London was the scene of carnage on July 7 when bombs went off in three underground trains and inside a bus that killed at least 50 people and injured more than 700. Revellers rejoicing over London’s successful bid over Paris to host the 2012 Olympiad were yet to settle when the grisly incidents shook the world as London’s transport system came under a spate of terror attacks. No matter whoever carried out the attacks, the perpetrators were a heartless bunch of people who had no regard for human life. But however unsettling the attacks may have been they have sent a message to the world that terrorism cannot be contained by security measures alone and there are people willing to go to any extent to kill, injure or maim others for reasons the saner world has so far failed to understand. The success of US-led war on terror, therefore, will have to be reassessed in the light of new attacks and accordingly synchronised with security services across the globe. It goes without saying that the attacks were despicable heinous acts of terror that cannot be condoned under any conditions irrespective of their locale or purpose.

The incidents were reminiscent of September 11, Bali and Madrid bombings where the innocent public lost lives amid terror in different parts of the world. The latest incident is also a reminder that terror networks have spread their tentacles deep into the heart of Europe as elsewhere. Britain, a staunch ally of George Bush’s coalition that invaded Iraq, was on the lookout for signs of terror targets since its participation in that war had angered many Islamic radicals who steadfastly opposed the role of US and its allies in spreading democracy in the Middle East. This raises a question as to why the innocent public is always made the target of a terror plot hatched by someone in disagreement with what leaders in America or Europe have to say. Ideological differences will abound in all regions, but the ability to incorporate such beliefs seems to be eluding those who think that their ideology and principles could be pushed through violent and bloody means. Terrorists, after all, have no religion, colour, caste or creed. A message attached to a bouquet mourning the tragedy was perhaps eloquent enough when it said “This is not about religion, race or beliefs. This is about human beings killing human beings.”