Security World News » Pranav Sood

Once Bitten Twice Shy. Delhi High Court bomb blast

Pranav Sood — Tue, 13 Sep 2011 02:01:10 +0000

India was a victim of terror attacks yet again on the seventh of September. This time terrorist stuck the New Delhi, High Court killing 13 and injuring 100 people. The terrorist used an improvised explosive device at the main reception. The responsibility for the attacks was claimed by a group called Huji, through an email that the security agencies manage to track to a specific location in Kashmir.

What happened how and where it happened has become insignificant in the wake of repeated terror strikes like these. The government’s inaction after repeated attacks means that citizens can not feel safe. Thus terrorism scores one over the people as this is what its ultimate objective is to strike fear in the hearts of the people. They may go on about their business in the same places that were bombed and attacked not because of courage but because they have to.

Such untoward incidents never occur with a warning, however in the case of these attacks they did. There was a foiled bid to bomb the parking area exactly a hundred days ago before the September seventh attacks. The bureaucracy and government inaction have become the terrorist’s allies. The terrorist relied on the government to take their time to process all the proposals for the security overhaul of the high court post the first attack. There was a proposal to use the paramilitary force to guard the high court which gathers dust at the home ministry. CCTV cameras were to be installed and radio frequency tagging was to be used. The security revamp plan also suggested that high frequency jammers devices be installed in the High Court. It was also recommended that plain clothed police men be also used to increase vigilance. But none of these proposals ever saw the day of the light. The government remains defensive as ever and dismissing arguments that it hasn’t done enough to protect its people. True, even these measures proposed above would not have ensured that terrorist attacks don’t happen. But it would have definitely helped the investigative agencies. With no cctv footage available the investigators are left groping in the dark. They find themselves under enormous pressure from the government because having failed at preventing these attacks it now looks to at least nab those responsible for propagating the attack. It is crucial that security forces catch hold of those behind the attacks because otherwise there is a possibility of another attack.

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Riots in London

Pranav Sood — Tue, 13 Sep 2011 01:56:00 +0000

The riots in London have escalated to a massive scale, and what started out as a peaceful protest has taken the shape of a ten headed monster. The scale of the riots has been such that they drew comparisons with the Brixton riots of 1995. Commentators have said that the riots are because of rising unemployment and poverty, the rising gap between rich and poor and the lowest social mobility between the rich and poor. The general public and the authorities have reached no consensus as to the cause of the riots. Gang Culture, poor policing, criminal behavior, government cuts unemployment a racial tension are being stated as the few key reasons for the riots by them.

On Thursday the British Prime Minister David Cameron minced no words as he stated that the rioters will pay for the mayhem and destruction that they have caused. He was extremely critical of the initial police efforts to curb the riots; even suggesting that police action on time could have stopped the riots. These riots were preceded by a peaceful protest against the killing of Mark Duggan by the metropolitan police. The protests march took place on 6^th August and in the following days started a ruckus of looting, arson, assaults, mugging, burglary and disorder. The crowd became restless as they received very limited information about Duggan’s death. Disturbances that Began in the ethnically diverse Tottenham spread to other parts of London such as Wood Green, Enfield Town, Ponders End, Walthamstow, Islington and Brixton. Authorities suggest that opportunistic looters fanned the unrest and the vandalism which went out of control in a few hours time.

It was these opportunistic looters that Prime Minister David Cameron was referring to when he said on 11^th august that authorities will hunt down those responsible for the violence. “The fight back has well and truly begun” said Cameron “As to the lawless minority and the criminals who have taken what they can get, I say this , we will find you , we will charge you and we will punish you. You will pay for what you have done”. Police have been given extra powers to tackle the violence. As many as 1300 arrests have been made to prevent any more mishaps. The damages cost by the riots have been estimated to be as much as 200 million Euros.

As London moves back to normal life gradually the government has a lot to do before the damage of the recent days is undone. Though in many ways it can’t be undone, but Londoners can look forward to resuming normal life in the next few days.

