Shock waves from Marriot blast

Riaz, Seattle, WA — Sun, 21 Sep 2008 05:14:56 GMT

It is sad when a "missile" aimed at politicians is turned towards the civilians. It is the acts of the politicans who rake in millions and stash it away in Swiss and British real estates which has cause so much agony to this country. Civilians pay the price twice over.

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Chen Jun bing, Seattle, Wash. — Sun, 21 Sep 2008 05:59:33 GMT

I found some of those Pakistani Taliban camps on Google Earth. Where Afghanistan, Pakistan and Kashmir are. This war has gone on long enough. If the US Military was given the green light to go after theese Taliban in Pakistan. The war on these primitives could be ended rather quickly.
Although I believe the real players behind this terroism war don't want the war to end. At least not yet. There are many objectives to accomplish first. Like getting a stranglehold on the Iranian country and their oil.

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Seoul — Sun, 21 Sep 2008 06:51:33 GMT

Pakistan has supported terrorism for decades. Now that it might be trying to get them out... well, your friends turn on you don't they Pakistan. While I am sorry people are hurt, it was brought on themselves.

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BAiyer — Sun, 21 Sep 2008 07:27:48 GMT

In this hour of darkness, our heart goes out to the relatives and friends of the dead. Many of us in India in 90s felt that Pakistan was playing a high risk game ( given our experience in Sri Lanka ). In the early 90s it was so fashionable to mix the destiny of Talibaan with that of the ordinary Pakistani citizen. It was told that after liberating Afghanistan they will march into Kashmir and avenge previous defeats.It will not be untrue if most ordinary Pakistanis felled by a false sense of American aid, silently felt proud of these terrorists. Clearly the Pakistani Govt. did not move with alcrity to the changing geo political environment. The beast after destroying Afghanistan has nowhere to go and is let loose on its own backyard. Now Pakistan is in danger of giving very little room for its fledging democracy to grow. Its leaders will be at the mercy of the terrorist in deciding who to talk , where to talk and when to talk.

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Imran Khan, China — Sun, 21 Sep 2008 07:58:04 GMT

I read your blog and i am truly agree with you that if this bomb detonated near to the prime minister's party then maybe the actions of government and intelligence will be different. I a Pakistani living in China. When ever i heard or watch such suicide bomb news. Only one question comes in my mind from where they are getting this much money and explosives? Who are the people behind all this deadly bombing? Why our government is so powerless and clueless that they can't control these. If there is a threat of bombing on the president they can handle it and when there is time for ordinary peoples there is nothing they can do. Some time is believe that our government is also involve in it. They just want to enjoy their time in Government and help this kind of chaos so that people don't think about what the Government is doing. I am very sad today after hearing this news. These peoples are not human being whoever is doing this.

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Hank Freeman — Sun, 21 Sep 2008 11:37:21 GMT

The war on Terror has now shifted to Pakistan.. Mr. Obama, has said we need to deal with those responsible for terror and get out of Iraq. It will be interesting to know how he will support Pakistan in the fight agains the Taliban, which seem to be able to strike there with no consequence to them.

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Clayton, Phila.,Pa.,USA — Sun, 21 Sep 2008 12:21:03 GMT

I wonder if these muslim terrorists have any brains? By targeting an American hotal do they think they will kill Americans? I guarantee the majority that were killed or injuried were their own kind. Don't they know a building can be rebuilt and human life is precious especially the innocent folks? Hopefully, the Pakistanis will realize quickly what's going on and completely exterminate them without our help at all "Free of Charge"!

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Shahid Hassan,Kabul, Afghanistan — Sun, 21 Sep 2008 13:13:02 GMT

Pakistan is going through a huge socio-political meltdown.Things can only worsen further after this.

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Concerned Canadian, Ontario, Canada — Sun, 21 Sep 2008 14:07:56 GMT

We claim to be so civilized, and yet we continually slaughter each other, over something as trifling as religion! Do not all the holy books say "Love thy neighbour" or something to that effect? That radicals like this lunatic bomber actually do things like this is a sad example is that humans, for all our boasting to the contrary, are just one big tribe of yammering apes.

