptions. If a terrorist attack disrupts life, or if you are moving to a safer place, it is wise to have a few days supply of these staples
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Terrorism in India: Where the problem lies?
Terrorism in India has grown to a great extent in the last two decades. But the government is still lagging behind in implementing strong and adequate measures to combat terrorist activities. Common men should also come forward to curb this menace..
CJ: Dhananjay Tripathi , 16 May 2008 Views:7349 Comments:7
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PINK CITY turned red on May 13 by the terrorist strike, killing more than 70 persons (as per government report) and leaving more than double the number as injured. The terrorist attack on the Pink City is not only an attack on humanity, but once again terrorist groups have proved that they do not have any ideology, except spreading violence and terror and they have no other cause but to harm humanity.
Religions do not give permission of mindless killing of innocent people, and those who are indulging in such activities have nothing to do with any religion. Nothing can be achieved by making humanity to bleed, and those who swear by the name of political goal are nothing but inhuman and should be treated in a very strong manner. No stone should be left unturned to bring these enemies of humanity to book.
Huji, which is a suspected terrorist outfit in the Jaipur attack, drew inspiration from Osama Bin Laden and established with the assistance of Bin Laden’s International Islamic Front (IIF) in 1992. Earlier Harkat-ul-jehad-al-Islami (HujI) and Harkat-ul-
Mujahedeen (HuM) were under the single banner of Harkat-ul-Ansar (HuA). The United States (US) department put HuA under the list of international terrorist organisation as this group kidnapped some European and American tourists from Kashmir in early 1990s. Afterwards, HuA was splinted into two groups, HujI and HuM.
Presently, both are involved in terrorist activities in Kashmir Valley and in Pakistan. In Bangladesh, HuA works as HujI-Bangladesh. The primary objective of HujI is to establish Isalmic Hukumat in Bangladesh (Islamic Rule) and they have a close connection with Taliban. They get assistance from Osama Bin Laden and major part of funding comes to them from Laden’s IIF. According to the available report of Bangladesh CID Police of 1999, IIF has sanctioned some 0.40 million US dollars to HujI for recruitment and training of cadres. The strength of Huji-Bangladesh can be estimated by the fact that it provides largest number of cadre to fight in Afghanistan from outside Afghanistan.
The blasts in Jaipur also reveal many things, which in the past have been considered by our government but never been implemented at a serious level. India is facing the problem of terrorism from last two decades, but still we failed to zero it on. The intelligence gathering in India is not at all satisfactory. It has never come to notice that security agencies have unearthed any mission of terrorists except in our Bolloywood movies. From Parliament to Judiciary, everything in this nation is targetted and we swung into action after strike takes place and then get relax for another to happen. At national level, there is a need of a high-level anti-terrorist squad, which should have its branch in every state. Not making a serious allegation, but intelligence system of our nation requires a proper overhauling.
There is also a need for a trained group/task force for handling the situation, which arises after such blasts and strikes. It must consist of security personnel, doctors, nurses, and they should always be on alert. Life can be saved if we have an expert team, rushing at the site of blast to assist the victims. In the Jaipur blasts, we have seen how lack of blood is standing between life and death of many who are injured. This is a pathetic situation, although many people donate blood, but why things are not in order despite of the fact that India is a nation where at any time such strike can take place? We are well aware of this reality but still we have no emergency plan at national level. This team can make a difference in handling grim situations and government must think over it.
It is also necessary to have a centralised system of information gathering and disbursement. There is a need for one or two toll free phone numbers, which any body can take information from about victims after such strike or in the case of natural calamity. It is far from understanding that why until date government has not thought of such a mechanism for a country like India, which is not only big in geographical term, but has vast population and diversity in the terms of languages as well. It is also necessary that if anybody has any suspicion then he or she can call a toll free number and can share the information with the government. No such method is available. Even if someone finds something suspicious, he chooses to remain quiet, as majority do not want to deal with local ’khaki’ clad. Government must provide an option to those who want to share any information without being harassed. Unfortunately as of now, no such thing exists in our nation.