Libya: As it unfolds

Pranav Sood — Tue, 29 Mar 2011 00:34:40 +0000

With the protests in Egypt spilling over to Libya things have become very volatile in the entire Middle East region. In February the call of the Libyan people for elections and a democratic regime. The protestors took control of a major portion of Libya. By February the rebels had formed their own government called the National Transition Council in their stronghold in Bengazhi. However Col Gaddafi retained power and this government had no status. The rebels kept gaining ground until forces loyal to Col Gaddafi rallied and reclaimed several cities of the coastal region. They soon surrounded the rebel capital Bengazhi and were ready to launch an attack. But the United Nations passed a resolution on the 17^th of March to make all efforts to stop the Col Gaddafi’s forces.

The United Nations though ready to attack was not ready to send troops on the ground. On 18^th March Col Gaddafi announced a ceasefire saying he was willing to comply with the resolution. However the war between the government and rebels was still on in Libya. Thus French jets attacked the pro Gaddafi’s forces on the 19^th March. British and US naval ships fired Tommahawk cruise missiles to soften their air defenses. As the fighting intensified hundreds of Libyan refugees fled towards the Egyptian border.

USA commanders on 20^th march claimed that the attacks had destroyed their intended targets and the mission had been a success thus far. Coalition forces hit armored vehicles that were planning to seize Bengazhi. Gaddafi says all Libyans are armed and ready to fight “a long, drawn-out war with no limits” against what he brands a “barbaric aggression.” The Arab league and the African Union speak in Gaddafi’s support and say that the scale of the attacks is unjustified. As the fight in Libya goes on many countries have refrained from supporting the resolution. Russia, India and China have called for a halt in the coalition strike. On the 21^st March 4 new York time journalist are freed by the Libyan government, many other are still missing.

The UK France Treaty

Pranav Sood — Tue, 09 Nov 2010 14:54:03 +0000

The United Kingdom and France have signed treaties agreeing to military co-operation including testing of nuclear warheads. This is a strategically important treaty between historic rivals as they look to strengthen their nuclear capability. The important people have regularly reiterated that this treaty is more a step towards enhancing civilian nuclear capabilities. According to the agreement one nuclear development and testing facility will be established in the United Kingdom and another facility to carry out the test would be set up in France. United Kingdom’s Prime Minister David Cameron has stated that this historical deal would make the citizens of the two nations safe and secure and marked a “new chapter in a long history “of defense cooperation. President Nicholas Sarkozy of France labeled the deal historic and announced the plans of a huge joint military expeditionary.

The Labour party in the United Kingdom however was skeptical and said that the deal was only necessary as there were “big questions” about the United Kingdom’s defenses. The spokesman from Downing Street said “This summit marks a deepening of the UK-France bilateral relationship. Ours is now a strategic partnership tackling together the biggest challenges that face our two countries.*

This meeting between the two countries takes place two weeks after the United Kingdom government announced a cut in the number of personnel in its armed forces. This move is aimed at reducing the fiscal deficit that the nation currently carries. This treaty enables the United Kingdom to save up to 750 million pounds over four years by reducing drastically the number of warheads required. The two countries have also agreed to keep an aircraft carrier at sea between them. They will be able to use the carrier for training and operations. It’s interesting to see how countries have collaborated to cut down on their defense spending, exchange nuclear technology and possibly prevent a Greece like situation.

*quotes taken from TOI (31/10)

US troops repel insurgents in Kabul

Pranav Sood — Mon, 08 Nov 2010 22:06:11 +0000

United States security forces have stepped up the offensive against insurgents in Afghanistan. With increasing pressure to initiate a withdrawal from the United States security forces, troops prepare themselves for a decisive assault. The Taliban insurgents seem to have anticipated this shift in strategy and have increase their activities. In a recent incident Taliban forces attacked a NATO coalition security outpost South – East of Kabul. The United States led coalition base was located in Paktika province some distance from Kabul. The outpost came under fire from rocket propelled grenades, mortars, gunfire as reported by the Nato-led International Security Assistance Force and the regional army spokesperson. The security forces retaliated and managed to eliminate 30 of the armed attackers. Though the United States troops have found only 19 bodies, the search for other dead and wounded insurgents is on. The security forces expect that bodies of at least 15 insurgents are still on the battlefield. The forces managed to repel the attack within a couple of hours and then began to secure the area around the base.

