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World joins Obama to condemn the bloodshed
Paul Waugh, Deputy Political Editor27.11.08
BARACK OBAMA today condemned the Mumbai attacks with a stark warning that he would "root out and destroy" al Qaeda once he takes office.
Amid fears that the bombings were part of a plan to "test" the president-elect, Mr Obama said he would not be intimidated by the terrorists.
The elimination of al Qaeda and Osama bin Laden was one of Mr Obama's election campaign priorities, shifting the US focus away from Iraq.
"The United States must continue to strengthen our partnerships with India and nations around the world to root out and destroy terrorist networks," Mr Obama's national security spokesman, Brooke Anderson, said in a statement. Both the president-elect and George Bush were briefed on the attacks today.
Gordon Brown joined world leaders including French president and current EU leader Nicolas Sarkozy, Russian president Dmitry Medvedev and Pakistani prime minister Yousaf Raza Gilani to condemn the attacks.
"These outrageous attacks in Mumbai will be met with a vigorous response," said Mr Brown. "I have sent a message to prime minister Singh that the UK stands solidly with his government."
In Pakistan, where president Asif Ali Zardari agreed to hold historic peace talks with India last month, a government statement said: "Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani while strongly condemning the incidents of violence in Mumbai has expressed deep sorrow over the loss of precious lives."
Mr Medvedev called the attacks a "challenge to humanity".
Reader views (3)
The problem is that world leaders don't have many options in how to deal with the issues in Pakistan. The north west of the country is turning into a war zone with the police and military trying to fight the Taliban already. What good is pressure without tangible support going to do? Create another Afghanistan??
I think closer relations between India and Pakistan would benefit a lot more in the long run. Largely the same culture and history and similar people at the end of the day.
- H, London
It is time for all world leaders to bear pressure on Pakistan. For too long they have been dealt with "kid gloves". There is no evidence that Zardari has made any concerted effort to support India in their quest to rid India of these terrorists. Mere condemnation will not avert futher attacks from the Mujahadeen. They targetted westerners - any western country could be next
- Maya, London
Mean while the UK will welcome them with open arms.Gordon Brown your such a hypocrite.
- Kev, London
