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Generational Dynamics Web Log for 19-May-2010
19-May-10 News -- Maoist terrorism puts India on high alert

Web Log - May, 2010

19-May-10 News -- Maoist terrorism puts India on high alert

Euro currency at lowest value in four years

India on high alert after Maoist (Naxalite) terrorist attack

The 'Red Corridor' of regions fully or partially controlled by the Maoists (Naxalites) <font size=-2>(Source: Asia Times)</font>

The 'Red Corridor' of regions fully or partially controlled by the Maoists (Naxalites) (Source: Asia Times)

Security forces have been put on high alert after Maoist (Naxalite) terrorists blew up a passenger bus in Dantewada district on Monday, killing at least 44 people. This follows an April attack in the same district that killed 75 people. (See "8-Apr-10 News -- India reacts to Tuesday's Maoist attack.")

The Times of India reports that the Maoists have called a two-day bandh (general strike) for Tuesday and Wednesday, and have called for further violence against anyone not honoring the strike.

Security forces are particularly concerned about a terrorist attack on the railways and buses, an easy target for terrorists. As a result, normal life has been "paralyzed" in some regions, according to Times of India. Many trains and buses have been canceled, and others have been diverted around the regions controlled by the Maoists. Many are running at half-speed, with robot cars leading the way to detect hidden bombs.

The Naxalite group was formed in 1967 in a split from the Communist Party of India (CPI). The CPI was aligned with Russian Communists, and they were increasingly moving away from violence and getting involved in India's political system. At that time, Russia and China were close to war with each other, and that split was reflected in the CPI itself. The breakaway group was aligned with China, and became known as Maoists. The initial peasant uprising that led to the Maoists occurred on May 27, 1967, in the town of Naxalbari, giving them the name "Naxalites."

The Maoists have partial or complete control of over 200 districts, along the "Red Corridor" occupying much of the western part of India. They pose a serious threat to the stability of India.

India's government is split over how to deal with the situation, according to the London Times. Some factions are advocating the use of air strikes on Maoist camps. Other factions are opposed to the use of air strikes on citizens of India.

In my opinion, this appears to be like so many situations in the world today. The government will ignore the problem as much as possible, and delay doing anything about the problem for as long as possible, until something happens that forces action. At that time, the government will overreact.

Euro falls to lowest point in four years

The euro currency fell to $1.2235, its lowest point in four years against the dollar (which means that the dollar is the strongest it's been against the euro in four years), according to Bloomberg. The euro also fell against the yen.

Stock markets fell in Asia and on Wall Street, but markets were generally calm on Tuesday. There's still a great deal of tension among investors, however, so the possibility of a sudden fall or even a crash cannot be eliminated.

Readers should continue to be extremely cautious in the next few days.

Additional links

On Thursday, South Korea will definitely accuse the North Koreans of launching the torpedo that caused the explosion that sank the warship Cheonan on March 26, killing 46, according to unnamed officials. This is sure to result in a great deal of vitriolic rhetoric from the North Koreans, but whether it will go farther than that remains to be seen. NY Times

Thailand's army is pushing its assault on the anti-government protest camp in central Bangkok. VOA

U.S. voter anger is on display in primary elections being held around the country on Tuesday. Turkish Press/AFP

(Comments: For reader comments, questions and discussion, see the 19-May-10 News -- Maoist terrorism puts India on high alert thread of the Generational Dynamics forum. Comments may be posted anonymously.) (19-May-2010) Permanent Link
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Generational Dynamics Web Log for 19-May-2010 19-May-10 News -- Maoist terrorism puts India on high alert

India on high alert after Maoist (Naxalite) terrorist attack

Euro falls to lowest point in four years

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Generational Dynamics Web Log for 19-May-2010
19-May-10 News -- Maoist terrorism puts India on high alert