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Pakistan and the Mumbai Attacks: The Untold Story
The 2008 terrorist attacks in Mumbai offer a rare picture of the ties between Pakistan’s intelligence service and the militant group Lashkar-i-Taiba. The trail of two key figures, an accused Pakistani mastermind and his American operative, traces the rise of a complex, international threat.
38 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 18, 2011
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
January 3, 2018
It was an interesting read but not an extensive research book. However, it sheds light on the unholy nexus between terrorist organisations and the deep state.
January 30, 2011
This work was published in a shorter from on the Propublica.org website. It is a newsgroup that does really good investigation journalism, and they have signed a deal with Amazon to have some of thier work published under Amazon Kindle Singles.
Everyone has to remember the Mumbai attacks, even if you are not Indian. It flooded the news for days, like the current protests in Egypt. Then like all things in the American news, it disappered when something else big happened.
My historical knowledge of India and Pakistan is rather limited. I know about the parition, about some of the roots of the Kashmir conflict (the British sure did mess up the world, didn't they? Maybe that group is right to sue), I have a vague general knowledge about the politics.
Rotella looks closely at the group behind the attacks, not at the attacks themselves (if you want a blow by blow watch Terror in Mumbai which was shown in the U.S. on HBO). This report offers a deeper understanding to the rise of new terrorist groups, concern in sercurity, as well as the U.S. connection to the attacks, something that was not given a wide play in the American televised news. It is a good follow up for anyone who wants to know more.
Everyone has to remember the Mumbai attacks, even if you are not Indian. It flooded the news for days, like the current protests in Egypt. Then like all things in the American news, it disappered when something else big happened.
My historical knowledge of India and Pakistan is rather limited. I know about the parition, about some of the roots of the Kashmir conflict (the British sure did mess up the world, didn't they? Maybe that group is right to sue), I have a vague general knowledge about the politics.
Rotella looks closely at the group behind the attacks, not at the attacks themselves (if you want a blow by blow watch Terror in Mumbai which was shown in the U.S. on HBO). This report offers a deeper understanding to the rise of new terrorist groups, concern in sercurity, as well as the U.S. connection to the attacks, something that was not given a wide play in the American televised news. It is a good follow up for anyone who wants to know more.
December 8, 2011
Some very damning evidence that the government of Pakistan was behind the deadly 2008 Bombay attacks which left 126 people (including 6 Americans) dead. American officials were warned about one of the leaders of the attack (a US citizen) no less than six times before he helped lead the massacre. He was later arrested in Chicago.
With the discovery and execution of Osama bin Laden a few miles outside of Pakistan's West Point, the world finally sees Pakistan for what it is: a terrorist-state which cynically funnels US foreign aid to Islamic militants while proclaiming its good intentions while the cameras roll. To simply cut-and-run ignores the heart of the problem: Pakistan is also a nuclear power. Islamic militants have come close in the past to seizing Pakistan's nuclear weapons. A foreign presence is therefore required-- damnably --to ensure the safety of this stockpile, lest it fall into the hands of same people who committed the cowardly attacks in Bombay.
With the discovery and execution of Osama bin Laden a few miles outside of Pakistan's West Point, the world finally sees Pakistan for what it is: a terrorist-state which cynically funnels US foreign aid to Islamic militants while proclaiming its good intentions while the cameras roll. To simply cut-and-run ignores the heart of the problem: Pakistan is also a nuclear power. Islamic militants have come close in the past to seizing Pakistan's nuclear weapons. A foreign presence is therefore required-- damnably --to ensure the safety of this stockpile, lest it fall into the hands of same people who committed the cowardly attacks in Bombay.
November 18, 2013
Good, quick read.
June 24, 2021
Rivetting story
The brief reportage summarises well the role of David Headley in Mumbai terror attack. It also shows how easy it is for a handler to setup a front and not get noticed just because the handler is American.
The reportage clearly shows how CIA is equally responsible for the terror attack. They recieved multiple tip off about David Headley role as terrorist and important thing to note here is these tips were from his wives and very close know personals. They always avoided the tips as something not important or other times to cover for him as he was a DEA agent and on American govt payroll.
It is also important to note here that even the Indian agencies failed badly to prevent the attacks. They were clearly warned by CIA on 18 November, eight days before the actual attack that terrorist will come from sea route in some dinghy boats. But they needed more detailed information.
Last but not the least the irresponsible role of media, the way they live covered attack helped handlers in Karachi to exactly change the plot accordingly. The media instead of helping people of India, in quest of cheap TRP became the pawn in hands of terrorists. This has been acknowledged by many senior Indian media persons that their coverage helped terrorist more.
Overall the reportage is written like an espionage thriller, very fast paced and have thrilling moments. Strongly recommended for anyone who wants to know more in detail about how the Mumbai attack was planned.
The brief reportage summarises well the role of David Headley in Mumbai terror attack. It also shows how easy it is for a handler to setup a front and not get noticed just because the handler is American.
The reportage clearly shows how CIA is equally responsible for the terror attack. They recieved multiple tip off about David Headley role as terrorist and important thing to note here is these tips were from his wives and very close know personals. They always avoided the tips as something not important or other times to cover for him as he was a DEA agent and on American govt payroll.
It is also important to note here that even the Indian agencies failed badly to prevent the attacks. They were clearly warned by CIA on 18 November, eight days before the actual attack that terrorist will come from sea route in some dinghy boats. But they needed more detailed information.
Last but not the least the irresponsible role of media, the way they live covered attack helped handlers in Karachi to exactly change the plot accordingly. The media instead of helping people of India, in quest of cheap TRP became the pawn in hands of terrorists. This has been acknowledged by many senior Indian media persons that their coverage helped terrorist more.
Overall the reportage is written like an espionage thriller, very fast paced and have thrilling moments. Strongly recommended for anyone who wants to know more in detail about how the Mumbai attack was planned.
March 2, 2023
PATHETIC just one word and terrible narration.
June 14, 2011
clear and nicely wriiten , but not much that Indians dont already know , still interesting to know the details
March 10, 2011
Good, fast, informative read on the Pakistan connection to the Mumbai attacks.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews