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India wants its 'Osama' back
Dec 9, 2008
MUMBAI - Dawood Ibrahim, one of Asia's most notorious mafia dons and India's version of Osama bin Laden, is emerging as a key suspect in the funding and logistical support for the November 26 terrorist strike on Mumbai. Ibrahim, who tops the Mumbai police list of its 44 most wanted criminals, is among 20 fugitives India has asked Pakistan to extradite following the multiple attacks in Mumbai that killed nearly 200.
Pakistan, as it did with a similar list received after terrorists assaulted India's parliament in 2001, has refused to deport the fugitives, or even acknowledge their presence in the country. The "most wanted" list reflects a deadly South Asian stew of terrorist organization chieftains, crime gang bosses, murderers, hijackers and violent leaders of separatist groups.
If Pakistan extradited Ibrahim, an Interpol-listed criminal, it may ease tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbors. If not to India, Pakistan could hand him over to Interpol, or the US, where enforcement authorities want him as one of the world's most dangerous drug lords. Such a move would mollify India's public anger against Pakistan's inactivity. The catch is that India's most infamous mafia boss has stories that powerbrokers on both sides of the border might not want the world to hear. Therein lies a reason why Ibrahim apparently continues to live lavishly - alternating between Karachi and Dubai in the United Arab Emirates, according to various reports including from the Pakistan media.
Excerpted
PESHAWAR: Four years ago, journalists used to go to Waziristan for the story. Today, the story itself reached Peshawar. In October 2003, a team of journalists reached Baghar in South Waziristan, to file follow-up stories of the maiden airstrike on a suspected Al Qaeda or Taliban hideout. A local journalist planned an early morning departure for the site of the strike without official permission.
Four years on, a look at the damage caused by Friday evening’s car bomb blast near the historic Qisakhawani bazaar and an attack on parked trucks carrying NATO supplies testifies the danger has arrived as close as possible.
The government itself is a hostage. An Iraq-like green zone was established in Peshawar with checkposts on the roads leading to important offices and residences. High profile kidnapping and murders have added to the fears of Peshawar residents.
Security analysts forecast that Peshawar might face an even worse scenario if over 500 hardened militants camping in Khyber Agency storm the provincial capital and the army is called upon to reclaim the city. The ever increasing pressure on Peshawar from militants will make things more difficult for the ANP government which is facing an ‘internal debate’ on whether to abandon governance or to take the fight to its logical end.
The symptoms of a Beirut-like situation are emerging. Living in Peshawar is like dancing to the tune of death.
http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2008/12/08/story_8-12-2008_pg1_3
Yes thank you, I’m feeling great. We went shopping today :)