This article is based on an Editorial “Realism, not machismo, to counter terror” which was published in the Hindu.There are animated discussions on social media on the Israel- Hamas conflict, with a large number of people sympathising with Israel, which suffered an unprecedented attack by Hamas.
Relevancy for Mains: Challenges of terrorism and impact on India.
Shifting Sands of India’s Counterterrorism Strategy
Trauma of Mumbai attack: This is perhaps because India suffered through the Mumbai attacks in 2008 (known as 26/11), among others.
Remarkable act of restraint: The New York Times columnist, Thomas Friedman, published an article praising former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh for not attacking Pakistan immediately after the Mumbai attacks.
Although, Social media condemned this act as India prides itself on its air strikes on Balakot in Pakistan in 2019 to avenge the Pulwama terror attack.
A well-thought-out strategy:
Delicate act: Counterterrorism is to be carried out with due thought and realism as India showed.
Highlighting the cause: Terrorists attack with the intention of provoking a reaction that will draw attention to their cause.
If India had attacked Pakistan following the attacks of September 11, 2001, it would have resulted in a nuclear standoff with the international focus shifting to ‘solve’ the India-Pakistan issue, which centres around Kashmir, rather than terrorism itself.
Global Response to Palestine cause: The Palestinian problem has now gained centre stage as a result of Israel’s brutal response.
Benefits of Active diplomacy followed by India to not attack Pakistan:
Deepening of ties with US: After the attack, India was hailed as a “responsible nuclear power.
Just one month prior to the Mumbai attack, the India-U.S. Civil Nuclear agreement was operationalised.
Impact on the economy: A conflict would have led to the depletion of global finances, in addition to accusations from the international community.
Revised version of Kerry-Lugar Bill: The U.S. Senate’s passage of the Bill in 2009 strained relations with Pakistan which had clauses perceived as offensive by it.
Economic downturn of Pakistan: Foreign Direct Investment declined by 42% by 2010, as Pakistan was widely considered associated with the ‘war on terror.’
The situation intensified when the United Nations labeled Lashkar-e-Tayyiba (LeT) a terrorist organization in 2010.
Conclusion:
Downfall of Pakistan: It can be argued that the collapse of present-day Pakistan is in part due to India’s decision not to attack and instead formulate an international response.
Growth of Indian Economy: India paved the way for a $3 trillion economy, while Pakistan’s economic prospects continue to decline. None of this might have happened if India had opted for war.
Comprehensive coverage with a concise format Integration of PYQ within the booklet Designed as per recent trends of Prelims questions हिंदी में भी उपलब्ध
Quick Revise Now ! UDAAN PRELIMS WALLAH
Comprehensive coverage with a concise format Integration of PYQ within the booklet Designed as per recent trends of Prelims questions हिंदी में भी उपलब्ध
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