After watching American Manhunt: The Search for Osama bin Laden on Netflix, I was left with mixed feelings. While the series does a good job of showing how the U.S. hunted down Osama bin Laden, it also reminded me of a bigger problem—the way the world talks about terrorism often leaves out India’s story.
What the World Remembers—and What It Forgets
The series focuses heavily on the attacks that followed 9/11: the London bombings, the Bali nightclub blast, and the Istanbul attacks. But somehow, the numerous attacks that India has suffered never make the cut.
There’s no mention of:
- The 2001 Parliament attack, where terrorists stormed India’s top democratic institution, killing nine people and nearly triggering a war with Pakistan.
- The 2006 Mumbai train bombings, where seven coordinated blasts killed over 200 commuters during the evening rush hour.
- Or even the many other attacks that have left India bleeding over the years.
It makes you wonder: whose pain counts? And why is India not part of the global conversation on terrorism?
Pakistan’s Role—Now Out in the Open
Over the years, many Indian citizens and security experts have pointed fingers at Pakistan for harboring and supporting terror groups. Now, even Pakistan’s leaders are starting to admit it.
In a now-viral clip, Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif openly said:
“We have been doing this dirty work for the United States for about three decades… That was a mistake, and we suffered for it.”
This wasn’t a slip of the tongue—it was a clear admission of decades of support for armed groups, first in Afghanistan and then across the region.
Even former President Pervez Musharraf has gone on record saying the mujahideen were trained in Pakistan and even admired there. In one interview, he said they were seen as heroes who fought India in Kashmir.
So, the evidence is no longer just speculation—it’s self-confessed.
One Rule for the West, Another for the Rest?
When the U.S. carried out a secret mission to kill Osama bin Laden inside Pakistan without even informing their supposed ally, it was praised globally as a bold move.
But when India crosses the border to take down those behind deadly attacks on Indian civilians, like the Pahalgam or Pulwama attacks, the world becomes cautious. We are told to be “measured” or “restrained.”
Why this double standard?
Why does the world cheer when one country defends its people, but question another for doing the same?
What Needs to Change
Terrorism doesn’t affect only one country, and it doesn’t have just one face. It’s a global issue. And if we are serious about fighting it, then every victim should be counted. Every act should be called out. Every nation’s struggle should be acknowledged.
India has stood strong in the face of terror for decades. But resilience shouldn’t mean invisibility.
It’s time for the world to stop picking and choosing which victims matter.
Because every life matters. And every act of terror deserves the world’s attention.