US Aid Worker’s Murder
By Anila Ali
Irvine, CA
Stephen D.Vance, an American aid worker with CHF, was shot and killed as he drove to work Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2008, in northwestern Pakistan. It was the latest in a spate of attacks on foreigners in Pakistan.
Pakistan is battling a resurgence of Taliban and al-Qaida violence. The shooting occurred in University Town, which is an upscale area of Peshawar. The Pakistani authorities claim that Americans are refusing to share the footage recorded by the CCTV cameras that were right outside the well-guarded American compound where the killing took place. As concerned Pakistani-Americans we urge the FBI to join the investigation and share the intelligence reports so that the group responsible can be dealt with immediately.
Pakistani-Americans express their heartfelt sympathy with the bereaved family God bless his soul. He died in the line of duty to humanity. Pakistanis must urge the local authorities to trace the culprits and give them exemplary punishment.
We also urge the new government of President-elect Obama to frame a foreign policy which may maintain the territorial integrity of the country and dissuade separatist movements from splintering Pakistan. Encouraging separatist movements in well-established countries will not promote peace in the region. Once countries are splintered they will become easy prey to the Taliban movement in its bid for power grab in the region. This will create a situation harmful to American interests and create more anti-West feelings in the masses.