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Ahsan, Lorton VA — Sun, 21 Sep 2008 15:02:58 GMT

My heart is crying for what's going on in my beloved country. And what annoys me more than anything else is the Western people's perception that Pakistan is not doing enough. What else do they expect from a country so low on physical and professional resources. The western people don't understand the dynamics of that border area's culture. That area is basically owned and ruled by tribes from centuries ago who doesn't really care about any law. Every kid out there has a gun and it is troubling but to start making raids on them would infuriate them even more. There has to be a planned strategy which should involve people from that region and it should include educating them and brining them up to pace with the rest of the world. Pakistani Govt or its people have no control over that region and it is as foreign a culture for majority of pakistanis as it is for Westerners.

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Tariq, Adelaide, South Australia — Sun, 21 Sep 2008 15:03:14 GMT

very true , it would have change the course if it had been blasted close to Prime minister's party at least it would have killed few or more corrupt politicians who have ripped this country apart, even more soothing if Mr. 10 % would have been history. i wish terrorist could have understood this point its not the fault of common people who were just breaking fast and earning their basic livelyhoods.They are deperate to find peace. God help Pakistan!!

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Thoughtful — Sun, 21 Sep 2008 15:03:25 GMT

Keep up the good fight - Don't ever let terrorist win!

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Farah, Windsor, Ontario — Sun, 21 Sep 2008 15:22:18 GMT

Thank you for the blog... glad you are all safe.

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Rafid Sidiki, Lahore, Punjab — Sun, 21 Sep 2008 15:32:32 GMT

I am a Pakistani from a middle class background and I believe that the beliefs I hold are quite similar to what 80% of the populace have. To me wealthy and Americans were villain and terrorism was a just bad wind blown from America. However, with time and more of such gory incidents I have started respecting human life more. No one gives me the right to judge whether someone is fit for this planet or not.

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Bill Gaffney United States United States Marine Corps Veteran.usa — Sun, 21 Sep 2008 15:39:30 GMT

All citizens of the United States must leave this place at once! The United States cannot assure their safety. I do not care if this country is an important ally!
There is no way to protect our people in this state of anarchy! Why does the currnet U.S. Administration insist on staying in this country??
Let the troops stay. As combat soliders at least they know how to protect themselves to some degree. They know at least what to look for, sometimes . They however are sitting in the middle of a situation that will only get worse, it will never get any better.
Bring everyone home!!!

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Concerned friend of Pakistan. — Sun, 21 Sep 2008 16:38:43 GMT

Pakistanis are paying the price of fighting the war on terror for USA.... Is it really worth it???? I do not know if the Americans really appreciate their efforts or doing enough for them in return.

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Ex firefighter - Seattle, WA — Sun, 21 Sep 2008 16:51:02 GMT

I observed several photos and video clips of the Marriot in flames but nowhere did I see any evidence of a single piece of fire apparatus, hose line or water stream that would have been employed to extinguish the fire. I may have seen one (1) firefighter with yellow reflective tape on his coat but not a single indication that any attempt was made to stop the fire. What's up with that?

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jim young, east lansing, michigan — Sun, 21 Sep 2008 17:28:40 GMT

Pakistan had a very bloody beginning just some sixty years ago. it is a very complex, tortured country which will probably remain an unstable powder keg for at least another generation at a minimum. the mix of extreme poverty, rabid religious fundamentalists and disenfranchised ethnic groups, combined with a suspect military in possession of nuclear weapons, is a problem no amateur and most professionals cannot hope to solve. anybody who thinks there is a simple answer to sorting it out is an idiot.