Fighting with terrorism should not only be the duty of government and role of civilians, and civil society is equally significant. Firstly, strong movement is required against all fundamentalist ideologies. We have seen how Hindu fundamentalists went on rampage during the Gujarat riots that needed to be opposed in a strong way. Secondly, unity in diversity should be encouraged at all possible levels. Still demagogue like Raj Thackerray are openly spitting venom and encouraging violence act against fellow human beings. This is a known reality that many of those who are targetted by Raj’s hooligan cadres are from minority community. These regional chauvinists are the real adversary of ‘one India’. No scope should be given to these hate-preachers in our country. Some reports indicate that HujI got good recruits from post riots in Gujarat.
Other Articles by Dhananjay Tripathi
PM's US visit: Some questions
Indian Mujahadeen: A dangerous trend for India
It’s time we banned the VHP
The Singur fiasco: Who would ultimately win?
Politics of terrorism begins after blasts
more >> Many times, it is noticed that police randomly pick people from minority community on false charges, this need to be condemned and should be avoided at any cost. This is the third point that no Indian citizen should feel insecure just for belonging to any religion, caste, or sect. The spirit of secularism and unity in diversity must be championed by all and sundry. Lastly, we must also be attentive and be more alert and should never hesitate in informing the police of any suspicion (although a centralised system is necessary). We should reject all type of fundamentalist attitude and approach and must tell them that enough is enough, and hate-mongers do not have any place in this nation.
Finally, I want to pay my sincere homage to all those who had lost their lives in this blast. I express my deepest condolences to the family and friends of the victims, and want to assure them that they are not alone, this entire nation is equally depressed at the loss of lives. Put a brave face against the enemies of humanity and do not let them succeed in their motive of terrorising us.
IN PAKISTAN, Terror Free Tomorrow’s nationwide survey before the February 18, 2008 elections is front page news and the subject of editorials in every major newspaper. Denounced by government spokesmen and official state television, even President Musharraf responded by claiming that TFT and other polling “have value in developed nations but not here in Pakistan.” A feature article from one of Pakistan’s leading newspapers (Daily News) found that the Pakistani government had a plan to rig the Feb.18th vote, but that TFT’s public opinion poll helped to “definitely prevent the government from massive rigging.” According to the article, a senior government official with ties to Pakistani intelligence confirmed that “a plan to rig the elections was in the works,” but that the polling “created an atmosphere where there was no choice but to have free and fair elections.” The article also quotes one of the highest officials in President Musharraf’s own political party, who admitted that the polling “deter[ed] any state-sponsored manipulation.”
IN SAUDI ARABIA, Terror Free Tomorrow’s unprecedented survey is hailed by the major reform-minded Arabic press as “a survey of profound importance” (Al-Watan; Asharq Al-Awsat), extensively reported in front page coverage throughout Saudi and Arabic media. According to Al-Watan, the leading reform newspaper in Saudi Arabia, our survey is: “a rare and remarkable in-depth study of Saudi society” that can help “bear witness to a new consciousness in the Arab and Muslim world.” For the U.S., the poll is relied on in commentary from the Christian Science Monitor to the San Francisco Chronicle, with news coverage in the New York Times, Washington Post, Wall Street Journal, USA Today, AP, Reuters, CNN and more.
IN IRAN, TFT’s surveys are the first uncensored polls of the Iranian people in five years, headlined by the leading student organization in Iran, throughout Iranian blogs and by the leaders of the pro-democracy movement. Called “an act of bravery by ordinary citizens,” our surveys “after so many years of isolation, and despite the risk,” are at last giving the Iranian people themselves a voice (International Herald Tribune). For the American and international policy debate, our surveys have been featured in a lead news story by the Washington Post and in editorials in the Wall Street Journal, New York Times, Economist, Guardian, Washington Times, New York Post, etc. One editorial concludes that TFT findings provide “the most complete and nuanced understanding of one of the most important foreign-policy challenges we face in the 21st century.”
IN PAKISTAN, TFT’s nationwide August 2007 survey is the “oft-quoted standard” for the democracy debate inside Pakistan (The Pakistan News). In the American foreign policy debate, the survey is relied on in editorials from the Washington Post to the Los Angeles Times, with front page coverage in the New York Times and Washington Post, and a feature story on CNN.
