—Aditi, New Delhi

* Politicians’ reactions during and after the Mumbai crisis showed their real worth. It is the same mud-slinging we see after every terror strike. Politicians are quick to see an opportunity in a tragedy that has shaken the nation’s collective psyche. In this situation, the media has to play a very important role. It will have to promote honest and capable people in politics and governance. As a polity, we need to devise such a system. We need issue-based politics and not a politics based on vote bank and sentiment. After India’s systemic failure over Mumbai, 26/11, can we expect better governance?

—Hasan-ul-Huzaibi, Pune

In their own interest

* The US Secretary of State, Condoleezza Rice, has stated that her visit was meant to express solidarity with India. This obviously is not the real American goal, despite it being the most visible one.

Although the US advertises its endorsement of the Indian point of view that support is very much in its own interest.

—Lakshya Gupta, New Delhi