Stories about South Asia from November, 2008
The Baltics, India: “The Dangers of Turning a Minority into an Underclass”
Lithuania-based Andrei Khrapavitski of Belarusan American Blog reflects on the events in Mumbai and suggests there might be a “lesson for the Baltics” there: “I know any status comparisons of Muslims in India to a Russian minority in Latvia or Estonia would be more than far-fetched, nevertheless I can see...
Pakistan: Blame Game On Mumbai Terror – The Blogosphere Speaks
Recent terror attacks in Mumbai have seriously disturbed and complicated the on-going peace dialogues between India and Pakistan. Where Indian officials are not hesitating to point fingers to Pakistan, the Pakistani officials have been denying Pakistan's involvement in the attacks. Pakistan authorities have further requested not to play the blame...
India: Kashmir and Mumbai
India’s largest city and economic hub are now target practice grounds; much similar to Kashmir. “We’ve all been watching TV till our eyeballs were emanating radioactive glow,” pings a friend and freelance Photographer from Mumbai, who adds: “Media coverage is par for the course. We’re a very crassly inquisitive race,...
India: Advice from a Sri Lankan
The Under Dog at the Sri Lankan citizen journalism initiative Groundviews has this to say to the Indians on the Mumbai terror attacks: “Here’s a word of advice from a Sri Lankan to our big neighbor. Don’t go down the path we have taken. Don’t be tempted to sacrifice the...
India: Interview With The Mumbai Terrorists
Bangladeshi-American blogger Mash at Or How I Learned to Stop Worrying posts a transcript of the interview with a Mumbai terrorist (translated from Hindi) which was broadcast in an Indian TV channel.
Madagascar: Designer is one of the victims of the Mumbai Attacks
Gaelle Mann writes that Malagasy-born designer Loumia Hiridjee and her husband Mourad Amrasy were among the casualties of the attacks at the Oberoi Restaurant in Mumbai (fr). Loumia Hiridjee, 47, had a dual Indian/ French citizenship and created with her sister Shama the successful lingerie brand princesse tam-tam (fr). The...
Caribbean: Watching Mumbai
From the other side of the world, Caribbean bloggers monitor the recent terrorist attacks in Mumbai, and react with anxiety and consternation.
Pakistan: In solidarity with Mumbai
Pakistani blogger Adil Nazam declares “I, too, am a Mumbaikar today. I stand with you today. In prayer and in solidarity.”
Mumbai and Terror: The Day After
An attack of this scale has surprised the entire country. While India is no stranger to bomb blasts and attacks by terrorists, a prolonged hostage situation at prominent landmarks is a complete surprise. The last hostage situation that was covered this extensively was the hijacking of a flight in 1999....
India: A Muslim Speaks
Veteran Indian journalist M. J. Akbar blames complacence and politics for the failure to prevent the terror attacks and writes: “I am an Indian Muslim and proud to be both. Like any Indian, today I am angry, frustrated and depressed. I am angry at the manic, rabid dogs of war...
Israel: Updates on the Chabad Home Hostage Operation in Mumbai
As the commando operation at the Chabad Jewish Center of Mumbai unfolded, very little was known about the state of the hostages. Chabad is one of the largest Hasidic movements in Orthodox Judaism. The most current update states that the five Jewish hostages held inside the building were found dead, writes Gilad Lotan.
India: Who are they, and what is the Media saying?
Smoke Signals slams the mainstream media coverage of the event, as the television screens are filled with almost panic inducing sequences, and hurried question and answer sessions. At the time that this post is being written, the gun battles are still going on in at least one of the hotels...
India: Mistakes, Media and Mumbai
The terror attacks have brought more media attention to Mumbai. The world is now aware and cautious of the situations in India. Many countries have already issued travel advisory for the visitors to India. The English Cricket team has called off its participation in the upcoming test series. And the...
India: Responding To The Terrorist Attacks
The Acorn discusses which is the right way for India to respond to the Mumbai terrorist attacks and writes: “We call for a well-considered, national response to the war that has been thrust on India.”
India: Lack of Original Citizen Media Reporting
Gauravonomics Blog analyzes the role of social media and citizen journalism in the 11/26 Mumbai terror attacks and opines: “The (..) terror attack was a time for first-hand original reporting, and the Indian blogosphere didn’t quite rise to the task.”
Two Egyptian Hostages in Mumbai
Egyptian blogger Zeinobia quotes Egyptian TV as saying there are two Egyptian hostages caught up in the mayhem in Mumbai, India.
India: Updates On Hostage Situation
Ultra Brown posts an update on the Mumbai hostage situation: “At 1.08am (IST), Nov 28: the drama is far from over. Despite reports that the situation at the Taj had been defused, there has been firing which means things are clearly going to go well into the morning. At the...
India: Where Is The Leadership?
Supriyo Chaudhuri at Sunday Posts analyzes why Mumbai has become easy target for terrorism, discusses the terrorists’ motives and finally blames the leadership: “The politicians were amazingly ineffective. They had no idea what was happening. They did not share information. They did not show leadership.”
India: Sensationalism of TV Media
A Time To Reflect questions the recent coverage of the Mumbai terror attacks by Indian TV channels as most of them resorted to sensational journalism.
Mumbai: The Taj Hotel Burns
Photographs are appearing on flickr and elsewhere, allowing us a glimpse beyond the visuals provided by mainstream media. Arun Shanbhag has a post full of photographs – from blood pools, to chalk marks and a burning Taj Hotel. More of his photographs on flickr here. A photograph of the Taj...
India: War, terror and Mumbai
‘What has struck India?’ is the question at the moment as the world awakes to yet another horrific day in the lives of millions in the Indian subcontinent. The attacks go far beyond terror; bloggers are certain this is war. What has the Government of India done so far? Is...