Ahmadedbad, Gujarat was likely the chosen site of attacks on July 26 because Gujarat has been on an upswing in recent years following both a devastating earthquake and horrible intra-sectarian riots between Muslims and Hindhus, which left hundreds or more dead and thousands homeless in the 2000 to 2002 period. http://infochangeindia.org/200605065528/Human-Rights/Features/Commerce-papers-over-the-cracks-between-Hindus-and-Muslims.html
Meanwhile, one of the more devastating bombing attacks on India actually occurred in Kabul this month. Many Indians blame this bombing in Afghanistan in early July on either Pakistan secret security forces or someone they work with. http://www.expressindia.com/latest-news/ISI-involved-in-Kabul-bombing-on-Indian-embassy-NSA/334809/
NEWS FROM INDIA & the USA
I need to end this piece by stating that in my travels in India this month, I have found little sympathy for anyone who bombs, mames or disturbs other people through strikes.
In short, despite a continued history of violence and tenstion of ethnic, religious and nationalist vain, India is holding together and should for a long time. I am certain that, on the one hand, if Mohandes Gandhi were alive today, he would be proud of how far many Indians have come and how committed they are to peace amongst others of other faiths, nationalities and tribes.
On the other hand, Gandhi would cry at the bombings and intolerance perpetuated on Indian peoples today. Especially, the continuing rift between Pakistanis and Indians would very much depress the Mahatma.
We all should.
I advocate that Americans and the US government do more to build ties of people-to-people support with South Asians. Support doesn't always need to be monetary, it can be through other acts of solidarity and taking time to get to know one another.
I recall meeting a Sikh out in Los Angeles, just a week after the London train bombings in 2005. This particular Sikh shaved his head rather than having long curls. He had done this for decades because of the prejudices he had felt upon moving to the USA in the 1980s.
That same Sikh also shared that he knew personally the poor misguided murder of the 52-year old Sikh in Mesa, Arizona in 2001. That Sikh had been killed by an intolerant American who equated turbans with those who attacked the USA on 9-11. http://www.tribuneindia.com/2001/20010917/main4.htm
Let's really work on improving our global relationships in 2008-2000, readers!!! We need to link arms with others around the globe fighting intolerance--among whatever faith or nationality. http://www.asianews.it/index.php?art=8856&l=en
NOTES
"Deadly Blast Strikes Indian City"-,http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/south_asia/7527004.stm
"History of Communal Violence in Gujarat"-, http://www.sabrang.com/tribunal/volI/comvio.html
"Macauly's Education: part 2"-, http://varnam.org/blog/archives/2007/08/macaulays_education_part_2_rel.php
Mishra, Pramod, "People's Diplomacy for Peace in South Asia: With Special Emphasis on India and Pakistan"-, http://www.allacademic.com//meta/p_mla_apa_research_citation/1/7/9/6/7/pages179671/p179671-1.php