There has been an alarming rise in violence in not just Iraq but also Afghanistan. Recent months have also witnessed a record casualty rate of foreign troops. All of this will be taken into consideration when President Obama reviews the United States Afghanistan strategy later this month. Officials have given July 2011 as the tentative date of the withdrawal of the troops from Afghanistan. They have also maintained that this timeline is a flexible one and the decision would be reviewed from time to time.

The soldiers at the outpost have given account of the attack. They say that the insurgents attacked from all directions with rocket propelled grenades and small arms. This was a very bold attack say security experts. There must be effective steps taken to curb the new found boldness of the Taliban insurgents.

The Long Wait. Iraq suicide attacks

Pranav Sood — Mon, 08 Nov 2010 22:03:55 +0000

The number of incidents of bombings and suicide attacks targeting different sects is on the rise in Iraq. The security forces are finding it hard to tackle this menace. These attacks are meant to create unrest in the country. Recently 22 people were killed in a suicide attack in a cyber café. The cyber café was frequented by Shia Kurds. This incident took place in a town called Diyala, North West of Baghdad. The shop was packed that time and the blast claimed 22 lives and injuring 60 more.

Eight months after the elections that led to a deadlock, security forces have found it hard to bring some order. Different political parties are engaged in a bitter battle to gain power. This has been the biggest attack since early September. Even after the end of the United States occupation there still has been many incidences of violence. This occupation lasted seven and a half years and has led Iraq into a time of sectarian violence.

Eye witnesses describe the scene as devastating followed by chaos in the entire market. One person said that he was very close to the café and saw a huge explosion and then people were running around in panic. The entire nearby area was a scene of chaos and the Police had to fire in the air to dissuade the crowd from going near the café.

The town of Diyala is quite close to the Iranian border and to the violence prone town of Baqbua. The café was very popular amongst the residents for playing dominoes, smoking sisha pipes and drinking sweet tea. Overall the situation seems to be much better than what it was in 2006-2007, the time of the peak of violence between the sunis and shias. But, after the inconclusive elections in March has stoked tensions. The long wait meanwhile is claiming the lives of the innocent people.

Church raid leaves 52 dead

Pranav Sood — Mon, 08 Nov 2010 22:00:22 +0000

Baghdad was again the scene of violence as terrorist continue to target minority sects in Iraq. Gunmen stormed into a Syrian catholic church killing fifty two people in this raid. The gunmen attacked the Our Lady of Salvation church early on Sunday. The church is the largest in the city of Baghdad and attracts many visitors daily. Reports reveal that a bomb exploded just outside the compound of the church followed by gunfire. The siege went on for several hours. The location of the attack was also very sensitive as the church was in close proximity to the high security green zone district where many embassies and government offices are located. As soon as the security officials were intimated of the siege, United States helicopters and Iraqi military closed the area.

The gunmen held the captives as hostages for hours. They demanded the release of high profile al-Qaida militants jailed in Iraq and Egypt. The security forces began a rescue operation in which many civilians and police officers died. The government’s handling of the issue has come under severe criticism. A Christian lawmaker was very vocal in his dissatisfaction with the way the entire operation was carried out. “This operation hits at the credibility of the government and its ability to handle, preserve and impose security and the enforcement of Law” said the Member of Parliament*. He also added” Because of their lack of professionalism and the hasty action taken by security forces in freeing the hostages, many innocent people were killed”. Reports and eyewitnesses have verified that the attackers were among children and most people were killed when the security forces raided the church.

Al Qaeda’s Iraqi wing took responsibility for the attacks. They claimed to have attacked the dirty den of idolatry on their website. This attack follows the bombings in Diyala which claimed 22 lives.

*the statement of the speaker as reported from Rueters

What Changed the Game?