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A Din — Sun, 21 Sep 2008 17:34:32 GMT

I am just surprised how many americans are still so uneducated about the facts of term "muslim terrorists".I absolutley condemn these acts and people who've carried them out but My friends your govtn not only invented them(in early 80's in Afghanistan) but also bred them over the years. Today Pakistan is fighting the war in its backyard that American govtn wasnt able to fight in afghanistan. Pakistan is simply paying a not so worthy price of being america's friend. I get upset at my own people for what they are putting their country through for a friend who and whose people have no regard for the effort being put in. For my friend who said an american hotel was blown up...its just an american chain of hotels,hotel itself belongs to a local.And the culprits did not want to kill americans or pakistanis etc...they just wanted to lash out at their govtn for inviting foreign interference into their country.So please everyone get your facts straight without the biasness that's consuming the truth.

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Marya , Ashburn, VA — Sun, 21 Sep 2008 17:38:09 GMT

Imagine 9/11 incident happening over and over again ? would you curse the nation for enduring it ? or sympathize with them ? was America blamed for rearing those terrorist in their own barn ? Was US Nation apprehended as terrorists supporters themselves? No right? Thats whats happening in Pakistan right now.I hope we learn to empathize and feel for loss of human lives and raise the bar of humanity here.

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biorsel — Sun, 21 Sep 2008 17:51:42 GMT

Remember, all religions are beautiful but once they are too extreme they become terrorist! So, the best way is once, they cross the line, given whatever that line is, just go after them...

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Winston Smith 02, Austin, TX USA — Sun, 21 Sep 2008 21:17:00 GMT

My Father told me when I was old enough to know, and he was in the flights around the nuclear bombings in Japan. You do not win a war, until the will of the people wanting to fight, is broken. Rumsfeld was right: this conflict may well last 50 yrs or more

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Tom, Knoxville TN — Sun, 21 Sep 2008 21:30:06 GMT

I have been to that hotel, enjoyed a quiet cup of coffee. Islamabad is a beautiful city with wonderful caring people, as an american, I never felt odd in the city, the shopping was great, the security was present, and I felt safe. What troubled times in which we live, my prayers are with those in Islamabad.

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Ameera, Mahboula, Kuwait — Sun, 21 Sep 2008 21:45:48 GMT

Assalam Alaikum. May God Bless Pakistan and may the people of this world keep them in prayer at this horrible time. Khuda hafiz.

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Karisma — Sun, 21 Sep 2008 21:48:14 GMT

Why does the Pakistani government allow the Taliban to have so much power? That power is ruining their country and killing its people! Cut off the head of the snake!!!

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Michele Nazareth,Pa. — Sun, 21 Sep 2008 22:01:14 GMT

All this violence is senseless and needs to stop. As far as this happening, I know it isn't going to happen. Hate, Greed, Predjudice, is worldwide sorry to say. When we can't even trust our own government, how in god's name are we ever going to trust in another country's leadership to help abolish this? Innocent people are being killed everyday, just senseless. Religion ISN'T the reason for this, that is just an excuse for HATE CRIMES. Our God doesn't condone killing in any form. We are all human beings and should respect each other and try using the good old fashion phrase, "Do unto other's as you would have them do unto you." Maybe our world would be a better place!!! God help us all, we really need it.

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amber — Sun, 21 Sep 2008 22:30:08 GMT

So these are muslims killing muslims in the name of ISLAM??? It's time we wake up to the reality of this mess we're all in.....these barbarians are no muslims they are the real true enemies of Islam. A jihad should be launched against the Taliban and Al-Qaida.

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Nadeem, Woodbury, MN — Sun, 21 Sep 2008 22:31:17 GMT

I am amazed at the ignorance and bias displayed in certain posts. It is quite clear these people do not understand the ground realities in Pakistan and get their facts from 10 seconds news flashes.Pakistan is paying the price of aligning itself with USA in the fight against Talibans and Al Qaeda.These groups distort Islam to achieve their political goals. It is not easy to go into the tribal area and capture all militants due to the rugged train and local "wild west" culture. Even USA can't capture all militants on Afghanistan side in spite of NATO's forces on the ground. Al Qaeda is a cancer, and we need international cooperation, not finger pointing, to get rid off it.

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Terry — Sun, 21 Sep 2008 22:38:14 GMT

To all the Pakistani's who feel that America does not appreciate the sacrifices that Pakistani civilians make, you are wrong. Your country is on the lips of every American, and most greatly respect how much all of you give.

