Islamabad weeps

Jan B., Erie,PA — Sun, 21 Sep 2008 16:16:14 GMT

Amazing coverage Ms. Curry. Thank you for this post. How tragic for the Pakistani people. I hope the perpetrators are found and brought to justice in this world or the next. Will the world ever learn to be at peace?

Islamabad weeps

Bob Stokes — Sun, 21 Sep 2008 16:37:12 GMT

This is very very sad news. I am from India, but I can sense how Pakistanis must be feeling even though part of me feels that they are reaping what they sowed. Hopefully, this helps them along the process of really opposing the terrorism in their land and that of their neighbors and not nuance this anymore.

Islamabad weeps

adam bullhead city — Sun, 21 Sep 2008 16:51:52 GMT

When you start killing your own people in the hopes of killing your enemy fate and the people that support you shall fall.

Islamabad weeps

T. Davis — Sun, 21 Sep 2008 17:06:33 GMT

Your article was refreshingly emotional; so often no one sees that side of journalism. My heart and prayers also go out to the families of the Pakistani's killed in this cowardly act (which was especially heinous during the Iftar during Ramadan). No god approves of these things...

Islamabad weeps

M Asif — Sun, 21 Sep 2008 17:13:02 GMT

Your evocative and sensitive coverage is commendable.

Islamabad weeps

Azam — Sun, 21 Sep 2008 17:15:39 GMT

When will it end? Why can't we all live in peace. Live and let live. Innocent people, bystanders, poor people who are trying to make an honest living are always the victim of the problems created by the greater forces of our times. I pray to God for those who have lost their lives. May these people see the true light and stop the violence and the killings. It is not helping their cause and definitely not going to achieve peace.

Islamabad weeps

elisabeth schneider Oregon — Sun, 21 Sep 2008 18:13:57 GMT

close down all the madras !!! Open western style schools ! It is the only way if you want
extremism to die down.

Islamabad weeps

I love america — Sun, 21 Sep 2008 18:16:35 GMT

It is a great surprise to me that a nation who bleave in humanity, kindness, service is suffering so much by the hanious act of a few gangsters, supported by the gangsters to show the world that they are capable to bring every humanbeing to their knee, I think this group is trying to prove that they are above the law of nature, & law of the land. It's matter of time, They will con=me to the court of justice.

Islamabad weeps

,Steven , St. Petersburg, Florida — Sun, 21 Sep 2008 18:18:23 GMT

My mother stayed in that hotel while on assignment for the St. Petersburg Times, it gives me chills to think she could have been in there. I feel terrible for all the people who lost love ones in this bombing, I hope Pakistan can do something to rein in these psychos.

Islamabad weeps

George — Sun, 21 Sep 2008 18:35:02 GMT

Dear Ann,
I believe the world needs all of us, the citizens of this planet, need to come together and stop this usless killing. Most terrorist say they kill for a cause. I don't think anyones God wants the people of this earth to die for the sake of an idea. Governments can't handle this mess it is up to the good people to say "NO THIS IS ENOUGHT".
George

Islamabad weeps

Ammar, Champaign, IL — Sun, 21 Sep 2008 18:39:53 GMT

a touching report, our heart bleeds for the innocent victims of this senseless attack

Islamabad weeps

Tyler, Boise, Idaho — Sun, 21 Sep 2008 19:02:24 GMT

Ann, Thank you for your courage in covering such a traumatic event. These types of events serve as a constant reminder that there are evil people in the world who will stop at nothing to destroy our way of life

Islamabad weeps

Matthew Graves — Sun, 21 Sep 2008 19:35:19 GMT

And the Imams will keep preaching jihad while the innocents continue to die,

Islamabad weeps

Syed Imran, New Haven, Connecuticut — Sun, 21 Sep 2008 19:47:53 GMT

I appreciate your sharing the painful story of my hometown.

Islamabad weeps

Amy Oberholtzer — Sun, 21 Sep 2008 20:56:37 GMT

Ann
Beautifully written piece about an ugly, horrific situation in Pakistan.
Thank for your thoughtful and forthright words. They should give us all pause.
Stay safe.
Amy

Islamabad weeps

sam brownback,Chicago,IL — Sun, 21 Sep 2008 21:33:32 GMT

It is blowback for pakistan....terrorists returning the favor...