IN INDONESIA and BANGLADESH, Admiral Mullen, Chair of the Joint Chiefs, states that TFT surveys are a “critical factor” in launching the U.S. Navy’s humanitarian medical missions. Our surveys showed that the Navy’s hospital ship, treating 61,000 needy patients, changed public opinion favorably toward the United States and against terrorism—resulting, according to Admiral Mullen, in even more medical missions by the Navy. Admiral Mullen has written that TFT’s findings provide proof to “one of the defining moments of this new century.”
IN PAKISTAN, our nationwide survey—the first after the October 2005 earthquake—serves as a principal finding by the U.S. Senate for the United States to gain vital goodwill against extremism by “taking the lead” in relief efforts to Pakistani earthquake victims (Senate Resolution #356).
IN INDONESIA, former Presidents Clinton and Bush rely on our survey—the first after the tsunami—as proof of the power of continued humanitarian aid to counter extremism in the world’s largest Muslim country.
IN the U.S.CONGRESS and GOVERNMENT, TFT surveys are the subject of hearings before the House Foreign Affairs and Armed Services Committees, the National Security Subcommittee, the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and a key finding behind new legislation introduced by Senators Russ Feingold (D-WI) and Norm Coleman (R-MN). TFT’s work has also been relied on by the State Department as an independent benchmark in evaluating the success of American foreign policy (State Dept Performance and Accountability Report), and by the Department of Defense in the National Military Strategic Plan for the War on Terrorism.
IN SAUDI ARABIA, Terror Free Tomorrow’s unprecedented survey is hailed by the major reform-minded Arabic press as “a survey of profound importance” (Al-Watan; Asharq Al-Awsat), extensively reported in front page coverage throughout Saudi and Arabic media. According to Al-Watan, the leading reform newspaper in Saudi Arabia, our survey is: “a rare and remarkable in-depth study of Saudi society” that can help “bear witness to a new consciousness in the Arab and Muslim world.” For the U.S., the poll is relied on in commentary from the Christian Science Monitor to the San Francisco Chronicle, with news coverage in the New York Times, Washington Post, Wall Street Journal, USA Today, AP, Reuters, CNN and more.
IN IRAN, TFT’s surveys are the first uncensored polls of the Iranian people in five years, headlined by the leading student organization in Iran, throughout Iranian blogs and by the leaders of the pro-democracy movement. Called “an act of bravery by ordinary citizens,” our surveys “after so many years of isolation, and despite the risk,” are at last giving the Iranian people themselves a voice (International Herald Tribune). For the American and international policy debate, our surveys have been featured in a lead news story by the Washington Post and in editorials in the Wall Street Journal, New York Times, Economist, Guardian, Washington Times, New York Post, etc. One editorial concludes that TFT findings provide “the most complete and nuanced understanding of one of the most important foreign-policy challenges we face in the 21st century.”
IN PAKISTAN, TFT’s nationwide August 2007 survey is the “oft-quoted standard” for the democracy debate inside Pakistan (The Pakistan News). In the American foreign policy debate, the survey is relied on in editorials from the Washington Post to the Los Angeles Times, with front page coverage in the New York Times and Washington Post, and a feature story on CNN.
IN INDONESIA and BANGLADESH, Admiral Mullen, Chair of the Joint Chiefs, states that TFT surveys are a “critical factor” in launching the U.S. Navy’s humanitarian medical missions. Our surveys showed that the Navy’s hospital ship, treating 61,000 needy patients, changed public opinion favorably toward the United States and against terrorism—resulting, according to Admiral Mullen, in even more medical missions by the Navy. Admiral Mullen has written that TFT’s findings provide proof to “one of the defining moments of this new century.”
IN PAKISTAN, our nationwide survey—the first after the October 2005 earthquake—serves as a principal finding by the U.S. Senate for the United States to gain vital goodwill against extremism by “taking the lead” in relief efforts to Pakistani earthquake victims (Senate Resolution #356).