The raids into Pakistan was a mistake on the US military's part, but it was a mistake born out of a motivation on our part to rid the tribal regions of a cancerous enemy. Bottom line, America is not trying to rob Pakistan of it's cultural and religious identity. We want what both sides want. An end to endless violence.

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Jumper, South Carolina — Sun, 21 Sep 2008 22:45:18 GMT

The Quran says that if you kill an innocent person, you kill everyone. If you save a person's life, you save everyone. These are not ISLAMIC terrorists. They are simply murdering terrorists, and in this case, murdering terrorists against people living in a country where Islam is the main religion. My sympathy to those harmed and killed.

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Lane,South West, Florida — Sun, 21 Sep 2008 22:49:58 GMT

Very well worded, Biorsel...
I have thought about EVERY religion and each one (including my own) has rituals/ideas/etc. that would be found strange to those of other beliefs. Some of the rites/rituals in Christian churches, of which I am a follower, have always seemed odd to me.

With Pakistan, and other countries, I keep hopeing their own extremists' actions will implode the radical groups. People surely will get tired of not having normal lives, and especially if we give them even a glimmer of hope and help to have that normalcy.

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Ryan Persaud, Los Angeles, California — Sun, 21 Sep 2008 23:25:29 GMT

My hearts go out to the people killed in this bomb blast. As an American, I can only say that I appreciate what Pakistan has tried to do to fight Islamic extremism.

What I don't understand is why so many Pakistanis support Al Queda and the Taliban when they are killing their own people? There must have been at least 5 bomb attacks in Pakistan this year. I truly hope Pakistanis realize that they too need to combat this threat.

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thuri — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 00:04:15 GMT

whoever said that america invented terrorism in the early 80s is ignorant of the facts, where did this person live before 1980? what was the achille lauro hyjacking and the throwing overboard of an old man in his wheelchair?what about the slaying of athletes at the munich olympics? carlos the jackal?airplane bombings?and many many more?
there is such a thing in the world as rule of law!this is the 21st century not the 12th century !
pakistan is at fault! first of all this is a country that has gone into atomic bombs while ignoring the plight of its own citizens! if pakistan can't rule these territories they should seek help at the united nations, or give them independence and responsability or perhaps best of all let usa go in ,clean them out and help them rebuild . at the present pace pakistan is accomplishing nothing and maybe making the situation worse for all including for themselves.

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winston,charleston,sc — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 00:15:16 GMT

To win this effort you must eradicate the terrorist and their sympathizers. It is not appealing nor pretty, but this is war not gardening.

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jacob godzich, phoenix, arizona — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 00:23:41 GMT

i think that we need to stay in pakistan and iraq because they are starting to devlop neuclear war heads and neuclear bombs. if we leave the terrorist will most likley get there hands on those and cause more damage to the world.

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jacob godzich, phoenix, arizona — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 00:27:14 GMT

pakistan is in a very hard position right now. they are being under so much pressure. just let them deal with it not us. its there problem not ours. we need to get our troops out of there right now!!!! if we dont there will be more blood shed.

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Mike Shields — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 00:46:08 GMT

The inexperienced but very verbose and ever confident Mr. Barak Hussein Obama has a plan to enter Pakistan and kill the terrorists. Now that our "ally" has declared it will open fire on our tropps, what is our Ivy league, 160 days in the Senate political pygamy going to come up with now? Obama is a farce, but the terrorists can't wait to take him on and show the world what a dream world he really lives in. Next time, Obama, ask McCain.

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a adeel,qatar — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 01:34:41 GMT

I am a pakistani n living abroad n like any other patriot i wanna go back home someday but now looking at things my home is not giving me a secure n safe feeling as a home should.what went wrong to it....who is to be blamed....my home once so peaceful....we the common citizens are suffering the most.the people who just want to live a quiet life worrying about bills,fees and taxes,no big agenda to change the world.HOME SWEET HOME is the phrase i cannot use for my home anymore.

