Faisal
Shahzad: Apparently ensconced in the American dream,
ha appears to have turned on his adopted country. But was
that
that plan all along?
The Daily Jang, Pakistan
Times Square
Bombing: 'Let Us Freely Help the Americans'
"The
death of innocent people, no matter what their nationality or religion, is an
act of evil. It can never be defended. The bomb at Times Square was meant to
kill those with no connection to the strategies devised by American leadership.
… There is no reason why we shouldn't afford the Americans every
assistance."
When news of the failed
attempt to detonate a car bomb in New York's Times Square broke, there were
likely few of us who didn't quietly hope that it was an act of domestic
terrorism. As things turned out, an 'international connection' did emerge after
all, and a man has been arrested. He has an American passport and his origins
lie in Karachi. What now? Will the sky darken and the nightmares begin? Must we
now expect to see life for American Muslims, particularly those of Pakistani
origin, get worse; our students denied entry into the United States; and
Pakistani nationals on U.S. soil harassed - along with all kinds of other
political consequences?
The mindset that sees the U.S.
as an enemy has resulted in a great deal of confusion here. Many remain suspicious
of Washington, and of course have good reason to be wary. Over the years the
White House has dictated policies that have worked against our interests. The
injustice shown by the U.S. has contributed to the militancy that threatens not
only America but all that's good about us. But terrorism isn't the answer. The
death of innocent people, no matter what their nationality or religion, is an
act of evil. It can never be defended. The bomb at Times Square was meant to
kill those with no connection to the strategies devised by American leadership.
Posted
by WORLDMEETS.US
But neither must the militant
threat be permitted to wreak havoc on the building of trust between Pakistan
and the United States. Washington must demonstrate that it is indeed a true
friend and willing to work in favor of Pakistan's people. What happens in the
aftermath of this failed terrorist attempt is exceedingly significant.
In recent months there have
been indications that Washington is willing to alter its thinking and move
toward a relationship which is less coercive and more cooperative. We must hope
that such a change does take place, for if it does, there is potential benefit
in that for both nations. At the official level, the American reaction to the
incident has been different than after similar situations in the past. This
time we haven't received orders, but rather a polite request. The Americans
have asked us for assistance in tracking the movements of Faisal Shahzad
while he was in Pakistan during the summer of 2009, and the American ambassador
has passed the request on to our Interior Ministry. There is no reason why we
shouldn't afford the Americans every assistance. No
one died, a suspect is in custody and an investigation is under way. Freely
given assistance will send a much more positive message - so let us waste no
time in sending it.
