5. Regional Effects of US Attack
L.K. Sharma writes that the new US focus on the region will have some impact on India's relations with the US. He said that India will have no reason to resent closer links between Pakistan and the US, provided the US does not distinguish between terrorists attacking the US and terrorists operating in Kashmir or other parts of India. He argues, "In the real world, the US would do what it knows best: to punish the enemy and to bribe the friends and overlook their lapses as long as these do not affect America's national interests." Unnamed sources said that Pakistan is likely to crack down on the Jamiat-e-Ulema-i-Islam, which has promoted the Taliban. Some in the Indian Government believe that the pre-occupation of the Jehadis with the US may help lower the tensions in Jammu and Kashmir.
"India may gain from 'war against terrorism'"
"Govt. discusses fallout of U.S. attacks on the region"
P. V. Indiresan writes that on the one hand, most Islamic fundamentalists are likely to become more enthusiastic about terrorism in the wake of the US attacks. On the other, Islamic rulers, even those who have been patronizing terrorism, are likely to hold back. "Distressed at the lack of enthusiasm on the parts of their leaders, with faith in the power of terrorism magnified by the success of this attack, extremists may like to take over the reins themselves."
"Dealing with terror"
External Affairs and Defence Minister Jaswant Singh warned that linking terrorism to Islam will divide the world community against terrorism. Singh added that the fight against terrorism should not be confined to the NATO countries but involve democracies, including India and the Arab nations.
"Don't link terrorism to Islam: Jaswant"