An attack on girls, women

But the explosion which rocked the Manchester Arena – which killed at least 22 people and injured 120 – did not discriminate in those it took away. The dead include eightyear- old Saffie Roussos, 18-year-old Georgina Callander and 26-yearold John Atkinson. Young children, their parents and guardians were all equally placed in harm’s way. The British press identified the perpetrator as Manchester-born son of Libyan refugees Salman Abedi, 22. The Islamic State, also known as ISIS, also reportedly claimed responsibility after the terrorist set off a homemade bomb.

Serious questions will be asked of Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham, as well as the administration of UK Prime Minister Theresa May. Could this attack have been prevented? It has been confirmed the bomber was known to authorities and died at the scene after weeks of what his neighbours deemed strange behaviour.

Dramatic footage emerged yesterday of heavily-armed police storming his home as officers carried out controlled explosions in a series of raids at addresses linked to the attacker elsewhere in the city. A 23-year-old man was detained.

Details about the identity of the attacker have led to fears this attack will lead to a surge in xenophobia, racism and Islamophobia. But a pushback has already started against that. “Muslims and migrants ARE Mancunians,” wrote writer Greg Thorpe, a Manchester resident, on Facebook.

What is most savage about this attack, however, is how it seems to have been aimed at a particular demographic.

The music of Ariana Grande – whose concert had just finished at the venue – is enjoyed by all. But her brand is associated with girls and young women. That brand is one premised on feminine empowerment, self-reflective sexuality and fun. Therefore, the attack represents not only the taking of lives in a public space. It is meant to have a chill effect on the idea that females can wield power effortlessly, can have ultimate domain over their own bodies, can take control of their lives. This could have happened to any other female artist out there, be it Britney Spears or Destra. Which is why the British security forces will face serious questions and the world will be looking to learn lessons. Current measures must cater for public events at which many people will be gathered. A pop concert involving an international superstar such as Grande should have attracted a high degree of security cover. How was the perpetrator able to get close enough? What is more, what materials were used to manufacture the bomb in question, especially since dangerous chemicals are already heavily regulated in the UK? And while we do not condone any act of Islamophobia, the Muslim community in Manchester may have questions to answer in relation to whether it has in any way harboured malice. Furthermore, while we do not condone any act of terrorism, the UK as a whole will also have to search itself deeply and examine whether it has isolated and marginalised non-white communities, adding to the risks. The Brexit vote – and the surge of racist violence in its wake – revealed much more work needs to be done.

World leaders condemned the attacks.

Speaking in Bethlehem where he was meeting Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, US President Donald Trump condemned the “murder of so many young, beautiful, innocent people” and said the “wicked ideology” of the “evil losers” responsible must be “completely obliterated.” The Russian president, Vladimir Putin, said he was willing to boost anti-terrorism cooperation with the UK.

Given recent concerns locally expressed by former officials of the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Management, it is imperative that any lessons learned by the UK also be applied here. The sad fact is this is now the world we live in. A world where terrorists will not flinch at killing children who are just out to have fun.