In awe of how the French handled the crisis

Pres. Hollande declares state of emergency. Televised address Saturday.

Pres. Hollande declares state of emergency. Televised address Saturday.

We join everybody in condemning the attacks in Paris and nearby places that killed more than 120 people and injured about 200 Friday night.

There’s no justification for violence perpetrated on innocent people.

The group ISIS (Islamic State of Iraq and Syria), a fanatical group that aims to transform the entire earth as an Islamic State and promotes religious violence to achieve its goals, has claimed responsibility for the attacks.

The night before, in a less publicized incident, ISIS also sow terror in Beirut in two suicide bombings that left 239 people injured or in a critical condition, according to news.co.au.

The Australian online report said it “was the deadliest in the capital since the end of Lebanon’s civil war in 1990.” The twin bombings happened in an area known as a stronghold of Lebanese Shi’ite movement Hezbollah, which is fighting ISIS in Syria.

Actress Angelina Jolie, who is active in the United Nations efforts to help refugees, posted a message in Facebook not to forget Beirut as we mourn for the victims of the Paris attacks: “Whilst everyone talks about #Paris no one mentions the #ISIS attack in #Lebanon yesterday. I pray for both countries.”

Angelina Jolie's plea not to forget Beirut as we pray for Paris.

Angelina Jolie’s plea not to forget Beirut as we pray for Paris.

French President Francois Hollande vowed his government will be “ruthless” to the perpetrators of the horrifying attacks.
The whole world stood with him as he declared that “France will not let itself be overwhelmed or frightened even if today we are overcome with sadness and emotion.”

How the French responded to the crisis is impressive especially from where we are coming from.

The first explosion according to reports was at 9:20 p.m. Friday at Stade de France, where President Hollande together with the foreign minister of Germany was watching a France-Germany friendly soccer match. He was safely evacuated.

More explosions and shooting happened in other parts of Paris as well as in a nearby suburb of Saint-Denis. Gunmen armed with Kalashnikov-style assault rifles went on a shooting spree in two restaurants – Le Carillon and Le Petit Cambodge.
More shootings in other parts of Paris.

In grief in Paris. AFP photo

In grief in Paris. AFP photo

But the deadliest attack was at 9:40 p.m. at Le Bataclan, a concert hall, where an American band Eagles of Death Metal was performing to jam-packed audience. Three attackers wearing suicide fired at everybody on sight killing immediately 89 people.

BBC’s timeline said that by the time of the Le Bataclan assault, which was a little over 20 minutes from the first attack at Stade de France, “President Hollande was in crisis talks with Prime Minister Manuel Valls as well as Interior Minister Bernard Cazeneuve.”

BBC also reported”President Hollande visited the scene of the Bataclan atrocity after security forces had moved in. Shortly before midnight, Mr Hollande gave a live address on TV announcing a state of emergency throughout France and a tightening of border controls.”

All that in less than three hours.

A woman mourns outside of the Carillon bar in the 10th district of Paris on November 14, 2015, following a series of attacks in and around the city, leaving at least 120 people killed. AFP

A woman mourns outside of the Carillon bar in the 10th district of Paris on November 14, 2015, following a series of attacks in and around the city, leaving at least 120 people killed. AFP

Hollande’s message:”My dear compatriots,

“As I speak, terrorist attacks of unprecedented proportions are underway in the Paris area. There are dozens killed, there are many injured. It is a horror.

“We have, on my decision, mobilised all forces possible to neutralise the terrorists and make all concerned areas safe. I have also asked for military reinforcements. They are currently in the Paris area, to ensure that no new attack can take place.
“I have also called a cabinet meeting that will be held in a few minutes.

“Two decisions will be taken: a state of emergency will be declared, which means that some places will be closed, traffic may be banned , and there will also be searches which may be decided throughout Ile de France (greater Paris). The state of emergency will be proclaimed throughout the territory (of France).

