THE WEEK THAT WAS

IN co-ordinated attacks in Mumbai, India's business centre, terrorists armed with machine guns killed nearly 200 people. Luxury hotels and other sites used by foreigners were the main targets. Speculation on the identity of the terrorists centred on groups in Pakistan. Anti-government protestors in Thailand brought Bangkok's main airport to a standstill. The Army chief, who refused to intervene to move the hundreds of protestors, called on the government to call new elections. A meeting of Tibetan exiles in the north Indian headquarters of the Dalai Lama endorsed his “middle way” policy of seeking Tibetan autonomy within
China, despite Beijing's refusal to consider this option. Iraq's parliament approved a pact that will bring an end to the US military presence by the end of 2011; however, strong opposition was voiced during the debate. In Britain the government introduced a financial stimulus package which the opposition said involved unacceptable long-term debt commitments.