Islamabad weeps

jerry,alaska — Sun, 21 Sep 2008 21:37:05 GMT

shame on pakistan goverment to put their nation in fire,
and write another stroy called line of fire
shame shame shame.........................

Islamabad weeps

Joshua, IN — Sun, 21 Sep 2008 21:39:00 GMT

As they say, "you reap what you sow".

Islamabad weeps

John Doe — Sun, 21 Sep 2008 23:32:39 GMT

They should have kept Musharraf in power.

Islamabad weeps

Don White, Manti, Utah — Sun, 21 Sep 2008 23:45:13 GMT

Surely this will galvanize the Pakistani populace to the realization that Al Qaida is not their friend and not a welcome guest. With any luck they (Pakistanis overall) will turn on Al Qaida with a vengeance, to the whole world's benefit.

Islamabad weeps

George Prescott Lincoln, RI — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 00:25:47 GMT

Hopefully these poor souls can focus their anger in the right direction after they have recovered from their grief.

Islamabad weeps

Michael, Seattle, Wa — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 01:28:26 GMT

OK... I'll ignite this one...

While I am overwhelmingly saddened that 1000's of peaceful Muslims have been mindlessly attacked by animals who claim to be creating such devastation and chaos in the name of the religion practiced by most of their victims, I am supremely happy to know that there are 1000's more people who will support the "HUMAN RIGHTS" of any of the perpetrators that may or may not be captured and / or prosecuted for any part they may have played in ANY PART of this horrendous crime against humanity. Heaven forbid that we should allow these animals to be mistreated in any way! "They are just misunderstood." .. Yeah, Right!!

Islamabad weeps

Kristin, Athens, Ga — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 01:54:19 GMT

My husband is about to go to Pakistan to visit his family. He is having to have 4 cars filled with armed friends to come and pick him up at the Lahore airport because he doesn't feel safe coming back to his own country. How sad is that? He doesn't want me to go at all because I'm American. He use to want me to come, now not so much.I have told him he better stay out of Islamabad and only go to Lahore when he gets there and when he's leaving. I have to admit I'm very worried for his safety and not just from terrorism but from bandits as well. Pakistan is in bad shape and a lot of that has to do with Bush letting Bin Laden and the Taliban escape into Pakistan. If we had stayed out of Iraq and in Afghanistan where our enemies were Pakistan wouldn't be in this mess. Still Zhadari would do well to quell this violence if he used the full force of the Pakistani army to weed out these terrorist before they destroy Pakistan. One can only hope.

Islamabad weeps

Anna — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 02:08:11 GMT

"Any journalist who tells you they are not traumatized to some degree by this work is a liar."
Thank you for that comment.

I am glad you and your crew was not hurt. My prayers are with the families.

Peace to all around the globe.

Islamabad weeps

Larry Simon, Mattawan, MI — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 02:40:37 GMT

One can hope that the rage for creating the loss and hurt is directed against those who did the bombing.

Islamabad weeps

MIKE — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 02:45:58 GMT

Well, the religion of peace has done it again.....

Islamabad weeps

Patrick M, Manchester, Vt — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 03:30:35 GMT

I'm not sure this was a good publicity stunt in Pakistan. They know we are having trouble with
them, what would posess them to think killing a bunch of their own people would win the support of the Pakistani government. Whatever, when this happens, it certainly supports our cause. Dumbasses!

Islamabad weeps

russ reed — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 03:46:56 GMT

Now that pakistan receives some of the same punishment the rest of the wester world has been given by these deranged animals, we shall see their resolve. Will they fold under pressure like cowards and give in to terror , or will they finally wake up and realise that what the Us has been fighting is indeed their enemy too.
We shall see very shortly.
Oh , I guess some morons are going to say this is Bushes fault too ?

Islamabad weeps

Roberts of Arizona — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 03:48:05 GMT

Not all journalists are affected negatively. Ask those covering their Jihad. Remember Daniel Pearl. They think if your a non believer your property to be either sold or killed. Very peaceful people. Remember those cheering 9-11 ? I do! Yet Israel is supposed to make peace with them as a neighbor and Irans leader will be hosted in our country tomorrow. And the Bush's are kissing their rings. Lets get some truth in the open. Who the enemy really is!