“The second decision I have made is to close the borders. We must ensure that no one enters to commit any crimes and that those who have committed the crimes that we have unfortunately seen can also be arrested if they should leave the territory.

“This is a terrible ordeal which once again assails us. We know where it comes from, who these criminals are, who these terrorists are.
“In these difficult moments, we must – and I’m thinking of the many victims, their families and the injured – show compassion and solidarity. But we must also show unity and calm.

“Faced with terror, France must be strong, it must be great and the state authorities must be firm. We will be.
“We must also call on everyone to be responsible.”
***

David Martello gave an impromptu performance of Joh Lennon's "Imagine" near the bombed Bataclan concert hall.

David Martello gave an impromptu performance of Joh Lennon’s “Imagine” near the bombed Bataclan concert hall.


An online friend, Anne de Bruce, based in Europe, shared her thoughts why ISIS has targeted France despite the fact that it did not participate in the invasion of Iraq called by then U.S. President George W. Bush over alleged weapons of mass destruction in Iraq which turned out to be false.

She said, “In recent months, France which, along with Germany, remains one of the genuinely two big powers in mainland Europe, is the only Western country that has launched bombing raids and airstrikes in Syria (and continues to do so) against ISIS enclaves.

“Looking back, France has also been present in Mali; French troops have pushed ISIS terror strongholds from Timbuktu and into the dessert. France is the first and the only country in the world that has made it illegal for the full Islamic garb to be worn in public which most Muslims in France have denounced virulently ad nauseum. Most recently, France has refused to open its borders completely to Middle Eastern refugees and has declared that it would do so only ‘piecemeal.’

“When terrorists with better ability to organise and strike deal with ordinary people of subterranean mindset or with a generation that still wants to live in the medieval era, actions by France of the sort become easy propaganda tools to use on these highly impressionable individuals. Terror minds operating from the Sub-Sahara only need a few poor perverted souls to sow havoc in mainland Europe.

“Our way of life is in danger. The only thing to do is to defend and counter-attack ruthlessly.”

In awe of how the French handled the crisis

Pres. Hollande declares state of emergency. Televised address Saturday.

Pres. Hollande declares state of emergency. Televised address Saturday.

We join everybody in condemning the attacks in Paris and nearby places that killed more than 120 people and injured about 200 Friday night.

There’s no justification for violence perpetrated on innocent people.

The group ISIS (Islamic State of Iraq and Syria), a fanatical group that aims to transform the entire earth as an Islamic State and promotes religious violence to achieve its goals, has claimed responsibility for the attacks.

The night before, in a less publicized incident, ISIS also sow terror in Beirut in two suicide bombings that left 239 people injured or in a critical condition, according to news.co.au.

The Australian online report said it “was the deadliest in the capital since the end of Lebanon’s civil war in 1990.” The twin bombings happened in an area known as a stronghold of Lebanese Shi’ite movement Hezbollah, which is fighting ISIS in Syria.

Actress Angelina Jolie, who is active in the United Nations efforts to help refugees, posted a message in Facebook not to forget Beirut as we mourn for the victims of the Paris attacks: “Whilst everyone talks about #Paris no one mentions the #ISIS attack in #Lebanon yesterday. I pray for both countries.”

Angelina Jolie's plea not to forget Beirut as we pray for Paris.

Angelina Jolie’s plea not to forget Beirut as we pray for Paris.

French President Francois Hollande vowed his government will be “ruthless” to the perpetrators of the horrifying attacks.
The whole world stood with him as he declared that “France will not let itself be overwhelmed or frightened even if today we are overcome with sadness and emotion.”

How the French responded to the crisis is impressive especially from where we are coming from.

The first explosion according to reports was at 9:20 p.m. Friday at Stade de France, where President Hollande together with the foreign minister of Germany was watching a France-Germany friendly soccer match. He was safely evacuated.

