The wound the world suffered 20 years ago is still agonizing (page 1, “Unity is Central Lesson from 9/11 Attacks, Says US President”, Sept. 12). Images of smoke, dust and smoke rising from one of the targets, the Twin Towers, are a clear reminder that terrorism has many dimensions and that terrorists can be unimaginably deadly with their ingenuity. America’s immediate response to the capture of Afghanistan, which lasted for two decades and has claimed thousands of lives—soldiers and civilians—is considered the speed and ease with which the Taliban and other terrorist groups once Afghanistan is occupied again. American troops were withdrawn.
It is nothing short of foolish to conclude that increased terrorist activities will not recur. This is the undeclared message that all countries without exception should be more vigilant against terrorism. Words of consolation for families who have lost loved ones are just superficial and routine.
Tiruppur, Tamil Nadu
America is seriously marking the 20th anniversary of 9/11, but it is worth asking and knowing whether America and the world will ever spare a humble thought for the thousands of innocent people crippled and killed in Iraq during America’s leadership. Invasion with the declared intent of destroying ‘weapons of mass destruction’ stored there – alleged and promoted by the US and its allies. Will those who played a key role in the barbaric attack and truly destroy Iraq for openly false and false reasons ever be held accountable for their unforgivable crimes? If not, will they ever publicly apologize?
Kothamangalam, Kerala
On September 11, 2001, the whole world watched in disbelief as the symbols of American capitalism and its military might were destroyed as a result of an unprecedented act of terrorism. Twenty years have passed since terrorism suffered heavy losses, but the threat of terrorism to international peace and stability has not diminished. The US response to the 9/11 terrorist attack, which manifested itself in two wars, one against the Taliban in Afghanistan and the other against Iraq in its quest for non-existent weapons of mass destruction, virtually rendered its geopolitical credibility irreplaceable. Damage has been done and right.
Sholavandan, Tamil Nadu
The 9/11 attacks may have provided the world with an opportunity to thwart terrorist activities, however, the US is back at square one with the Taliban taking over Afghanistan. One could make reference to the humiliating exit of the US, but, instead of ensuring the Taliban were given more teeth, it could have taken the weapon with them, that is. It may be a day of solidarity for the people of America, but Afghanistan has become a cage of powder because of America’s misadventure.
Noida, Uttar Pradesh
Crimes and atrocities against women seem to be never ending in India and even in our so called safe cities and towns. The gruesome assault and murder of a 32-year-old mother in Mumbai (page 1, September 12) is another example. These are the cases that have been reported. How many go unreported is anyone’s guess. The exemplary punishment given in the Nirbhaya case does not seem to have any effect. We talk about women empowerment but they falter when it comes to ensuring their safety.
The judiciary and the police need to work together and expeditiously to ensure speedy justice.
Secunderabad
I am writing this letter to highlight the difficulties being faced by people in Chennai in obtaining computer leases (Chennai, “Chennai, “Checking Digital Land Records for Mistakes”, 15 Aug). In this regard, I have been taking up this matter with the District Collector, Chennai and others for the last five years, but no concrete result has come out. I have made a long representation addressing all the higher revenue officers and District Collector, Chennai to highlight all the discrepancies that have come up in the computer system and even suggest remedial measures . It is perplexing why the department concerned is opaque in its dealings. The public should be able to upload the manual lease along with the identity proof of such lessees to ensure that the error rectification is done throughout the system.
Chennai
It is unfortunate that Test cricket has fallen into what would otherwise have been a chill for the final in Manchester. The insatiable pursuit of money by the cricket board is to blame. IPL is the villain of this piece. The game of gentlemen’s cricket is sacrificed on the altar of the IPL (‘Sports’ page, 12 September).
Bangalore
The developments come as a blow to Test cricket, which is already on oxygen. There is a perception that it is nothing but the IPL jackpot which has prompted our players to skip the Test series. BCCI has once again proved that it is not a game of cricket but just a game of money. God save test match.
Chennai
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