Current Event 3 for the 4th Quarter

• The country of Pakistan is quickly become engulfed in the Taliban’s terror tactics as bombings continue to rock the country. The most recent bombing occurred today, May 27, 2009, as an emergency response center was bombed in Lahore, Pakistan. The police building was attacked by a well coordinated group of gunmen and an explosives-packed van thought to be the Taliban’s work, though no proof has been found of this being the Taliban’s attack as no one has claimed responsibility yet. At least 23 people were killed, as well as more than 250 injured, as the police building was demolished and the nearby hospital was also damaged. The attack came as a Pakistani military offensive went in to remove militants from their haven in the northwestern part of the country. Baitullah Mehsud, the leader of the Pakistan Taliban, had threatened to target major Pakistani cities if the operations did not cease and this may well be his work. The attack came in one of Lahore's busiest areas. The passenger van, laden with explosives, broke through a security barrier and was headed toward the police building when guards opened fire to stop it. The two sides exchanged gunfire, with the attackers hurling grenades. But eventually, the van, carrying 100 kg of explosives, exploded slightly before reaching its intended target, though still causing extensive damage.

• I believe this informative article does a good job of presenting a view of the current situation in Pakistan. This country’s condition is quickly deteriorating as the Taliban slowly extend their influence across the country. The attack’s location being Lahore, Pakistan is particularly disturbing due to the fact that Lahore is Pakistan’s cultural capital and has been far from the Taliban’s influence. But now the Taliban’s grip has extended far beyond its previous range of influence. If it actually is the Taliban, of course.