http://www.cnn.com/2016/03/27/asia/pakistan-lahore-deadly-blast/index.html
I’m shocked that this is actually headline news. Non-western terrorist victims are usually relegated to a small story in the corner.
I think when we talk about Daesh and the like, (IMO) it is imperative that we remember that they have killed many, many more non-Western people than Western people. I think that gets lost in our extreme focus on attacks in Europe.
My 21-year-old son plans on studying in Beirut this fall. He told his dad he knows he will end up doing volunteer work in Syria. 
He’s already spent a total of six months in the Middle East and feels drawn to helping people there. I’m just hoping something happens to change his mind!
(Hugs) ML. It’s bad enough having close friends in the ME… I can’t imagine what it would be like to have your child over there
I have noticed that news outlets seem to be paying more attention to these non-Western incidents, and I’m glad they are. I’ve started posting the stories on my Facebook page. Yesterday, it was a bombing in Yemen; today, Pakistan. I think it’s vital that the “us”-“not us” distinction be reduced and eventually eliminated.
@MaineLonghorn I have friends in Beirut who say it’s relatively safe. However - and it might not be my place to say this - DO NOT LET HIM GO TO SYRIA. Please, I know people who went to volunteer and some who straight up joined Daesh. Four moms and 2 dads have been hospitalized due to shock (the parents didn’t know of the plans until too late). Those who went to help either got kidnapped or just can’t leave. Conditions are horrible. I know he’s an adult and you want him to have independence, but please find a way to stop him. Better he be angry at you and alive than dead (or worse). Western journalists and aid workers are being beheaded by ISIS and the country is always getting bombed by coalition forces. Have him help from afar if he wants to. Like, resettling refugees in Europe or something.
This was an attack on Christians celebrating Easter (which is mentioned about five or six paragraphs in).
My D spent a year in Pakistan and hopes to return someday. I hope the opportunity she’s looking for doesn’t come.
There have been several attacks in Pakistan since a prisoner was executed on Feb. 29. The prisoner had killed a governor who was working towards loosening the blasphemy laws. The prisoner had been one of the guards of the governor! (the murder happened in 2011).
It was Easter, but it was also the end of the 40 day mourning period for the executed man and is surely wrapped up in that, no matter what any group says. Of course, they’ll kill people and say whatever they want.
Reports now are saying that it was a suicide bomber- a branch of the Taliban has claimed credit- in a park full of children and their mothers. How can anyone fight these people when we can’t understand the psyche of those who kill innocent bystanders to gain attention?
I just don’t understand what they possibly gain out of these senseless attacks. How anyone can target innocents , and children in particular is just beyond me
Yes, my son left Pakistan the day that happened. I actually feel like kidnapping is a bigger danger than terrorist bombs in many places. (Syria certainly.)
@MaineLonghorn - please do all you can to convince your son to NOT go to Syria or any other incredibly dangerous place. Too often we read about western aid workers and humanitarians who come to a bad end this way. It’s so wonderful to want to help but it is used against them by evil factions out there.
Unrelated story but for many years there were plenty of baby girls up for adoption in China. Many western women would pay money and go through all sorts of bureaucratic hoops to adopt those babies. Eventually, those unwanted babies became seen as a commodity and there were cases of baby girls being kidnapped so they could be sold to adoption brokers and then adopted by unknowing westerners.
Perhaps you can help your son see an analogy in this situation. Westerners go to some war torn area to bring assistance but their presence can’t help but become a catalyst to what is now an organized system of kidnapping and/or extortion and/or public execution, etc. The evil criminals thrive on this. The aid workers may be trying to help but they might be hurting things for the locals, and certainly for themselves.
Anyone being killed by terrorists is a bad thing.
Re: #4, Syria
Note that Daesh is not the only thing to worry about in Syria. Other groups that operate there and control territory (e.g. Syrian government, non-Daesh rebel groups) are not exactly the nicest people either.
yea, it is important to remember they are killing tons of people.
which is all the more reason that we should kill them first.
the U.S. House voted unanimously that genocide is occurring.
MaineLonghorn… if at all possible, your son should not go to Syria.
selections from the State Department Travel Warning:
This is all so scary. So sorry for the families of the victims. And serious hugs to you, ML. I cannot imagine your thoughts, worries and concerns.
On a side note, we will be cruising to Greece and Turkey in a few weeks (the plans were finalized the day before the bombing in Brussels). There is now a travel warning to eastern Turkey, but we will be in western Turkey. I would assume if it is unsafe the ship will not dock there. But I am anxious. I will be meeting DH in Europe, as he will be there on business. If the terrorists are doing this to scare people, it is working.
This makes me sad. My husband works in a company with a number of Pakistani employees. I hope their families are safe.
I am sick. Targetting children. True monsters.
Just saw on the morning news that Taliban took " credit " for the attack and their intended target was Christian men…as if that somehow justifies their actions…