The March 17 bombing of a Protestant church in a heavily guarded diplomatic compound in Islamabad is being viewed by authorities as an anti-American attack rather than anti-Christian. There are many Christian churches in the country that are unguarded, easy targets; this church was between the U.S. Embassy and the Chinese Embassy in a secure neighborhood. On the heels of the kidnapping and murder of Wall Street Journal reporter Daniel Pearl, this attack appears to be a signal that Americans will targeted in Pakistan. U.S. officials are concerned that as security is tightened at official U.S. facilities, terrorists worldwide will turn to softer targets such as places where Americans are known to congregate, including restaurants, schools, places of worship and outdoor recreation events. Consider avoiding or minimizing contact with such sites.
