Mumbai
Massacre: More Coverage = More Attacks.
New Delhi, November 29, 2008
huffingtonpost.com
Mira Veda
The ruthless terrorist attacks aimed at high profile luxury establishments
in Mumbai were specifically orchestrated towards Britons and Americans
to get premium media coverage. The destruction of the attacks is
said to be unprecedented in scope and terror. Its Mumbai's 9-11--only
to the power of 10. Taking a page right out of the book of 'Al-Qaeda
systematic attacks', the prehensile Deccan Mujahideen, who have
taken responsibility for the attacks, were following the blueprint
for simultaneous terror. Understanding the global reputation of
Americans, thanks to the likes of Bush, it's not a huge mystery
as to why the Deccan Mujahideen picked their targets. The five star
Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, an Indian Landmark and Oberoi Towers where
mostly foreigners and NRI frequent would surly create some very
high profile coverage for a virtually unknown Deccan Mujahideen.
The Granger Causality Test created by Nobel Laureate Clive Granger
says that coverage causes more attacks, and attacks cause more coverage.
It's no wonder why the Deccan Mujahideen follow in the footsteps
of Al-Qaeda attacks on high profile locations. The tactical and
strategic gain for the perpetrators creates an ominous future of
fear for us but seems to produce favorable results for them. Every
news channel, print media and virtual medium is bombarded with the
same message: Fear. Mission successful.
Pictures of terrorist activity are distributed everywhere with
the now famous burning dome of the Taj Hotel and very young gunman
gripping his AK-47. Stories are leaking out as to how the terrorists
went from room to room in search of UK and US foreigners. Gunmen
were heard shouting, "Who has UK or US passports?" The
hostage situation now gives even more legitimacy to the Deccan Mujahideen.
It suggests that they have a plight so intense and their message
can be heard not only in Mumbai but also globally. Yes. The world
is listening.
Every bit of information that comes out creates new anxiety and
fear. Now I know they had a kill-list. Not a Hit-list but a Kill-list.
When did the hit-list become a Kill-list? The shaping of perspective
by the media and even potential glamorization only adds to more
violent and powerful attacks. The sophistication by the Deccan Mujahideen
and the copycat blueprint of 9-11 attack suggests to me that perhaps
they had intention of "doing it bigger" to provoke stronger
reaction. All these publicity seeking attacks, including the assassination
of several high-ranking officials in Mumbai emphasizes the group's
desperate attempt to create political, economic and national terror
on the global stage.
The terrorist operative also bloodied a famous restaurant immortalized
by Gregory David Roberts in Shantaram called Leopold's. Having frequented
Leopold's while staying at the Taj Mahal Palace on my trips to Mumbai,
it was always filled with NRI and foreigners. A hot spot for travelers
on a budget. Attacking the highly visible hot spots like Leopold's
adds further to disorientation and despair. The fact that the attacks
were not scattered or isolated but very concentrated, since Leopold's
is a mere walking distance from the Taj Mahal, intensifies the psychological
impact.
India's image as a violent and unsafe country, under siege by a
possible Kashmir sympathizers who may be Pakistan-based is domestic
political challenge as well as a global challenge. In and instant,
by way of extensive media coverage, India has become a symbol of
violence and fear.
Mumbai has lost her charm for the holidays, she is caught in a
superfluous war that has wounded her spirit. I am sure many events
and gatherings will be canceled, as my friend Anouskha Shankar just
reported her concert with her father Ravi Shankar scheduled in Mumbai
was canceled for tonight. Yes, there is a deeper emotion experienced
in anticipation of danger, an anxious feeling when people congregate
but Mumbai is resilient. She has survived the battery of so many
and somehow she lifts herself from the ashes and rises once again.
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