Should the United States adopt a policy that mandates the apprehension and prosecution of suspects who abduct or kill U.S. citizens abroad who voluntarily go to dangerous environments without the consent of the government? Who is responsible for their safety? I believe that the Wall Street Journal is responsible for placing the reporter, Daniel Pearl, in harm’s way.
Pearl went to Pakistan to investigate links between a group of Pakistani extremists sympathetic to the plight of the Taliban and the man who tried unsuccessfully to blow up a commercial jetliner with explosives concealed in his shoes. He was actively trying to arrange a meeting with these extremists. The Journal should have never allowed Pearl or any reporters to meet with such people without adequate protection and security.
Recall on Feb. 24, 1996 two small Cessna airplanes flown by a Cuban-American group were intercepted and shot down just north of Havana by Cuban fighters jets, killing all four onboard. These pilots ignored repeated warnings to leave Cuban airspace and had no authorization from the United States to conduct such operations. The group had apparently violated Cuban airspace before unchallenged and landed on a stretch of Cuban highway then returned to Florida, prompting Cuba to issue the warning. There were immediate calls for retaliatory strikes against targets in Cuba, but President Clinton stopped at the issuance of a speech condemning the actions. The private organization who sent flyers to Cuba was responsible for their safety; likewise the Journal must accept responsibility for Pearl’s circumstances.
In no way do I condone the barbaric and heinous acts of the abductors/murderers, nor do I condone the Cuban government’s shooting down unarmed planes. I just don’t think it’s appropriate for private companies or individuals, operating without the knowledge or consent of the state department, to place themselves in harms way and potentially create an international crisis or precipitate U.S. military involvement.
Everett
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