Al-Qaeda Strikes Again

Summary

- Militants supposedly associated with the Al-Qaeda terrorist group gunned down a Pakistani minister Bhatti, also head of the APMA (All Pakistan Minorities Alliance)
- The militants left a pamphlet explaining the attack was due to the minister opposing a law that made insulting Islam punishable by death
- This killing came shortly after the assasination of Salman Taseer who shared similar beliefs regarding the law
- Intelligence agencies were weary of possible attacks on the head of the APMA, who is also favoring the removal of the law
- Following the killings the government decided against the changing of the law
- The head of the APMA Bhatti and Member of Parliment Rahman were activists against the law dispite obvious danger
- Pakistan officials fear a break in ceasefire between them and Al-Qaeda and expect high levels of terror this year
- The assasination of Bhatti was done very professionally: the perpetrators left a pre-written pamphlet and got in and out of a secure area unscathed
- Pakistan's national security is being questioned
- The issue of successfully identifing militants is being reviewed

Asia Times Online
Pakistan

Opinion

Terror is a major threat to many countries around the world, espcially those in the Middle Eastern region. Although this major failure of national security has shaken the government of Pakistan to it's core they must realize that governments cannot be destroyed by violence, a government destroys itself when confronted with fear, intimadation and political unrest. The government should keep it's national defence strong and stand by it's ammendments. Partnership with nations in similar situations has been a large asset of the defence of many other countries around the globe and could be positive in the Pakistan effort against terror.

The government has decided to separate itself from the activists who are pushing the removal of a law that makes the questioning of Islam punishable by death. Although politics and religion should be kept separate, in this case the decision made by the government may have been correct. By avoiding being associated with the activists Pakistan has kept away direct conflict with Al-Qaeda which could have resulted in high levels of collateral damage or open warfare. This gives Pakistan time to possibly work around this issue politically, or raise their defence in the case of elevated levels of terrorism. Action must be taken as soon as possible to negate the fear and unrest in the Pakistan society, for the real enemy of a government is not other nations or terrorists, the only real enemy of a government is fear because through fear comes control.

Complex Mind Map

Interrelated and Controverisal