More explosions and shooting happened in other parts of Paris as well as in a nearby suburb of Saint-Denis. Gunmen armed with Kalashnikov-style assault rifles went on a shooting spree in two restaurants – Le Carillon and Le Petit Cambodge.
More shootings in other parts of Paris.

In grief in Paris. AFP photo

In grief in Paris. AFP photo

But the deadliest attack was at 9:40 p.m. at Le Bataclan, a concert hall, where an American band Eagles of Death Metal was performing to jam-packed audience. Three attackers wearing suicide fired at everybody on sight killing immediately 89 people.

BBC’s timeline said that by the time of the Le Bataclan assault, which was a little over 20 minutes from the first attack at Stade de France, “President Hollande was in crisis talks with Prime Minister Manuel Valls as well as Interior Minister Bernard Cazeneuve.”

BBC also reported”President Hollande visited the scene of the Bataclan atrocity after security forces had moved in. Shortly before midnight, Mr Hollande gave a live address on TV announcing a state of emergency throughout France and a tightening of border controls.”

All that in less than three hours.

A woman mourns outside of the Carillon bar in the 10th district of Paris on November 14, 2015, following a series of attacks in and around the city, leaving at least 120 people killed. AFP

A woman mourns outside of the Carillon bar in the 10th district of Paris on November 14, 2015, following a series of attacks in and around the city, leaving at least 120 people killed. AFP

Hollande’s message:”My dear compatriots,

“As I speak, terrorist attacks of unprecedented proportions are underway in the Paris area. There are dozens killed, there are many injured. It is a horror.

“We have, on my decision, mobilised all forces possible to neutralise the terrorists and make all concerned areas safe. I have also asked for military reinforcements. They are currently in the Paris area, to ensure that no new attack can take place.
“I have also called a cabinet meeting that will be held in a few minutes.

“Two decisions will be taken: a state of emergency will be declared, which means that some places will be closed, traffic may be banned , and there will also be searches which may be decided throughout Ile de France (greater Paris). The state of emergency will be proclaimed throughout the territory (of France).

“The second decision I have made is to close the borders. We must ensure that no one enters to commit any crimes and that those who have committed the crimes that we have unfortunately seen can also be arrested if they should leave the territory.

“This is a terrible ordeal which once again assails us. We know where it comes from, who these criminals are, who these terrorists are.
“In these difficult moments, we must – and I’m thinking of the many victims, their families and the injured – show compassion and solidarity. But we must also show unity and calm.

“Faced with terror, France must be strong, it must be great and the state authorities must be firm. We will be.
“We must also call on everyone to be responsible.”
***

David Martello gave an impromptu performance of Joh Lennon's "Imagine" near the bombed Bataclan concert hall.

David Martello gave an impromptu performance of Joh Lennon’s “Imagine” near the bombed Bataclan concert hall.


An online friend, Anne de Bruce, based in Europe, shared her thoughts why ISIS has targeted France despite the fact that it did not participate in the invasion of Iraq called by then U.S. President George W. Bush over alleged weapons of mass destruction in Iraq which turned out to be false.

She said, “In recent months, France which, along with Germany, remains one of the genuinely two big powers in mainland Europe, is the only Western country that has launched bombing raids and airstrikes in Syria (and continues to do so) against ISIS enclaves.

“Looking back, France has also been present in Mali; French troops have pushed ISIS terror strongholds from Timbuktu and into the dessert. France is the first and the only country in the world that has made it illegal for the full Islamic garb to be worn in public which most Muslims in France have denounced virulently ad nauseum. Most recently, France has refused to open its borders completely to Middle Eastern refugees and has declared that it would do so only ‘piecemeal.’

“When terrorists with better ability to organise and strike deal with ordinary people of subterranean mindset or with a generation that still wants to live in the medieval era, actions by France of the sort become easy propaganda tools to use on these highly impressionable individuals. Terror minds operating from the Sub-Sahara only need a few poor perverted souls to sow havoc in mainland Europe.

