Heavy price

Sir, - The September 11 attack on the U.S. was war-like. No terrorist assault has been perpetrated with such foolproof planning and clinically precise execution.

And with it, a new chapter in the history of terrorism has been opened. One shudders at the thought of what lies ahead, like use of passenger aircraft as weapons.

The U.S. is a military and economic power; it has rushed to the help of many nations, especially in Europe, when they were attacked and it has generously disbursed humanitarian aid worldwide.

But, the same U.S. has always fallen short of looking beyond its self-interests. The recent attack is the tragic price it has paid.

America, despite its countless resolutions on the need to exorcise terrorism from this part of the world, has never felt the need to stand up to its reputation of a global power to stamp out what today it calls an ``evil.''

Little did the U.S. heed the warning that `jehad' has many variants, including the one that can blow up the World Trade Centre.

There is more to this world than America's self-interest. Security and peace of mind cannot be bought with dollars.

B. Pradeep Nair,

Bangalore

Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Section  : Opinion
Previous : Religion, real evil?
Next     : Wanted global strategy