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sad, Tallahassee, Florida — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 01:40:45 GMT

Dear firefighter in Seattle,

I have lived for 2 years in Islamabad and know that the country is not equipped like we are with fire fighting equipment or even ambulances. There is a private gentlemen Sitar Ehdi who has provided ambulances with his own funds for the country.

This is what makes the situation more sad, if you look at the pictures of the injured, all they have is bandages & bed, no hi-tech hospitals like here.

You are truly lucky to survive something of this magnitude. That city is not equipped with fire-hydrants.... sad but true situation of Islamabad...

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cbl Loveland ct, — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 01:59:09 GMT

Any religion that kills to get it's ways,is NOT a religion,but a bunch of inferior life forms,that kill for the pleasure of making the human race fear them into submission.Basically what they assume is that they are their "Gods warriors" and this is what "their" God is telling them to do(bomb and kill)people into submission,then their "god" talks to them to setup the rules into which mankind should live(basically 12th century lifestyle).Bottom line nobody wants to live that lifestyle,so they are trying to bomb and kill people into submitting into it.

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levislace, IL — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 02:19:32 GMT

Not sure if my blog will be posted because of the lack of "God" in this world. But, people need to open their Bibles and ask God for understanding because this is what it is all about. The prophecies are there to read and it is all prophecied. It is sad that everywhere you look, no one is seeing what si going on......OPEN YOUR BIBLES!!!!

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Kevin Doan, D.C. — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 02:23:46 GMT

Extremist are dangerous and Bin Laden is an example we'll not forget. If a county habors or supports them then they need to pay. Bush in his failed plan tried to do just that. I know we need a change of venue and being more of a Republican because of my parents I now would vote for Obama even though he lacks experience but is intelligent and god-willing steer our troubled country towards a better path.

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Mick, Tampa, Florida — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 02:26:46 GMT

"We have seen the enemy, and it is us." Until the Pakistani people realize this, the war will never end. Pakistan is the last protected safe haven in the world for Islamic militancy. Yes, it is supported elsewhere, but not protected like it is in Pakistan. When will the Pakistani's admit to who the real enemy is? America is easy to blame, but until the Pakistani's wake up, their country will continue to spiral back toward the stone age, and take them with it.

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Cat from Jackson, MI — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 02:39:31 GMT

There must be a special place in Hell or Hades or whereever for people that use God's name as justification for evil. If you are without hope for your children, poor, fearful, hungry, and without housing, I pray for you. If you believe all Americans are rich and live like they appear on TV and the internet may you come to realize, that there exists much poverty in the US. There are people here too that have no hope for their children, are afraid, hungry, and lack housing and health care. Evil begets evil. Greed wholewide is the root cause of terrorism. No amount of money is enough for some people and these people feel nothing about others.

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JOHNdoe seattle wash — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 02:51:10 GMT

I am just surprised how many americans are still so uneducated about the facts of term "muslim terrorists".I absolutley condemn these acts and people who've carried them out but My friends your govtn not only invented them(in early 80's in Afghanistan) but also bred them over the years. Today Pakistan is fighting the war in its backyard that American govtn wasnt able to fight in afghanistan.
blahblahblah
+++++++
a din--you should simply run a google search for islamic terrorism in other countries PRIOR to the 80s as the gov't of the USA didn't INVENT THEM or support them. Giving aid to afghanistan to DEFEAT communism was REWARDED that way by the criminals they are and will always be.
educate yourself first.

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Dr. Ahmed Youssif — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 03:03:07 GMT

How can one expect terrorists "having brains" or any sense of humanity, provided that all of them are breeded with drugs such as "hashish" from Hezbola's fields in Lebanon and "opium" from Taliban's fields in Afghanistan, added by a stupidifying "Marxist-Leninist Islam" brainwash from "Al-Qaida?
Come on ! Give me a break!

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Beth, Greenville, SC — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 03:10:59 GMT

Thank you for your blog and to all who commented. I am glad that you are safe, Mike and Bobby. I am praying for all involved, or that should be involved also.

