The train bombings in Mumbai might seem to contradict my previous post. But I don’t think so. This isn’t a “war”. Its a crime. Perpetrated by organized criminals.
The reaction to such an act must be manifold. Find the perpetrators and try them as criminals. Seek to understand their motivations. Get to the root cause/belief that lead them to this act. Through information dissemination, education, and outreach, work to change the conditions that reinforce this belief.
The usual causes of mass violence are severe inequities and a perceived lack of options. (I admit that mental illness may be an exception) When people believe they have options and avenues to address their circumstances, they will work within the framework to effect change. When they don’t, they smash the framework.
More cops, more oppression, more surveillance, more guns, more bombs, more incarceration does not remove the will to do violence from the disadvantaged. This is the fallacy of the “war on terror”.
Otherwise, we are just wasting our money, our future, and our youth.