Pranav Sood — Sat, 14 Aug 2010 00:56:45 +0000

Wiki Leaks is something that has shot to instant fame all over the world. The previously unknown entity or phenomenon is something that suddenly everybody is discussing. The wiki leaks shocking bare all has left the United States government hapless and I directs al its efforts to dowsing the fire of public agony. Here we discuss some of the most hard to face truths that were revealed in the leak.

TASK FORCE 373: NATO has a Black Unit of specially trained commandos called special force Task Force 373 to ‘kill or capture’ Taliban leaders without a trial. This is serious as President Obama had promised that there will be minimum human rights infringements.

Undermining Taliban’s arsenal: Taliban is in the possession of surface to air missiles with which they have struck down a few United States aircrafts. The Taliban was responsible for shooting down the helicopter Chinook over Helmand, an incident that killed seven soldiers. The United States military bosses had been undermining the Taliban surface to air capabilities.

Civilian Deaths: The number of civilian deaths reported by the United States government was lesser than the actual number of deaths. The Unite States government had been under reporting both the number of civilian and military deaths. There have been a number of questionable incidents which include controversial air strikes, death of unarmed drivers and convoys meeting accidents.

Indian Workers: The log states that Pakistan’s notorious Inter Services Intelligence had been offering the Taliban insurgents money to kill Indian contractors in Afghanistan. There are many Indians working in the development process of Afghanistan. The ISI offered Taliban fighters $15000 to $30000 to kill the Indians. The July 2008 attack on the Indian embassy was ordered and planned by the ISI, executed by the Taliban.

Osama Dead?: The Al Qaeda lynchpin hardly gets a mention in the log of 90000 files. That may be because he is dead. But nothing can be said with certainty.

Qaeda North Korea links: The logs contain reports of a deal for rockets (remote controlled) between North Korea and Al Qaeda. The surface to air capability too is suspected to have come from Pyongyang.

US aid to kill Marines: The 1 billion US dollars that were paid to Pakistan by the United States as aid have been used against the United States. The ISI organizes remote Taliban groups to fight against the United States soldiers.

Most of the facts that have come out have been shocking, some obvious and some uncertain. With regards to Pakistan the United States will be forced to look the other way. But one thing is for sure the result can snowball and take cataclysmic proportions.

The Leak and the Ripples

Pranav Sood — Sat, 31 Jul 2010 18:46:20 +0000

There has been severe political fallout of the wiki leaks incident as expected. The leaks bought out in front of the world six years of top secret United States military documents. This will further weaken the United State’s President Barack Obama’s bid to stay in Afghanistan. The wiki leaks have revealed that the war effort in Afghanistan has given poorer results than what the government was making it look like. The civilian as well as military casualties have been much higher than what the government has revealed. Another shocking revelation of the Wiki leaks is the fact that all the aid that has been given to Pakistan I being used by Pakistan to kill United States marines.

The debate over the United States presence in the Afghanistan has heated up as the congress questions how the war is being fought. There is a widespread fear that there might be strong democratic opposition to the war. More than the democrats the government needs to fear its mandate because the popular public sentiment is going against the war especially with this incident. For now all eyes are on the vote on the crucial war financing bill to be held on Tuesday. Also under scrutiny is President Obama’s appointment of General James N Mattis to head the military central command at Afghanistan. General Mcchrystal’s removal had created a huge uproar. The government had decided to have a review on the war at the end of 2010, but with this leak it might have to do it much sooner. If it doesn’t then it is quite likely to lose public support. The Obama administration is caught in a web of problems. The President has two choices, he either has to explain the Congress and the American people that the war is headed in the right direction, or has to move to the proposed limited presence in Afghanistan very fast. The first option seems tough now after this leak, but if anyone can pull it off it has to be President Obama. The second choice seems illogical as we all know that the presence of American troops is necessary to stabilize Afghanistan, a sudden drop in numbers of US troops could have deadly long term repercussions. Recently Richard Holbrooke Obama’s special representative to Afghanistan and Pakistan had stated that he Afghanistan war effort came down to a matter of national security. But the situation is too complex to rely on that alone. How the government will handle the situation the leak has put it in would be interesting to see.