“Our way of life is in danger. The only thing to do is to defend and counter-attack ruthlessly.”

In awe of how the French handled the crisis

Pres. Hollande declares state of emergency. Televised address Saturday.

Pres. Hollande declares state of emergency. Televised address Saturday.

We join everybody in condemning the attacks in Paris and nearby places that killed more than 120 people and injured about 200 Friday night.

There’s no justification for violence perpetrated on innocent people.

The group ISIS (Islamic State of Iraq and Syria), a fanatical group that aims to transform the entire earth as an Islamic State and promotes religious violence to achieve its goals, has claimed responsibility for the attacks.

The night before, in a less publicized incident, ISIS also sow terror in Beirut in two suicide bombings that left 239 people injured or in a critical condition, according to news.co.au.

The Australian online report said it “was the deadliest in the capital since the end of Lebanon’s civil war in 1990.” The twin bombings happened in an area known as a stronghold of Lebanese Shi’ite movement Hezbollah, which is fighting ISIS in Syria.

Actress Angelina Jolie, who is active in the United Nations efforts to help refugees, posted a message in Facebook not to forget Beirut as we mourn for the victims of the Paris attacks: “Whilst everyone talks about #Paris no one mentions the #ISIS attack in #Lebanon yesterday. I pray for both countries.”

Angelina Jolie's plea not to forget Beirut as we pray for Paris.

Angelina Jolie’s plea not to forget Beirut as we pray for Paris.

French President Francois Hollande vowed his government will be “ruthless” to the perpetrators of the horrifying attacks.
The whole world stood with him as he declared that “France will not let itself be overwhelmed or frightened even if today we are overcome with sadness and emotion.”

How the French responded to the crisis is impressive especially from where we are coming from.

The first explosion according to reports was at 9:20 p.m. Friday at Stade de France, where President Hollande together with the foreign minister of Germany was watching a France-Germany friendly soccer match. He was safely evacuated.

More explosions and shooting happened in other parts of Paris as well as in a nearby suburb of Saint-Denis. Gunmen armed with Kalashnikov-style assault rifles went on a shooting spree in two restaurants – Le Carillon and Le Petit Cambodge.
More shootings in other parts of Paris.

In grief in Paris. AFP photo

In grief in Paris. AFP photo

But the deadliest attack was at 9:40 p.m. at Le Bataclan, a concert hall, where an American band Eagles of Death Metal was performing to jam-packed audience. Three attackers wearing suicide fired at everybody on sight killing immediately 89 people.

BBC’s timeline said that by the time of the Le Bataclan assault, which was a little over 20 minutes from the first attack at Stade de France, “President Hollande was in crisis talks with Prime Minister Manuel Valls as well as Interior Minister Bernard Cazeneuve.”

BBC also reported”President Hollande visited the scene of the Bataclan atrocity after security forces had moved in. Shortly before midnight, Mr Hollande gave a live address on TV announcing a state of emergency throughout France and a tightening of border controls.”

All that in less than three hours.

A woman mourns outside of the Carillon bar in the 10th district of Paris on November 14, 2015, following a series of attacks in and around the city, leaving at least 120 people killed. AFP

A woman mourns outside of the Carillon bar in the 10th district of Paris on November 14, 2015, following a series of attacks in and around the city, leaving at least 120 people killed. AFP

Hollande’s message:”My dear compatriots,

“As I speak, terrorist attacks of unprecedented proportions are underway in the Paris area. There are dozens killed, there are many injured. It is a horror.

“We have, on my decision, mobilised all forces possible to neutralise the terrorists and make all concerned areas safe. I have also asked for military reinforcements. They are currently in the Paris area, to ensure that no new attack can take place.
“I have also called a cabinet meeting that will be held in a few minutes.

