Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf's landmark pledge on television two weeks ago to crack down on religious extremist groups appears to have been hijacked by terrorists.
The latest attack on India -- this time on the American Center in the heart of Calcutta -- reveals a deep-rooted conspiracy within Pakistan whose plotters refuse to be cowed by Musharraf. More dangerous is the fact that they seem bolder and more determined with the passing of each day.
The shootout in Calcutta killed four policemen. The other police officers on duty outside the center were too shocked or surprised to retaliate; it was reported that not a single police bullet was fired.