Lessons from the Bomb Attack at the Boston Marathon

How quickly the city of Boston recovers from the two bomb attacks — plus another which fortunately did not explode — on the day before yesterday at the finish line of its annual marathon event will be under global scrutiny.* In a speech to the nation, President Barack Obama did not state that the attack that took at least three lives and injured more than a hundred others was an act of terrorism. While waiting for evidence and the results of the investigation into the most shocking event since the tragic attack on Sept. 11, 2001, he is determined to nab the culprits.

Expressions of sympathy from the rest of the world, including Muslim nations, to the victims and people of the U.S. were very significant. Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong (of Singapore), in an expression of condolence to President Obama, expressed feelings of sympathy and shock over the cruel attack. The Boston Marathon is being increasingly regarded as a great and brilliant international event. As many as 17 Singaporean runners participated. Luckily they have all been reported to be safe and unharmed.

Was the recent bombing carried out by “outsiders” who slipped through the tight American security system? Or was it carried out by radical and militant movements in their own nation? The answers to both of these questions will determine the security policy of the U.S. Past experiences in Western cities like London and Madrid show that terrorism can be carried out by domestic parties in their own nations. But with advanced communication technologies increasingly being used by radical groups, there is a possibility that the recent cruel plan was masterminded by both foreign and domestic elements.

Regardless, the hosts of the Boston Marathon and the citizens of the U.S. must be strong in facing this. Life must go on as usual with security tightened by government agencies with cooperation from a united and harmonious society. A small and susceptible country like Singapore must learn lessons from this event to be able to continue surviving in this environment where security cannot be taken for granted. As a conclusion, we must always be wary against any threats to the security of our nation. The bombings in Boston have become clear proof of how terrorism can occur anywhere in the world. No nation can be satisfied with their security situation.

*Editor’s note: The author is referring to rumors of a third bomb at the time of this article’s publication. Further, “the day before yesterday” refers to April 15.