We are now living in the era of new terrorism. The audacity of the attacks on the World Trade Center stunned the world. Although it would be difficult to match the enormity of the attacks in America, it is now clear the merchants of death will not restrict themselves to hijackings or hitting soft targets like civilians but will aim at dramatic attacks that shake the foundations of society. In Delhi, the terrorists attacked the very heart of Indian democracy, its Parliament. This follows their vicious attack on the J&K Assembly on October 1 and at Red Fort on December 22, 2000, both symbols of India's nationhood.

The January 10, 2000 India Today cover with its warning

Their plan was a lot more complex and multi-layered than at first seemed to be. Had it been carried out in full, it would have shaken the foundations of Parliament and undermined the confidence of a nation. Usually, increased security around government leads to impatient grumbling. But it was the many rings of security around Parliament that prevented catastrophic damage and the security personnel who paid with their lives.

The political climate today is dominated by questions on the validity and necessity of anti-terrorism laws like POTO. The Government needs to think especially carefully about its next steps in this direction. In reality, there can be no legislation or strategy that can successfully counter a suicide bomber. The phenomenon of the suicide bomber is the result of minds turned perverse.

Our cover story was put together by our political reporters and photographers headed by Editor Prabhu Chawla, who was in Parliament when the first gunshots were heard. He says, "After 25 years in the profession, I never thought I could be surprised. But journalism keeps teaching you to never say never." The short-term consequences of the incidents of December 13 will be felt at political and diplomatic levels in the weeks to come. The long- term consequences mean answering that very difficult question about terrorism: can it be dealt with by attacking its symptoms or its roots?

(Aroon Purie)