IN INDONESIA, former Presidents Clinton and Bush rely on our survey—the first after the tsunami—as proof of the power of continued humanitarian aid to counter extremism in the world’s largest Muslim country.
IN the U.S.CONGRESS and GOVERNMENT, TFT surveys are the subject of hearings before the House Foreign Affairs and Armed Services Committees, the National Security Subcommittee, the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and a key finding behind new legislation introduced by Senators Russ Feingold (D-WI) and Norm Coleman (R-MN). TFT’s work has also been relied on by the State Department as an independent benchmark in evaluating the success of American foreign policy (State Dept Performance and Accountability Report), and by the Department of Defense in the National Military Strategic Plan for the War on Terrorism.
IN PAKISTAN, Terror Free Tomorrow’s nationwide survey before the February 18, 2008 elections is front page news and the subject of editorials in every major newspaper. Denounced by government spokesmen and official state television, even President Musharraf responded by claiming that TFT and other polling “have value in developed nations but not here in Pakistan.” A feature article from one of Pakistan’s leading newspapers (Daily News) found that the Pakistani government had a plan to rig the Feb.18th vote, but that TFT’s public opinion poll helped to “definitely prevent the government from massive rigging.” According to the article, a senior government official with ties to Pakistani intelligence confirmed that “a plan to rig the elections was in the works,” but that the polling “created an atmosphere where there was no choice but to have free and fair elections.” The article also quotes one of the highest officials in President Musharraf’s own political party, who admitted that the polling “deter[ed] any state-sponsored manipulation.”
IN SAUDI ARABIA, Terror Free Tomorrow’s unprecedented survey is hailed by the major reform-minded Arabic press as “a survey of profound importance” (Al-Watan; Asharq Al-Awsat), extensively reported in front page coverage throughout Saudi and Arabic media. According to Al-Watan, the leading reform newspaper in Saudi Arabia, our survey is: “a rare and remarkable in-depth study of Saudi society” that can help “bear witness to a new consciousness in the Arab and Muslim world.” For the U.S., the poll is relied on in commentary from the Christian Science Monitor to the San Francisco Chronicle, with news coverage in the New York Times, Washington Post, Wall Street Journal, USA Today, AP, Reuters, CNN and more.
IN IRAN, TFT’s surveys are the first uncensored polls of the Iranian people in five years, headlined by the leading student organization in Iran, throughout Iranian blogs and by the leaders of the pro-democracy movement. Called “an act of bravery by ordinary citizens,” our surveys “after so many years of isolation, and despite the risk,” are at last giving the Iranian people themselves a voice (International Herald Tribune). For the American and international policy debate, our surveys have been featured in a lead news story by the Washington Post and in editorials in the Wall Street Journal, New York Times, Economist, Guardian, Washington Times, New York Post, etc. One editorial concludes that TFT findings provide “the most complete and nuanced understanding of one of the most important foreign-policy challenges we face in the 21st century.”
IN PAKISTAN, TFT’s nationwide August 2007 survey is the “oft-quoted standard” for the democracy debate inside Pakistan (The Pakistan News). In the American foreign policy debate, the survey is relied on in editorials from the Washington Post to the Los Angeles Times, with front page coverage in the New York Times and Washington Post, and a feature story on CNN.
IN INDONESIA and BANGLADESH, Admiral Mullen, Chair of the Joint Chiefs, states that TFT surveys are a “critical factor” in launching the U.S. Navy’s humanitarian medical missions. Our surveys showed that the Navy’s hospital ship, treating 61,000 needy patients, changed public opinion favorably toward the United States and against terrorism—resulting, according to Admiral Mullen, in even more medical missions by the Navy. Admiral Mullen has written that TFT’s findings provide proof to “one of the defining moments of this new century.”
IN PAKISTAN, our nationwide survey—the first after the October 2005 earthquake—serves as a principal finding by the U.S. Senate for the United States to gain vital goodwill against extremism by “taking the lead” in relief efforts to Pakistani earthquake victims (Senate Resolution #356).
