Pakistan was rocked again on Monday by a suicide bombing that killed 41 and wounded at least 45. The explosion followed a weekend siege of army headquarters near the Pakistani capital, Islamabad, and another suicide attack late last week near the border with Afghanistan.
While the Pakistani Army did regain control of the headquarters that siege lasted 20 hours and left 16 dead, including hostages, soldiers and most of the gunmen. It also seriously damaged the credibility of the military.
A Taliban spokesman said the bombing was to avenge the death of its commander, killed by an American missile last month.
The first 3 minutes in a report from Independent Television News followed by a Gwen Ifill interview with a reporter in Islamabad.
Quotes
"An army offensive against the Taliban and its frontier hideouts is now expected before winter sets in." Jonathan Rugman of Independent Television News
"I think, after three years of very, very frequent attacks, no one really here is that surprised when another attack here occurs." Chris Brummitt, Associated Press
"South Waziristan is considered the main Taliban, the main al Qaeda stronghold in Pakistan." Chris Brummitt, Associated Press
Warm Up Questions
1. Where is Pakistan? Where is Afghanistan?
2. What is the Taliban?
Discussion Questions
1. Does it surprise you to hear about so much violence in Pakistan? How do the attacks affect civilian life there?
2. President Obama is focusing military forces on Pakistan; do you think this is a good idea? Why or why not?
3. How would you choose to fight the Taliban in Pakistan, an ally of the United States?
Additional Resources