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Ayeda, Pakistan — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 03:55:30 GMT

since this blog is diverting itself from incident of Marriot to religious extremism, i would like to add one thing here. these terrorist have nothing to do with religion. this is the muslims' holy month of Ramadan and no sane muslim, be he the fundementalist, can dare to damage the sanctity of this month. in pakistan, we dont refer these activities to religious extremists because all actions are to the contrary of what they claim. so rest of the world should also stop crying the same thing like a taught parrot without knowing the truth.

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wajiha shakeel,islamabad,pakistan — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 04:31:05 GMT

i am in a great shock since saturday.i just wanna salute all those watchmen and gatekeepers who were trying to extinguish the fire instead of being running away and saving their lives.they sacrificed themselves for paki9stan and islam.they were great people very great.

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Maheen, Islamabad, Pakistan — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 04:55:29 GMT

perfectly stated by A Din. all americans, wake up and realise what pakistan is doing for your country. the reason we're in this mess is because we're helping you on your "war on terrorism" and because of that, we have these extremists coming after their own brothers. islam teaches peace so don't target muslims for some psycho's who have been brain washed all their lives to believe that killing innocent people will still make them martyrs if it's in the name of islam. it isn't but instead of us keeping out of their way since they're YOUR problem, we're helping you and putting ourselves at risk. stop threatening us thinking you're oh so big, we may be a third world country but you're not a super power anymore either. open your eyes and learn that no matter what religion you are, you are all equal. so any pakistani or other who passed away in the marriott blast had the same value as your loved ones who passed away on 9/11.

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Amina W, Lahore, Pakistan — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 04:56:42 GMT

I am amazed at some of the comments posted here. Are people really as heartless as that to say that we Pakistanis deserve whatever is happening to us because we are supposedly harboring terrorists in our country? I don't remember any of us saying things like that after 9/11 happened. I think the only reason we are being targetted is because we are supporting America in its "war against terror". I dont remember any such attacks taking place in our country before we were accorded the dubious honor of being a "key US ally" in this war on terror.

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Hazel Garnett — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 05:08:47 GMT

I feel for the Pakistan People and their terrible loss. What I can't understand is why the Pakistan government does not want us to be able to go over their border to go after the terrorists who hide amongst the tribal lands and that they do not recognize any laws. That even the Pakistani people do not understand them. We are on the attack in Afghanistan and when they run back over the border into Pakistan we should be able to pursue them and even be helped by the government on the other side.

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Joseph, Port Harcourt, Nigeria — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 05:25:28 GMT

Large number of people walked away from peace loving community instead, promote their ideals of corrupted purpose, selfish desire, hatred, which will entirely begot violence. Peace of a nation can not be achieve through a corrupt human leadership. It must be through a fully committed spiritual action of every indivudual desiring to eradicate hatred and turn everything in place to love and respect. If this is absent in the community then nowhere in any country can peace be achieve. Terrorist action are brought by hatred and is not a godly design.
To refrain from corruption, will eventually wipe out terrorist action.

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AKalafat — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 06:26:46 GMT

Seeing as the US and Pakistan are both nuculear countries, we should find all of the terrorist camps hidden in the area and NUKE-EM, END OF STORY.

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world resident, Germany — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 06:32:05 GMT

Ignorance lives in every country and every culture. Please don't lump all Americans together and think that we are all ignorant. My family has travelled to over 20 countries and have a better understanding of complex world issues. Unfortunately, not all Americans are afforded such adventures so they must live vicariously through others or the TV. My heart goes out to Pakistan, and all lands that terrorist attack. Just keep blogging, and keep educating. Your comments fill in the gaps that the reporters/journalists leave out. I agree with Ahsan, Lorton VA. It starts with education. Pakistan needs to be educated, but so do we.