Islamabad weeps

Karen-Marie, Reno NV — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 04:36:19 GMT

Thank you Ann, for the courage of your words.
Karen-Marie
Reno, Nevada

Islamabad weeps

Jim Lewis — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 05:14:15 GMT

An accurate, powerful, and moving article documenting a most horrifying event. I hope the perpetrators behind this atrocity read it.

Islamabad weeps

Sohail, Dubai — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 05:24:18 GMT

The best way i think to finish suicide bombing is to kill the ones who are mastermind behind these brainwashed people. But no one wants that to happen as they are the ones on payroll of US itself.

Islamabad weeps

the troll sarver,pa — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 06:17:25 GMT

my deepest sympathies to all the victims families. i wonder at what point the blame is placed on the true aggressors. these militants/radicals must be destroyed. it is not an american that is violating your holy month but a fellow muslim. these horrific attacks are happening to you in your country. accordingly it is up to you to persecute and destroy this menace. we will gladly help but the barriers that prevent identifying and punishing these murderers must be removed.

Islamabad weeps

Ed Wardle, Lakeland, Florida — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 10:03:13 GMT

There is no question that we have made mistakes in this war (which we did not start), but I cannot believe our mistakes add up to the cold, heartless fanaticism and cruelty of radical islam. The tactic of slaughtering the innocent to cow the population into submission is mindful of Gehghis Khan, and very foreign to our view of a "just war." Keeping our wits and our ethics about us in a time like this is difficult, but very important. The last thing we should do is descend to their level. We must wage war and do so effectively, but work hard to avoid the kind of atrocity that would make us indistinguishable from our enemy.

Islamabad weeps

Konnie Wise, Mount Dora, Florida — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 12:03:14 GMT

These kind of tragic scenes are unacceptable in this world. I pray for these people and their horrible circumstances and tremendous loss of life.

Islamabad weeps

John Coleman,Saint Cloud,FL. — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 12:46:12 GMT

How long will it take the Pakistans to admit the TRUTH !! and allow the UN access to rid its borders of these insane radicals!!
Wake up and smell the burning flesh of your people!!

Islamabad weeps

Glenna Lithia FL — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 12:59:01 GMT

so much suffering...and the world weeps. May God hold them in his arms and give them confort.

Islamabad weeps

Michael Young, Portage, WI — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 13:03:13 GMT

Ann - I am a fan but I believe you stepped over a line in your interview with the Pakistani President. Many times you said "Americans believe" as if you represent us and/or our government. No problem with the questions but don't think you have the right to represent us. A simple "some Americans" or the "US government believes" would have been much better. Otherwise, a well done interview.

Islamabad weeps

geglesiasnepa — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 13:06:55 GMT

Dear Ann Curry: You did a great interview with the new President of Pakistan. You asked him some good straight foreward questions, and I'm glad he said he would like to sit down and talk with our new president who will be elected this November. And I hope that our new president will be Obama, because I believe he is less hot headed than Mccain; and more able to try and use some diplomacy for a change instead of brute military force, because our military is already overworked and stressed out with Bush's two 5&1/2 year wars. Mccain has a bad temperment and his VP choice has no foreign affairs experience, and even lied about being in Iraq and Ireland. "She was only in Ireland for the plane to stop and re-fuel; and she only got her "passport last year." If she lies so easily about the small things, can you imagine how she would lie about the big things if she gets elected? 'Please stay safe and we hope to see you back on the today show soon, You have been traveling alot this year, and you've been away more than you've been at your anchor desk on the show, and we really do miss you when your not there.

Islamabad weeps

Clif Moudy, Aurora, Mo. — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 13:26:59 GMT

The justification of terrorism is a farce. Killing and hurting people to further a cause through fear, is evil.

How blind must those that commit these attrocities be, when they claim Gods' approval, as they carry out these atrocities.

Islamabad weeps

D. M. Williams, Miami Florida — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 14:28:03 GMT

and these are the people that obama wants to negotiate with, and "include" in talks? Please.. they only want our total destruction. There is nothing we can offer that will placate them. Peace an prosperity is not their agenda. Only when all of us "infidels" are dead, will they be happy.

