London attacked by terrorists

[Nic]

It looks like my home city finally got hit by Al-Quaida, as many anticipated it would. Fortunately the casualty figures are much lower than New York, Bali or Madrid (or Bagdad for that matter) - not that this provides much comfort to the family and friends of victims and those who have been seriously injured.

I never understood how the war in Iraq was ever intended to be a front in the war on terrorism. It seems to have given Al-Quaida a focus to further their evil and recruit more gullible recruits, and has made many Moslems less critical of their activities. Anyway, there is no going back on that decision now. Let's hope what happened in London isn't going to continue to be repeated, and the people who would perpetrate these appalling crimes are neutralised before they can strike again.

[chaturganj]

It is a sad day indeed. I wish there was more harmony in this world.

[Sonia]

This is the kind of news that brings back memories of September 11, with all its horror. Many of us feel solidarity with the residents of London, and all of Britain, who are surely in pain over this uncivilized and criminal attack. Our prayers go out for the victims, the injured, their families and friends; and, we hope the Al-Quaida members who committed this crime are brought to justice promptly.

[Cleo]

We may be shocked and terrified by this bloody attack, but we should realize, we're next. Al-Quaida went after Spain, and now England, so it should be obvious, their next target is the USA. I don't think they will strike during heightened security, but they will wait until we are off guard to attack us. There's no question here, this is war, and we need to defeat the enemy ASAP.

[Harley]

Manhattan has apparently increased its police presence, there are police everywhere. Traffic is very heavy, as the checkpoints have increased their precautionary measures, checking a greater number of drivers licenses and registrations. New Yorkers are concerned about a copycat terrorist attack. If you can avoid it, don't drive in this town. I know public transportation does not seem like a great alternative, but personally, I think it's more likely that the terrorists will try to strike us in a different city.

[Nic]

I lived in London through a lot of terrorist attacks, and some horrific public transport disasters. The evil orchestrators of these attacks and their gullible followers will never win. Londoners lived through Hitler's Blitz and a (sadly largely US-sponsored) prolonged IRA series of indiscriminate bombings, and still London remains the jewel of all cities. It is important we all keep our resolve in the face of these joyless murderers, and we will prevail whether they strike again here or not.

[chaturganj]

I lived in London through a lot of terrorist attacks, and some horrific public transport disasters. The evil orchestrators of these attacks and their gullible followers will never win. Londoners lived through Hitler's Blitz and a (sadly largely US-sponsored) prolonged IRA series of indiscriminate bombings, and still London remains the jewel of all cities. It is important we all keep our resolve in the face of these joyless murderers, and we will prevail whether they strike again here or not.


It is commendable, the way Britain has stood up with bravery and renewed strength in the wake of these terrorist attacks. Nic's comments are really praiseworthy.

I hope that America's and other countries' efforts against terrorism will bring good results eventually and help create a better platform for the growth of mankind and development of modern societies.

[Nic]

Thank you, Chaturganj.

Yes, it's really sad that a bunch of young men with so much to live for have destroyed not only their own lives and those they murderered, but have blighted that of their families. What an awful thing to do to your families! These were educated guys who all seem to have come from loving, respectable family homes; they were not desperate loners or downtrodden losers.

I think the real wake-up call is for people to realise that people very near and dear to them may be the next suicide bomber. If people are vigilant to the fact that people close to them may have developed a sense of misguided injustice alongside religious zealotry, perhaps the next attacks may be avoided. Sadly I think there will be other suicide attacks in Europe now, but it is something people in Israel, the Indian sub-continent and Iraq have had to live with too.

Anyway, I'm off to London next week. Even with potential suicide bombers around I think I'd still be more worried about pickpockets in Oxford Street and cabbies that drive like lunatics!

[chaturganj]

Good luck. Have a safe trip.