FBI Unearths Shahzad’s Motives

Pranav Sood — Sun, 27 Jun 2010 20:21:17 +0000

United States investigations have unearthed the reason for Shahzad’s car bomb attack. The investigating agencies have revealed the triggering cause of his attempt at taking innocent lives. Early morning on Jul 10^th 2007, Pakistani commandos captured the red mosque in a swift operation. The Red Mosque had been occupied by militants who had killed more than 100 people in that attack. They had been using the Mosque as a fortress against the retaliating security forces. The operation eliminated all terrorists and freed their captives after the terrorist had nearly destroyed the mosque. Washington was pleased with this effort on part of Pakistan Government to fight the militants.

But, Shahzad who was by then a United States citizen based in Connecticut was furious because of the security forces invading a holy place. He used to frequently offer prayers at that holy mosque hen he used to visit the mosque. The attack was portrayed by the terrorist’s propaganda machinery as a cowardly attack on a sacred mosque by a puppet government willing to please the United States. This incident infuriated Shahzad to the extent that he was ready to join a terrorist group. The terrorists trained and financed him for the attempt at Times Square New York early last month.

The Lal Masjid as it is called by the locals had become a hub for the terrorists. It forced and brainwashed students to accept the terrorist propaganda. The terrorists used to offer prayers there. These terrorist were fighting to impose theocracy, kidnapping foreign nationals and government officials and indulgin in plenty of other violent and ant social acts.

The attack on this revered mosque was the triggering event for Shahzad. He frequently went home after the July 10^th incident and met up with new friends who in turn helped him get in touch with the terrorists. If before the attack he vaguely followed the terrorist’s activity after the attack he became more pro active. The increasing use of the Muslim youth in America against America by the terrorists is indeed alarming.

War Commander in Afghanistan Fired

Pranav Sood — Sun, 27 Jun 2010 20:15:52 +0000

General Mcchystal who had been in charge of the United States military in Afghanistan has been removed. This move on part of the President Barack Obama as imminent after General Mcchrstal made some critical comments in the Rolling Stone about the United States administration. In the article titled The Runaway General, the general had some harsh words about President Barack Obama, Vice President Joe Bidden and other key members of the United States administration. After Mcchrystal got the sack General Petraeus has been tipped to take over as commander of the United States and NATO forces in Afghanistan. The appointment of General Petraeus just awaits the nod from the senate.

“I welcome debate among my team, but I won’t tolerate division,” said Obama in a news conference at the White House. “I say to the American people, this is a change in personnel, not in policy.” Mcchystal also faces legal charges for his comments. He might be penalized for his offence under Article 88 of the uniform code of Military Justice that states that any commissioned officer cannot make critical comments about senior level officers and administrations publicly. The General can face a court martial for saying that Vice President Joe Bidden was short sighted and his policies will turn Afghanistan into Chaos-stan.

The job that General Mcchrystal has done has been lauded by many. Afghan President Hamid Karzai was happy with Mcchrystal’s job hence supported him to hold his office. President Karzai also felt that it would be unwise to change a war commander right in the middle of the war. But after a closed door meeting between President Obama and General Mcchrystal, the final decision was taken; Mcchrytsal was relieved of his post.

British and United States operations have shown tremendous improvements after General Mcchrystal was hired for the job. His appointment came last year and in a short span of time he instilled hope, in the troops, in the people of Afghanistan. He was respected not just by American soldiers but also revered by the Afghan troops. He made the war about protecting the people. He wanted that the foreign allied troops be viewed as protectors by the locals. He was critical in bringing the Afghan forces with a more active role in the war. Significant inroads were made in Operation Moshatrak in Southern Afghanistan. In his command the United States security forces reclaimed Marjah.

The Afghan government spokesperson has stated that change of key personnel at this crucial juncture in the war on terror may be unwise. But President Obama has countered his by saying that war is not about any one person. Which argument stands, that only time can tell.