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Rabia Durrani, Islamabad — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 06:45:40 GMT

Live & let live. That's what all Pakistani's want, and right now, we are simply paying the cost of what happened earlier at Afghanistan. It very easy to call it an unstable powder keg, while most of its own citizens are helpless. Pakistan has never supported terrorism. No one here wants to see the blood of the innocent and the children. We're all puppets in the hands of the hidden forces; all we can do is to continue & survive. No one is ready to lose their lives by standing up againt these forces. We, as pakistanis, strongly condemn terrorism. War against terrorism is a war for the sanctity of humanity, not for religion. That is how we see it.

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Observant - Germany — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 10:10:10 GMT

It is interesting that most of you complain that the U.S. is interfering or is bad all around, yet most of you live there! Guess the U.S. is not so bad after all...

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Bob — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 11:31:10 GMT

How dangerous is a country that boasts nuclear weapons but has no control of its lawless regions?

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stgeven, St. Petersburg, FL — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 12:18:07 GMT

I just read that the head Taliban commander said that they was not responsible for the hotel bombing. When ever there is a terrorist bombing done by the Taliban or Al-Qaeda thay are quick to say they did it and are proud of it. Either they were responsible but realized they went to far or there more sinister actors were involved.

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Delmar Fairchild Barron, WI — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 12:37:06 GMT

If this is America's fault, Pakistan can put an end to it today. Just hand over OBL and his cronies. You can have your Religious infighting for yourself.

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George Stockman — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 13:10:49 GMT

We spent last Christmas holiday in this Marriot and were confined their 3 days after Bhutto's murder. The Marriot was not an American or Western enclave, but an elite place for many Pakistani's to enjoy and to work. I regret that many of the gracious staff are now gone. Most Pakistani's are peaceful, family-oriented people. Apparently there is also a vein of vengeful criminally religious tribesmen. Neighbor India is not free from these people either. We would all feel better if the nukes in those countries were all disabled [and is the religious right in the US were also disabled].

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Lucille Jones — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 14:12:04 GMT

My heart goes out to the family of the victims of that bomb blast. This kind of terror and bullying will continue until the world learns that you cannot be rational with irrational people, drastic times calls for drastic measures. let it be known that any person(s) who detonates a bomb with the intention of taking innocent human lives that their bloodline will be irradicated, mother, sister,aunt,uncle etc even their pet dog regardless of their nationality, political affiliations or religion. The odds are that less people will join these organization, and self preservation will take on a new meaning. just a thought.

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az,islamabad — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 14:29:10 GMT

i couldn't agree more with marya from VA.
we really appreciate your thoughtfullness and kind words at this time of loss and sufferings for our people.

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zman,lahore Pakistan — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 14:40:41 GMT

Pakistan is an "ally" and scapegoat at the same time for US.we are paying way too high price to be both.imagine that 9/11 happening over and over around united states and isreal keep sending you aid for their own safety.ignorant and unsympathetic americans are like icing on the cake.

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Faisal, Los Angeles CA — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 14:59:52 GMT

I am a Muslim but before that I feel I am as human as anyone there in the world. My heart had cried for people when died in Jerusalem by these suicide bombers for decades and now its shifted towards different angle. But regardless wherever it is it should be condemned. I condemned then and i condemned now. We Muslims should have done something at that time to stop it. None has been done or said about these suicide bombers who are using the name of Islam for no reason. Its just like tasting a taste of your own medicine. I dont know who to blame for this......

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AMM, troy, michigan — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 18:50:24 GMT

As an American born Pakistani, I am appaulled by the amount of destruction that this bombing created. I got married and stayed in this very hotel on our wedding night and frequently visit the city of Islamabad. The reality that the war on terrorism is and needs-to-be in the country of Pakistan is only highlighted by this disaster. These types of crimes never took place within Pakistan 7 years ago, just like they never did in the US.
Americans should realize that Pakistan has been one of its closest allies for the past 50 years. When we needed access to China, Nixon called upon Islamabad. When we were fighting a cold war with the soviets, we asked Pakistan to support the arms shipments to the Afghanis. Now Pakistan is struggling. The best thing beyond prayers and humanitarian assistance, is military assistance. I say move the troops from Iraq to Afghanistan. Take over the border with Pakistan and help the Pakistan Army defeat this enemy.