Islamabad weeps

New York, NY — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 15:25:36 GMT

This insanity has reach a fever pitch. These are no one's freedom fighters. These groups and their retrograde, degenerate ideologies need to be crushed. Not bribed and bought, but totally vaporized with the use of significant violent force. If Musharraf failed at anything, he failed the most at being a real dictator. He should've used his precious time at the helm to totally eliminate these groups with Atta Turk style scrubbing. In that respect, he has failed his country. I have no faith in the new regime, the leader of which was corrupt before he had any official power. We need to get medieval.

Islamabad weeps

Douglas A. Lampo, Philadelphia, PA — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 15:43:54 GMT

Once again, we see the modern face of Islam, where the fanatics kill their own just as gleefully as they do Westerners and other infidels. No life is sacred, no cost is too high to them. And the rest of the Muslim world, by and large, stands by and says little to nothing. When will they stand up to those that truly have no regard for them?

Islamabad weeps

amita sampat — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 16:17:13 GMT

The Chickens have come home to roost. Pakistan is and was the biggest sponsor of terrorism, the average Pakistani was well aware that his government, the ISI, the army and jihadis are more or less in league, and quite appreciated it.

If you went to Muzzafarbad ( before the earthquake ) ypou would see donation bags for terrorist organisations hanging outside many grocery, meat, veg., and provision shops, where housewives ( yes housewives ) would deposit their loose change , knowing fully well that this money was being used in bombing and killing young children in other countries, children as old as their own little children.

The average Pakistani was well aware that his / her countries state policy meant killing innocent women and children, but so what. They didnt care one bit. After all nudge nudge wink wink that was supposed to be the age old tradition of keeping Islam dominant.

Seves Pakistan right

Islamabad weeps

Mister Jimmy — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 19:13:07 GMT

Odd that a mere truck bomb could leave a large crater like that. Also, how did the blast 'jump' to the fifth floor?

Islamabad weeps

Sam, Los Angeles, Ca — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 19:30:36 GMT

I wish those damn terrorist could see those images and have fear of God. There is no place in Quran which states that you could take lives of the innocent for any cause. My heart cries for the families who lost their loved one.
May the Lord protect us from the evil!!!!

Islamabad weeps

Michael, Seattle, Wa — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 20:00:18 GMT

Islamabad weeps

Lori, NKY — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 20:40:24 GMT

Ann, I was quite moved by your description of the events. Here at home, it's just a distant news story, so I can barely imagine being there, and feeling the emotional effects. Your account painted a vivid picture of the emotional toll.
Regardless of anyone's feelings on the Middle East, or the politics of it, those are human beings who lost their lives, lost loved ones, or were injured.
Although this is your chosen profession, my heart goes out to you, and others, who have to live with those images.

Islamabad weeps

Eileen, Louisiana — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 22:55:55 GMT

What an opportunity to meet with the President of Pakistan but please dont claim to speak for "all Americans". Some think, or most believe, or many believe etc is much more appropriate. Your story will be broadcast worldwide and should not appear to reflect policy not unanimous agreement or disagreement with any position.

Islamabad weeps

Bertha, San Francisco, CA — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 00:52:22 GMT

I agree with amita, the chickens have come home in Pakistan. The average Pakistani is well aware of its government's and society's sponsorship of terrorism, and abetted this willingly. They have no cause to plead ignorance now.

Islamabad weeps

moid ansari — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 02:34:43 GMT

My friends in Islamabad told me that the blast was so huge that everyone thought that it was in their neighbour hood. The whole city shook and ran for cover. These people who did this has nothing to with Islam or being Muslims. Please dont equate them to Islam. Criminals are criminals and they want anarchy.

Islamabad weeps

Mona, Raleigh, NC — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 07:50:37 GMT

Some of the comments here by Americans and what looks like 2 Indians are surprising...saying that these ppl deserved this. Stop being racist. All the more reason to appreciate this article, it shows compassion unlike some of these comments here.

Islamabad weeps

Bahleem A.Razaque, Fukuoka Japan — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 07:53:55 GMT

Amita Sampat! Would u mind stopping ur traditional Indian animosity with Pakistan or anything related to it?
We are against terrorism as everyone else as we are the very first victims of it. Should I remind u of the great Indian atrocities In Nagaland, Asam and Kashmir? But I wont do it cuz I wanna keep some difference between traditional Indian way and me.
My condolences to all those who lost their lives in this tragic incident. God save us all.

