Is India or America Better At Tackling Terrorism?
This is a very simple question. On the surface the answer seems to be very obvious. Since 9/11 there have been no terrorist attacks on American soil. There were some attacks on American interests abroad but nothing major. There are constant reports of senior members of terrorists groups arrested all around the world by American government agencies and also reports of cells in the United States and all around the world broken up. However, some American citizens have been killed in attacks on American allies (like the subway bombings in London and Madrid and the bombings in Mumbai).
On the other hand there have been many attacks on Indian targets since 9/11 starting with the attacks on the Indian parliament a few months later that almost started war between India and Pakistan. That attacks was followed by many other attacks on major Indian cities like Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, and Delhi. Hundreds of Indians have been killed in these attacks. The Indian government seems incapable of stopping these attacks. The government’s response to these attacks is very predictable. They nab a few individuals who are minor players in the overall scheme and at the same time complain loudly about Pakistan’s role in these attacks. After a few months of complaining about Pakistan, the incident is quietly put to rest. But does this mean that India is doing a bad job of tackling terror?
Comparing the job performed by the United States handling of terrorism to that of India (or for that matter most other countries like Britain, France, or Spain) is not a fair comparison. United States is geographically very isolated from most other countries that it is fighting the war on terror with. It is extremely difficult for someone with bad intentions to travel from the Middle East, Pakistan or Afghanistan to the United States. Even if one does make the journey it is very difficult for that person to smuggle the weapons, bomb making devices and other communication equipment in to the country easily. This is an advantage that has worked well for the United States both in the war on terror and also during other wars like World War II.
Although America is a multicultural society it is predominantly Christian (about 95% of the population). America’s population is about 305 million. Of these 1.1 million follow Islam and 2.8 million follow Judaism (these are approximate values). It is extremely difficult for terrorists and their organizations to recruit from the local population. (NOTE: I want to emphasize that I believe that the overwhelming majority of Muslims in the world are peace loving people. Only a very small number of them (including the likes of Bin Laden) are waging a Jihad with the West and their allies).
India on the other hand has about 150 million Muslims. An average Indian Muslim has less opportunities and is poorer and less educated than an average Hindu, Buddhist or Christian. It is easier to recruit potential candidates from within India. India also has a long border with Pakistan (the country that is the epicenter of terrorism). In addition both these countries have disputes over many other issues like Kashmir and water sharing. Pakistan has shown in the past that it is more than willing to provide moral and financial support to terrorists who are willing to attack Indian targets.
Although the cards are stacked against it, India today remains relatively safe. Why? I think most Indians (Hindus or Muslims) are tired of this violence. The responses that these terrorists seek from these attacks (attacks on Muslims by Hindus and vice versa) are not happening. People from all walks of life have figured out the strategy. India also has become a strong economy. Some of these attacks (particularly the ones in Hyderabad and Bangalore) that are targeted at the IT sectors have produced small bumps. But it has failed to change the world view of the strength and depth of the Indian economy. I also think that the Muslim communities in India and their leaders have done a very good job of separating themselves from the lunatic fringe. A fair way to compare the two countries would be to compare our performance against terror and America’s war on drugs (America has fought a very expensive two decade long war on drugs smuggled to the US from countries like Columbia through Mexico). This war for all practical purposes is a total failure.
Related posts:
- Saffron Terrorism is Real
- India and Pakistan: War is not the Answer
- Underwear Bomber Exposes America
- Israel’s Public Relations Campaign in India
- Electric Cars in India but Not in America
Category: News & Government
both are lousy.