http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Cities/Fewer_violations_by_bikers_help_curb_fatalities/articleshow/3692702.cms

sixteen to twenty five people die each month in bicycle accidents in Mumbai. In addition, ‘seven to ten pavement sleepers’ die ‘when they were run over at night.’ Which puts the annual toll of cyclists and ‘pavement sleepers’ at roughly double the fatalities of the recent attacks.

Global climate change, the issue highlighted by the ice shelf, will have terrible effects on the lives of all Indians, as would of course war with Pakistan. Vastly greater than the trauma of two, or many, days of terrorism.

It seems reasonable to keep a sense of proportion.

And do feel free to focus on the ice-shelf – there are enough of us Indians around to focus on the trauma visited on Mumbai. Pray, don’t feel obliged to divert your attention on our behalf.

http://www.chris-floyd.com/component/content/article/3/1650-security-blanket-western-democracy-and-the-strategy-of-tension.html

is a useful reminder that all is not necessarily what it seems.

The interests potentially operating here are many, from conservative elements of the Indian intelligence apparatus and extreme right wing Hindus, to various Pakistanis, to powerful anti-Muslim groups and interests. And those interested commercially or ideologically in conflict. The losers are moderate Indians, and Muslims in general. And the rest of us.

A piece of the Antarctic ice shelf the size of Connecticut is about to break off. More important than a few hundred unfortunate folks in Mumbai, however unfortunate they were. But will our attention will be diverted, again?

Tidy explanations at this point are hollow. And dangerous.