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Alleged Mumbai Masterminds Test Pakistan

Banned terror group has operated for years with elite backing

By Jason Farago,  Newser Staff

Posted Dec 4, 2008 6:42 AM CST
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(Newser) – As evidence mounts that the Mumbai attackers had links to a Pakistani militant organization, the nation's new civilian government is facing the toughest test yet of its ability—and its will—to stop terrorism. Pakistan has banned Lashkar-e-Taiba, the group blamed for the attacks. But the Islamist group has operated openly in Lahore for years, writes the New York Times, often with the support of Pakistan's intelligence agencies.

US sources suspect former officers of helping train the Mumbai attackers, and one Lashkar leader in Lahore is said to have fielded cell phone calls from them. The one captured attacker in Mumbai has said he met with the top leader of Lashkar, Yusuf Muzammil, but India says he knows nothing about the organization's plans. "He was only a foot soldier," said a chief of Mumbai police. The group's focus seems to be evolving from Kashmir to global jihad, the Times notes.

A Pakistani Islamist student wears headband reading: God is Great as he shouts anti-US and anti-Indian slogans during a demonstration in Islamabad, Pakistan, Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2008.
A Pakistani Islamist student wears headband reading: "God is Great" as he shouts anti-US and anti-Indian slogans during a demonstration in Islamabad, Pakistan, Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2008.   (AP Photo/Anjum Naveed)
Pakistan's Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani, right, shakes hands with Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice in Islamabad, Pakistan, on Thursday, Dec. 4, 2008.
Pakistan's Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani, right, shakes hands with Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice in Islamabad, Pakistan, on Thursday, Dec. 4, 2008.   (AP Photo/B.K.Bangash)
Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and Indian Foreign Minister Pranab Mukherjee smile as they take their places during a joint press conference in New Delhi, India, Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2008.
Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and Indian Foreign Minister Pranab Mukherjee smile as they take their places during a joint press conference in New Delhi, India, Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2008.   (AP Photo/Gurinder Osan)
President Asif Ali Zardari told Condoleezza Rice that he will take strong action against elements in his country that were involved in the terrorist attacks in Mumbai.
President Asif Ali Zardari told Condoleezza Rice that he will take "strong action" against elements in his country that were involved in the terrorist attacks in Mumbai.   (AP Photo/Pakistan People's Party/HO, FILE)
Thousands of Islamist students march as they shout anti-US and anti-Indian slogans during a demonstration in Islamabad, Pakistan, Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2008.
Thousands of Islamist students march as they shout anti-US and anti-Indian slogans during a demonstration in Islamabad, Pakistan, Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2008.   (AP Photo/Anjum Naveed)
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COMMENTS
Showing 1 of 1 comment
Shannonals
Dec 9, 2008 10:23 PM CST
You reap what you sow

Lashkar trained David Hicks, other Western terrorists
Wall Street Journal Subscription

US intelligence implicates the group
AFP

A Mumbai father and the pall of terror
Indian Express

 
War on Terror • Pakistan • India • Condoleezza Rice • Mumbai • Asif Ali Zardari • Islamic terrorism • terrorist attack • terrorist groups • Pakistan intelligence services • Lashkar-e-Taiba

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