China gives green light to Pakistan Nuclear Deal

Pranav Sood — Sun, 27 Jun 2010 14:21:52 +0000

In 2008 India was offered a civilian nuclear deal by the United States senate. It was a landmark deal in which India even though it is not a signatory of the Non Proliferation treaty was given access to nuclear fuel trade. India could now share nuclear material and technical knowhow with the different countries of the Nuclear Suppliers group. This deal came through because of the wonderful ties that the Indian Government had with the Bush Administration. Ever since India entered into the civilian nuclear agreement with the United States, Pakistan has been crying for a similar deal. Pakistan has been getting billions in terms of aid and weapons from the United States as a partner in the war against terror. But it has taken negligible action against it own terrorist, until recently when its own territorial integrity got threatened by the insurgents. Pakistan’s credential s as nuclear state aren’t all that good. The infamous AQ Khan incident and the presence of insurgents in Pakistan’ northwest has meant that United States has not responded to Pakistan’s constant nudging.

China though has agreed to fund two 650MW nuclear reactors for Pakistan. China has been Pakistan’s all weather friend will go ahead with its decision even though it means inviting the ire of both India and the United States. China has viewed India as a competitor and strategists and experts in New Delhi believe that it seeks to balance India’s effect by using Pakistan. China plans to formalize its decision by announcing it at the Nuclear Security Group meeting in New Zealand. The reactors that would be financed by China would be built at Pakistan’s Punjab Province. The Indian Government alongside the United States is going to try and lobby against the deal at the meet. The two parties will question the legitimacy of the deal. The deal as China claims would be under International Atomic Energy Agency. According to Chinese Defense Minister Liang Guanglie China would join hands with Pakistan to bring military relations to a new high. Pakistan has been calling out for this deal because it believes that its loss in the war on terror is greater than the other coalition members. The aid has received is too little, and it deserves the nuclear deal. But the consequences of such a deal with a irresponsible and volatile nation like Pakistan can be dangerous.

Israel lifts blockade

Pranav Sood — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 20:29:35 +0000

Israel has lost many friends in the past few weeks. It has managed to finish whatever was left of some estranged relations and has become a villain for Europe and the west. Its raid on the aid ships to Gaza which resulted in the death of many civilians will not be forgotten easily. The United Nation’s has even begun a probe on this whole incident. This incident occurred on 31^st of May grappled down on an aid ship carrying normal day to day commodities and assaulted the occupants of the boat, killing at least ten people. It was a gruesome act as pictures of the ship showed bodies of the activists sprawled on the floor swimming in their own blood. Hundreds other activists have been deported to prisons in Israel. The international outcry that followed the incident was enormous. There were protests all over Middle East, governments of the world condemned this act. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanhayu had to cancel his scheduled visit to Washington where he was to meet President Obama.

Israel had to soften its stand somewhat after the continued pressure. On the 17^th of July Israel announced to reduce its land blockage on the Gaza area. Experts say that this is an attempt by Israel to appease the international community.” It was agreed to liberalize the system by which civilian goods enter Gaza and expand the inflow of materials for civilian projects that are under international supervision” was the statement given by the Israeli government. Israel has a total control over both the land route and the sea route that leads to Gaza. The embargo has had a crippling effect on the region as it constantly faces a paucity of food and other essential commodities. The blockade has been in place for three years now and many countries including well known allies of Israel have called for its removal. With the easing of the blockade goods like food items, toys, stationary, kitchen utensils, mattresses and towels among other items. Sal however, will still have a vice like grip over the sea route. Israel feared that if too much cement was sent into the Hamas ruled area the Hamas could use it to build military infrastructure. The exact procedural modalities of the blockade removal haven’t been discussed so far and would be revealed b the government in a few days. The government however maintained that it would do all it could to prevent the inflow of any kind of war material. Hamas has had the control over the Gaza strip after it ousted the Palestinian Authority. Hamas spokesperson has said that this was juast a feeble attempt to deflect international attention as the list of goods that will be allowed now are non essential.

This blockade has meant persisting shortage of resources, aid not being able to reach in time and a hos of other problems. Let’s wait and watch now to see how everything unfolds.

Situation in Afghanistan getting worse- Ban KI Moon

Pranav Sood — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 20:25:33 +0000

With a surge in the number of United States troops in Afghanistan one would have felt that the security condition in Afghanistan might have improved. But a United Nation’s report suggests otherwise. United Nation’s analysts have come with figures that indicate a sharp rise in violent insurgent activities from last year. As the Karzai Government and the United States security forces contemplate their next move insurgents are doing all they can to destroy peace. Afghanistan has witnessed a devastating 94 % hike in roadside bombings. This increase is over the roadside bombings in the same quarter last year that is 2009.

The United Nations Chief Ban Ki Moon came up with this disappointing report. These reports came up in the United Nations quarterly reports by Secretary General of the United Nations Ban Ki Moon to the United Nations Security Council. The Crisis in Afghan is one that seems to escalate with every passing moment. Ever since the United States led war on terror began in Afghanistan violence has not ceased. According to the report it’s not just the number of roadside bombings that has risen there has been a sharp rise in suicide bombings. According to the report by the Secretary General there is a suicide bombing attempt every three weeks. Mostly it is the areas dominated by ethnic Pashtun that are targeted in these attacks, nearly half as the report claimed. The end to this frequent disruptive violence does not seem to be on the horizon as the United State ups the ante.

Korea: A brief Overview

Pranav Sood — Sun, 20 Jun 2010 03:54:27 +0000

The Korean peninsula has witnessed a lot of unrest in recent times. The controversy over the South Korean battleship sinking in March has increased the tension between South and North. But even before the whole incident the Korean peninsula has not been entirely peaceful. It has seen a huge war which went on for three years followed by skirmishes every now and then between the two countries. But throughout this time there was the international community at large has viewed the North Koreans as the aggressors. The recent Cheonan incident has invoked anguished reactions from the South Korean people. Seoul has been wary of North Korean aggression for years. People there have seen North Korea conduct two nuclear tests, but people now feel that this act of unprovoked aggression should not go unpunished.

Enough has been discussed about by the current scenario and the aftermath of the Cheonan incident, in this article we will have a look at the not so rosy past. In April last year North Korea launched a lethal long range missile which could target any city in the South. The communist regime dubbed it s communication immediately drawing flak and cynicism from the international community. North Korea could not fool the entire world. The Taepodong launch was followed up quickly by the Musu dan ri another lethal weapon of mass destruction. Apart from the duo of North Korea’s allies Russia and China the international community was scathing. Russia and China called for restrain where as an official statement from Tokyo quoted “It is an extremely provocative action. Japan can never overlook it. South Korea also criticized by saying that North should cater to the millions hungry in the country rather than trying to race for strategic and military advantage over South. But this is how North Korea goes about its business as usual.

Now we will have a look at Korea’s history. Korea was occupied by imperialist from Japan China and Russia. Japan occupied Korea in 1910 after beating Russia in 1905 war. The Japanese rule was extremely tyrannical as millions were enslaved or killed. Japanese occupation ended with the world war two. USSR and USA moved in then, and agreed to set the 38^th parallel as the border between North and South Korea. The Soviets supplanted a communist regime in the North and provided it with ample aid in terms of military technology and economy. In 1949 when USSR and USA withdrew from the peninsula, taking advantage of the situation North attacked the South. Even when United Nations tried to cool down matters, nothing materialized. The United Nations security forces led by the United States were sent to defeat North. The 25000 strong United Nation forces tough initially suffered heavy losses but later pushed the forces of the North right to the China border. This acted as a catalyst for China entering the war. Buoyed by Chinese support North Korea drove back the allied forces. Peace came only when the United Nations brokered armistice declared 38^thparallel as the border between the two Koreas.

The hermit kingdom as North Korea is called for its social and cultural approach to the outside world. It has relations with China and Russia and invites the ire of the world through its aggressive actions.