Islamabad weeps

Maryam, Karachi — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 09:03:32 GMT

While this was a very touching article, I was extremly annoyed to see vicious hate messages against Pakistan. Do people honestly think that Pakistani people actually support the same people who willingly will kill them? The Jihadis in the tribal areas do not represent Pakistan, and never will. Please do not pass comments about Pakistan unless you are actually there.

Islamabad weeps

Miki Ono — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 13:36:22 GMT

Ann, thank you for telling it like it is. In these times ppl need a reality check to regain compassion for his fellow man anywhere on this planet. You have always been appreciated. Please stay true to true journalism for your millions of supporters truly care about you and your honest reportings.

Remembering those lost and affected by this tragedy.

Islamabad weeps

BETTIE JOHNSON — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 20:17:42 GMT

WHY IS THIS WORLD SO FULL OF GLOOM AND DOOM.
READ THE FOLLOWING BIBLE VERSES. READ EPHESIANS 5TH CHAPTER. 2 TIMOTHY 2ND CHAPTER VERSES 1 TO 13.JAMES 4TH CHAPTER VERSES 1 TO 4. THE BIBLE WAS NOT WRITTEN BY MEN AND INSPIRED BY GOD FOR NOTHING. THERE IS ONE REASON WHY GOT ALLOWS MAN RULE BUT NOT FOR LONG.

Islamabad weeps

Thomas C. Elizalde — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 02:25:11 GMT

Dear Ann,
My heart goes out to anybody who is involved in any kind of violence. I am also concerned for your safety. Do take care of yourself, Ann. You are one of my favorite anchors in all of television.
T.C. Elizalde

Islamabad weeps

Ryan, Islamabad — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 16:06:09 GMT

Ann u did a great job. it was sentimental to read it. unlike the rest of the media reports, u have come up with a more true picture as a human being, not as some racist.
every religion teaches"PEACE". terrorists are not humans. there are causes behind becoming a beasty terrorist. if innocent people get killed anywhere, with the accusation of being terrorist,what you think will their relatives would do?wait for some of more relatives to get killed? certainly Not. they would want to avenge the lives they have lost and they wouldnt give a damn about anyone else..
because no one was there to protect them or their relatives....

Islamabad weeps

ayesha, dhahran, saudi arabia — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 00:19:58 GMT

hello ann,
we wonder so much on why "terrorists" would kill innocent people! maybe its the seeds we sow ourselves! its a war... its definitely a war. its the anger flowing out. theyre not safe and we arent either. i think thats what they want.
people need to be educated! they need to broaden their horizons. these narrow minded fake mullas need to be educated. and if theyre educated in the light of islam, is the only way theyll listen!

Islamabad weeps

Elan Vital — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 20:37:12 GMT

First of all,it is in our enemies'interest to widen the war in Afghanistan.And if our generals didn't see this elementary strategy coming on from the start -- they should all be fired forthwith,better still, yesterday.

We're talking military strategy 101.Surely we're not talking -- as many would have us believe -- brain surgery.Down play it until Chicken Little paints the sky with purple rain -- from the Muslims' perspective -- this war is about Christian Crusaders invading their lands to fight Islam -- PERIOD.

Pakistani zealots await our incursions while the Chinese and Russians laugh their buttocks off, saying -- "There they go again blowing all their treasure -- but can't even adequately educate their kids and care properly for their sick." Obscene.

And the Evangelicals wallow in this depravity,saying nothing,let alone doing anything to stop it. They figure all they have to do is give money to charity and some poor African infants in Darfur -- and everything is kool. How Profane.

Go after the criminals who took out the Twin Towers. And until you can come up with more precision weaponry and much more reliable intelligence -- cease and desist with the killing of innocent civilians.

Islamabad weeps

Randy (USA) — Sun, 28 Sep 2008 16:05:50 GMT

I have read a couple cold and callous comments here. I lived a year Islamabad and returned the early morning of the day of the bombing, and was one block from the Marriott when this terrible incident occured.
I see a different side of Pakistan than the general public reads about. The one comment that stated "close down all the madras !!! Open western style schools ! It is the only way if you want extremism to die down", SHAME on you! Perhaps they should close down all the local restaurants and only have McDonalds as well?
Kudos to you Ms. Curry for showing human emotion at such a time! I was on the plane that brought Ms. Curry into Islamabad that day and was fortunate enough to meet her. The piece she wrote just reaffirms why she is my favorite journalist.