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Thoughts on Pakistan Hotel Bombing
September 24, 2008 2:48 PM
By Jim Sciutto, ABC News Senior Foreign Correspondent
Covering the Marriott Hotel bombing in Islamabad this week, I was struck by how many people blamed the United States for the attack – eyewitnesses, businessmen, newspaper writers. A few bought the outrageous conspiracy theory that the CIA was behind the bombing (to justify further U.S. raids in the tribal areas, they said). But more saw the attack as Taliban -- or al Qaeda -- payback for U.S. military operations inside Pakistan. So, by their logic, average Pakistanis again paid the price for American actions unconnected to their interests. They were angry, angrier than I’ve seen them in a long time.
As we approach Friday’s foreign policy debate for the U.S. presidential candidates, it reminded me of the mountain the next president has to climb in the Muslim world: not only fighting jihadis, but winning over the by far larger number of people who don't see the war on terror as their war. It’s not just an image problem but a real problem of advancing U.S. interests, from fighting the Taliban in Pakistan to winning the war in Afghanistan to keeping young British Muslims from joining jihad in London.
Read more from Jim Sciutto:
Pakistan Feels More Volatile Than Ever
Face-to-Face With a Suicide Bomber
Excerpt: "Against Us" by Jim Sciutto
Photo Credit: Associated Press
September 24, 2008 in Jim Sciutto | Permalink | User Comments (4)
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Can't imagine why anyone would believe an "outrageous conspiracy theory" like that, can you, Mr. Sciutto?
http://michaelfury.wordpress.com/2008/08/18/movers-and-shakers/
Posted by: winston | Sep 24, 2008 3:06:33 PM
It is unimaginable that a large, high-profile American corporation would build ANYTHING in an enemy country!
If I were a Marriott stockholder, I'd bail yesterday.
It continues to amaze me that Bush AND the news media refer to Pakistan as "America's ally", which is baloney. They do NOT help us in the "War on Terrorism"... never have and never will.
I'm sorry that people were killed in the Marriott bombing, but Americans and American companies do NOT belong in Pakistan. And neither does one PENNY of American money!
SOMEDAY, we will get OUT of the Middle East and STAY out! (But not in my lifetime.)
Posted by: Rhys | Sep 24, 2008 3:36:41 PM
Um....That is sad news.
Posted by: Hyon-Ji,Che | Sep 25, 2008 7:37:23 AM
Rhys, "bailing" on your Marriott stocks would be rather stupid...Marriott International's rapid expansion overseas has made it one of the most recognized hotels in the world, and its revenue last year was over $12 billion. Shares are still healthy at over $25 per...should US corporations stay away from developing business in downtown Manhattan, as well? Ya' know, what with that nasty little bombing there a few years ago...
Posted by: Jazz | Sep 25, 2008 11:01:25 AM
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