Pakistan: Tragedy in Islamabad

Paul Simon sends this message, which certainly has the unanimous support of WAIS:

"I hope every WAISer everywhere will join me in grief for my colleagues and in instant, unequivocal condemnation of this unspeakably despicable act! There should be NO time anywhere, for any reason, when it is even remotely acceptable to slaughter anyone of any faith while they are at worship!"

The tragedy in Islamabad has been widely publicized, so were post here only the opening section of the report: "PRESIDENT BUSH expressed outrage at the attack on the Protestant International Church, which is located in a heavily guarded diplomatic enclave about a half-mile from the U.S. Embassy. It was filled with worshipers at the time. "I strongly condemn them as acts of murder that cannot be tolerated by any person of conscience nor justified by any cause," he said in a statement. "We will work closely with the government of Pakistan to ensure those responsible for this terrorist attack face justice."

The attack occurred at 10:50 a.m. during a sermon before 60 to 70 worshipers. Dozens of police and soldiers rushed to the scene. The U.S. Embassy identified the dead Americans as Barbara Green and her daughter Kristen Wormsley, a senior at the American School in Islamabad. Green and her husband, Milton Green, worked at the embassy - she in administration and he in the computer division".

My own memories of Islamabad are unpleasant. It was extremely hot, and my wife and I could not get permission to attended a session of the national congress. We had a pleasant lunch with the Public Affairs officer. Shortly after our visit, there was an attack on the embassy and the sentry was killed. This is not the diplomatic life depicted in the TV series "American Embassy". Pakistan's new capital was given the name "Islamabad". It must now show what the name signifies.

Ronald Hilton - 3/18/02