Who bombed Mumbai?

Strangely enough, we still don't know.

Oh, sure, they arrested people. I mean, in the immediate aftermath, they detained hundreds and sort-of arrested lots. What's four more?

The media's been operating as only Mumbai media can (and England's sometimes does): loud, trumpeting, confident headlines -- LeT confesses all, promises more! -- Two arrested in Bangladesh! -- and very quiet, tiny retractions ("LeT confession actually from a 12-year-old boy in Bhopal sending hoax emails," "Bangladesh apparently not actually involved"). There's a new revelation every day, and one stops reading after a while, saving the steps of learning and then dismissing. Though I do like the rumor that a young woman rushed to the police right after the blasts and reported overhearing a suspicious conversation that included what then made sense as plot details, and the bombers' plan to escape to the airport -- and that she was ridiculed by the Fat Men in Khaki, and no watch was put on outgoing flights. That one alone seems uniquely plausible. Likely, even.

There's been some disturbing editorials out there, mostly to the effect of "it's Pakistan, and we don't need proof" (one newspaper printed that almost verbatim). Many, many papers have cited Israel's actions approvingly, as the "way to deal with terrorism," and urge similar measures.

Meanwhile, the murmur on the street, growing louder, is that Pakistan's military intelligence service, which Musharraf may or may not still be in control of, is at least partially responsible. Whether that's true or merely perceived to be true, it's really not good news.