IN INDONESIA, former Presidents Clinton and Bush rely on our survey—the first after the tsunami—as proof of the power of continued humanitarian aid to counter extremism in the world’s largest Muslim country.
IN the U.S.CONGRESS and GOVERNMENT, TFT surveys are the subject of hearings before the House Foreign Affairs and Armed Services Committees, the National Security Subcommittee, the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and a key finding behind new legislation introduced by Senators Russ Feingold (D-WI) and Norm Coleman (R-MN). TFT’s work has also been relied on by the State Department as an independent benchmark in evaluating the success of American foreign policy (State Dept Performance and Accountability Report), and by the Department of Defense in the National Military Strategic Plan for the War on Terrorism.
IN SAUDI ARABIA, Terror Free Tomorrow’s unprecedented survey is hailed by the major reform-minded Arabic press as “a survey of profound importance” (Al-Watan; Asharq Al-Awsat), extensively reported in front page coverage throughout Saudi and Arabic media. According to Al-Watan, the leading reform newspaper in Saudi Arabia, our survey is: “a rare and remarkable in-depth study of Saudi society” that can help “bear witness to a new consciousness in the Arab and Muslim world.” For the U.S., the poll is relied on in commentary from the Christian Science Monitor to the San Francisco Chronicle, with news coverage in the New York Times, Washington Post, Wall Street Journal, USA Today, AP, Reuters, CNN and more.
IN IRAN, TFT’s surveys are the first uncensored polls of the Iranian people in five years, headlined by the leading student organization in Iran, throughout Iranian blogs and by the leaders of the pro-democracy movement. Called “an act of bravery by ordinary citizens,” our surveys “after so many years of isolation, and despite the risk,” are at last giving the Iranian people themselves a voice (International Herald Tribune). For the American and international policy debate, our surveys have been featured in a lead news story by the Washington Post and in editorials in the Wall Street Journal, New York Times, Economist, Guardian, Washington Times, New York Post, etc. One editorial concludes that TFT findings provide “the most complete and nuanced understanding of one of the most important foreign-policy challenges we face in the 21st century.”
IN PAKISTAN, TFT’s nationwide August 2007 survey is the “oft-quoted standard” for the democracy debate inside Pakistan (The Pakistan News). In the American foreign policy debate, the survey is relied on in editorials from the Washington Post to the Los Angeles Times, with front page coverage in the New York Times and Washington Post, and a feature story on CNN.
IN INDONESIA and BANGLADESH, Admiral Mullen, Chair of the Joint Chiefs, states that TFT surveys are a “critical factor” in launching the U.S. Navy’s humanitarian medical missions. Our surveys showed that the Navy’s hospital ship, treating 61,000 needy patients, changed public opinion favorably toward the United States and against terrorism—resulting, according to Admiral Mullen, in even more medical missions by the Navy. Admiral Mullen has written that TFT’s findings provide proof to “one of the defining moments of this new century.”
IN PAKISTAN, our nationwide survey—the first after the October 2005 earthquake—serves as a principal finding by the U.S. Senate for the United States to gain vital goodwill against extremism by “taking the lead” in relief efforts to Pakistani earthquake victims (Senate Resolution #356).
IN INDONESIA, former Presidents Clinton and Bush rely on our survey—the first after the tsunami—as proof of the power of continued humanitarian aid to counter extremism in the world’s largest Muslim country.
IN the U.S.CONGRESS and GOVERNMENT, TFT surveys are the subject of hearings before the House Foreign Affairs and Armed Services Committees, the National Security Subcommittee, the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and a key finding behind new legislation introduced by Senators Russ Feingold (D-WI) and Norm Coleman (R-MN). TFT’s work has also been relied on by the State Department as an independent benchmark in evaluating the success of American foreign policy (State Dept Performance and Accountability Report), and by the Department of Defense in the National Military Strategic Plan for the War on Terrorism.
Defining Terrorism:What is terrorism and its objectives?
What is Terrorism?