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maan aziz, houston, tx — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 18:56:07 GMT

The main cause of these terror attacks is the american war on terror. there were no attacks or suicide bombers in Pakistan for the last 55 years before 2004 when the "war" was begun in Pakistan by the short sighted Musharraf. We must remember that these areas are known in history for their resistance to any foreign invasion/army etc. From Alexander to Mughals to British and the Soviets....all of them I repeat all of them were defeated and they had to withdraw and talk to them... and whenever you talked to them the problem was solved. all of these powers were humiliated and defeated in these regions. It is that land's nature...you cant change it. America cant win in those areas for sure if you dont talk to the locals. No attacks before 2004 ever clearly show that even when Taliban were at their peak in the ninetees they had literally no connection to them and actually they were kept within Afghanistan's borders very effectively, then under American pressure Pakistan army attacked them... to catch about a thousand or so terrorists and in the name of collateral damage killed many of the locals..and in the process turning them away to the other side. Its not a religious war... its a political one. They are just taking revenge..the revenge which has been a nemesis to all the world's powers throughout history. Only solution: talk to locals..apologize and convince them to be on ur side..and they wipe out terrorism for you in one year max. I know what I say. If not Alexander or Mughals or British or Soviets or Americans now, how come Taliban? and one more observation: There have never been any proofs of Osama's involvement in 9/11 other than full volume rhetoric on CNN and Fox..Taliban asked US to give them evidence and they will hand over Osama to USA but they were attacked and so far about quarter to half million people have been killed in the name of the search for Osama. Just to put things on record. US sits next to China and Iran and Central Asia and Middle East and the great threat of Taliban, the ISLAMIC REVIVALISTS over.. or as they(whoever is really behind all of this, its certainly not us, the average americans) thought it would turn out. I wonder often IF 9/11 was staged, why attack Afghanistan right away.. what could be the reason? after all Taliban were ready to hand over Osama and they just asked for proof.. which by the way US would have if in a similar situation. and we still dont have any proof.. rather we have started to get leads pointing to the opposite direction. THIS IS THE REAL GREAT GAME

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don, kentucky — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 19:27:30 GMT

I feel sorry for all those who died, their families and their friends in this and other bombings. Most people in the subcontinent and elsewhere just want to get on with their lives and bring up their kids to have a better life than their parents. This is a critical moment for the Pakistanis- give up to the forces of pure evil or persuade the army and civilian elite to go after the perps of this crime. What is amazing that many Pakistanis, particularly the media, are still willing to blame US, India, Israel...anybody but the criminals who did this.

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AC, DFW, TX — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 04:27:11 GMT

I find it disgusting that the US thinks it should get its hands in Pakistan. There is no reason for it other than global conquest by the Big 7. How is it that when Musharraf leaves, that the politicians are now targeted? Why was Bhuto killed? The players behind the terrorism are the same ones who say they want to fight it. Because , just like in America, they can attempt to enslave the populace and force them to do their bidding. That's why the US is iching to get in there...not to help Pakistan (see Iraq), but to control it. Musharraf was their Bush puppet control and now that he's gone, they are trying to create as much havoc as possible.

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Pray1, Virgin Islands — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 05:55:49 GMT

John McCain and Sarah Palin are better fit for taking up arms and fighting the war on terror in Afganistan personally. They can cross the border into Pakistan, without that governments permission, kill innocent people and lie about it. Check them out, that is what their whole campaign is about, lies and threats to other countries. War, bullying and disrespect for leaders and authority of other countries will never end If they are elected. (IN BUSH FOOT-STEP) Sad about the innocent people of Pakistan

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imtiaz faruqui — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 16:54:13 GMT

Some Questions comes to my mind. No1 Why did Bin Laden
attacked us.No2. How did the so called Mujahedeen who were fighting with Russian forces with our help turned into Talibans and now fighting our forces?
Q 3. Who planned the Iraq war? and gave it piority over Afghanistan. Our media also hides the truth.what happened in Islamabad is like 9/11 for those poor families the innocent got killed everywhere.Jimmy Brooklyn