Mumbai attacks will cause maximum damage
The terrible are still unfolding but they have already claimed over 100 lives with at least 250 injured, many seriously, grim figures that will rise as the morning goes on. 
Anybody who thought al-Qaeda-style terrorism was largely aimed at the West will now have to think again. Some reports say the terrorists were specifically picking on Americans and British, but the death toll is overwhelmingly Indian. Islamic fundamentalist terrorism - of which this seems to be the latest deathly manifestation - clearly does not discriminate, or care. A previously unknown outfit, Deccan Mujahideen, has claimed responsibility
The Times of India has the best summary of events so far: "In one of the most violent terror attacks on Indian soil, Mumbai came under an unprecedented night attack as
terrorists used heavy machine guns including AK-47s and grenades to strike at the city's most high-profile targets - the hyper-busy CST (formerly VT) rail terminus; the landmark Taj Hotel at the Gateway and the luxury Oberoi Trident at Nariman Point; the domestic airport at Santa Cruz; the Cama and GT hospitals near CST; the Metro Adlabs multiplex and Mazgaon Dockyard - killing at least 101 and sending hundreds of injured to hospital."
Of course Islamist terrorist attacks are not new to India. Scores of innocent people have been killed by them in recent years, in attacks that are rarely reported or given much prominence in the Western media. But the assault on Mumbai is different in scale and ambition. 
The exact motives of those behind this al Qaeda-style attack are not known but previous, smaller-scale attacks suggest it is part of a vicious campaign to hit busy urban targets which are popular with foreigners and the wealthy Indians who mix with them. India's economy is already slowing down because of the global financial meltdown and the atrocities in Mumbai, the country's financial capital, is likely designed to cause maximum damage to India's economy and international reputation.
We'll bring you the at Noon when we hope to talk to a British foreign minister.
Also in today's programme, we'll be looking at the work of Peter Mandelson. He's been cracking his whip a lot lately and yesterday it was the turn of credit card companies to feel his wrath. He called in company heads and warned tough action if they "stepped out of line" and failed to pass on interest rate cuts.
Today he's off to meet car manufacturers to see what help he can offer them. So we'll be asking: is the Prince of Darkness coming up trumps. He's been credited with saving the post office, sorting out tips, the 10p tax rate and transforming Brown. We'll try to get to the bottom of what's really happening.
And from one man who's had an amazing political journey to another. Throughout today's programme we'll be talking to Derek Hatton. Remember him? Yes the former hard left Liverpool Deputy Council Leader will be with us for the duration.
That's all on the Daily Politics on Ö÷²¥´óÐã2 from Noon.
Comments
or to comment.