Terrorism is not new, and even though it has been used since the beginning of recorded history it can be relatively hard to define. Terrorism has been described variously as both a tactic and strategy; a crime and a holy duty; a justified reaction to oppression and an inexcusable abomination. Obviously, a lot depends on whose point of view is being represented. Terrorism has often been an effective tactic for the weaker side in a conflict. As an asymmetric form of conflict, it confers coercive power with many of the advantages of military force at a fraction of the cost. Due to the secretive nature and small size of terrorist organizations, they often offer opponents no clear organization to defend against or to deter. That is why preemption is being considered to be so important. In some cases, terrorism has been a means to carry on a conflict without the adversary realizing the nature of the threat, mistaking terrorism for criminal activity. Because of these characteristics, terrorism has become increasingly common among those pursuing extreme goals throughout the world. But despite its popularity, terrorism can be a nebulous concept. Even within the U.S. Government, agencies responsible for different functions in the ongoing fight against terrorism use different definitions.
Terrorism is not new, and even though it has been used since the beginning of recorded history it can be relatively hard to define. Terrorism has been described variously as both a tactic and strategy; a crime and a holy duty; a justified reaction to oppression and an inexcusable abomination. Obviously, a lot depends on whose point of view is being represented. Terrorism has often been an effective tactic for the weaker side in a conflict. As an asymmetric form of conflict, it confers coercive power with many of the advantages of military force at a fraction of the cost. Due to the secretive nature and small size of terrorist organizations, they often offer opponents no clear organization to defend against or to deter. That is why preemption is being considered to be so important. In some cases, terrorism has been a means to carry on a conflict without the adversary realizing the nature of the threat, mistaking terrorism for criminal activity. Because of these characteristics, terrorism has become increasingly common among those pursuing extreme goals throughout the world. But despite its popularity, terrorism can be a nebulous concept. Even within the U.S. Government, agencies responsible for different functions in the ongoing fight against terrorism use different definitions.
Thursday, November 20, 2008
War on Terror
The War on Terrorism (also known as the War on Terror) is the common term for the military, political and legal, and ideological conflict, and specifically for U.S. operations in response to the September 11, 2001 attacks.
TERRORIST'S STRIKE ON INDIAN DEMOCRACY SYSTEM
The 2001 Indian Parliament attack was a high-profile attack by Kashmiri terrorist militants against the building housing the Parliament of India in New Delhi. The attack led to the killing of a dozen people and led to increased tensions between India and Pakistan and the 2001-2002 India-Pakistan standoff.
On December 13, 2001, five gunmen infiltrated the Parliament House in a car with Home Ministry and Parliament labels. While both the Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha had been adjourned forty minutes prior to the incident, many Members of Parliament (MPs) and government officials such as Home Minister LK Advani and Minister of State (Defence) Harin Pathak were believed to have still been in the building at the time of the attack. (Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Opposition Leader Sonia Gandhi had already left). The gunmen slammed their vehicle into the car of the Indian Vice President Krishan Kant (who was in the building at the time), got out, and began firing their weapons. The Vice President's guards and security personnel shot back at the terrorists and then started closing the gates of the compound. The lady constable Kamlesh Kumari was first to spot the terrorist squad. One gunman, wearing a suicide vest, was shot dead, the vest exploding. The other four gunmen were also killed. Five policemen, a Parliament security guard, and a gardener were killed, and 18 others were injured. No members of the government were hurt.
On December 13, 2001, five gunmen infiltrated the Parliament House in a car with Home Ministry and Parliament labels. While both the Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha had been adjourned forty minutes prior to the incident, many Members of Parliament (MPs) and government officials such as Home Minister LK Advani and Minister of State (Defence) Harin Pathak were believed to have still been in the building at the time of the attack. (Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Opposition Leader Sonia Gandhi had already left). The gunmen slammed their vehicle into the car of the Indian Vice President Krishan Kant (who was in the building at the time), got out, and began firing their weapons. The Vice President's guards and security personnel shot back at the terrorists and then started closing the gates of the compound. The lady constable Kamlesh Kumari was first to spot the terrorist squad. One gunman, wearing a suicide vest, was shot dead, the vest exploding. The other four gunmen were also killed. Five policemen, a Parliament security guard, and a gardener were killed, and 18 others were injured. No members of the government were hurt.
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