Author: Our Political Bureau
Publication: The Economic Times
Date: October 16, 2001
Introduction: Emerging links between
J&K terrorists and Osama support pro-US stand
Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee
termed Al Qaeda's warning to the US not to help the Hindus a serious matter.
'If this statement is true, then it is a serious challenge. We will have
to combat it together,' said Mr Vajpayee while speaking to the press after
the swearing in-ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan. Mr Vajpayee's remarks are
along expected lines. The threat issued by the Osama bin Laden-led outfit
to the US is seen as a blow to those opposing his government's decision
to join the international coalition against terrorism.
The statement aired by Qatar's private
Al Jazeera network Is confirmation of the government's contention about
linkages between terrorists operating in J&K and bin Laden's world-wide
Jehad Inc. And to the extent, its political rivals base their attack on
'why India should fight US 'war,' the government naturally feels vindicated.
The 'if it is true' qualifier that
Mr Vajpayee introduced is not relevant, and is seen in the light of his
stress on the need for communal harmony. The government is pretty convinced
about the veracity of the statement for the simple reason that Al- Jazeera's
access to bin Laden's network is beyond dispute. If anything, chances are
that the coming days may see India positioning itself more closely with
the international alliance now that Pakistan is finding it increasingly
difficult to deliver on its pledge of 'unstinted cooperation.'
Islamabad stating that the Taliban
are not terrorists has been seen here as an indication of General Pervez
Musharraf playing to the growing pro-Osama bin Laden sentiment across Pakistan.
The wily general can use his vulnerability to insist on more concessions
from US as the price for his 'unstinted and unconditional' cooperation.
But, it is also possible that the groundswell of resentment against the
bombing of Afghanistan, best reflected in the siege of Jacobabad airbase,
may reinforce Pentagon's worries about possible sabotage of its war efforts,
leading it to explore other sources of support. India can, in the light
of yesterday's threat from Al Qaeda, be expected to be more forthcoming
with assistance than before.