“Two decisions will be taken: a state of emergency will be declared, which means that some places will be closed, traffic may be banned , and there will also be searches which may be decided throughout Ile de France (greater Paris). The state of emergency will be proclaimed throughout the territory (of France).

“The second decision I have made is to close the borders. We must ensure that no one enters to commit any crimes and that those who have committed the crimes that we have unfortunately seen can also be arrested if they should leave the territory.

“This is a terrible ordeal which once again assails us. We know where it comes from, who these criminals are, who these terrorists are.
“In these difficult moments, we must – and I’m thinking of the many victims, their families and the injured – show compassion and solidarity. But we must also show unity and calm.

“Faced with terror, France must be strong, it must be great and the state authorities must be firm. We will be.
“We must also call on everyone to be responsible.”
***

David Martello gave an impromptu performance of Joh Lennon's "Imagine" near the bombed Bataclan concert hall.

David Martello gave an impromptu performance of Joh Lennon’s “Imagine” near the bombed Bataclan concert hall.


An online friend, Anne de Bruce, based in Europe, shared her thoughts why ISIS has targeted France despite the fact that it did not participate in the invasion of Iraq called by then U.S. President George W. Bush over alleged weapons of mass destruction in Iraq which turned out to be false.

She said, “In recent months, France which, along with Germany, remains one of the genuinely two big powers in mainland Europe, is the only Western country that has launched bombing raids and airstrikes in Syria (and continues to do so) against ISIS enclaves.

“Looking back, France has also been present in Mali; French troops have pushed ISIS terror strongholds from Timbuktu and into the dessert. France is the first and the only country in the world that has made it illegal for the full Islamic garb to be worn in public which most Muslims in France have denounced virulently ad nauseum. Most recently, France has refused to open its borders completely to Middle Eastern refugees and has declared that it would do so only ‘piecemeal.’

“When terrorists with better ability to organise and strike deal with ordinary people of subterranean mindset or with a generation that still wants to live in the medieval era, actions by France of the sort become easy propaganda tools to use on these highly impressionable individuals. Terror minds operating from the Sub-Sahara only need a few poor perverted souls to sow havoc in mainland Europe.

“Our way of life is in danger. The only thing to do is to defend and counter-attack ruthlessly.”

In awe of how the French handled the crisis

Pres. Hollande declares state of emergency. Televised address Saturday.

Pres. Hollande declares state of emergency. Televised address Saturday.

We join everybody in condemning the attacks in Paris and nearby places that killed more than 120 people and injured about 200 Friday night.

There’s no justification for violence perpetrated on innocent people.

The group ISIS (Islamic State of Iraq and Syria), a fanatical group that aims to transform the entire earth as an Islamic State and promotes religious violence to achieve its goals, has claimed responsibility for the attacks.

The night before, in a less publicized incident, ISIS also sow terror in Beirut in two suicide bombings that left 239 people injured or in a critical condition, according to news.co.au.

The Australian online report said it “was the deadliest in the capital since the end of Lebanon’s civil war in 1990.” The twin bombings happened in an area known as a stronghold of Lebanese Shi’ite movement Hezbollah, which is fighting ISIS in Syria.

Actress Angelina Jolie, who is active in the United Nations efforts to help refugees, posted a message in Facebook not to forget Beirut as we mourn for the victims of the Paris attacks: “Whilst everyone talks about #Paris no one mentions the #ISIS attack in #Lebanon yesterday. I pray for both countries.”

Angelina Jolie's plea not to forget Beirut as we pray for Paris.

Angelina Jolie’s plea not to forget Beirut as we pray for Paris.

French President Francois Hollande vowed his government will be “ruthless” to the perpetrators of the horrifying attacks.
The whole world stood with him as he declared that “France will not let itself be overwhelmed or frightened even if today we are overcome with sadness and emotion.”

How the French responded to the crisis is impressive especially from where we are coming from.

The first explosion according to reports was at 9:20 p.m. Friday at Stade de France, where President Hollande together with the foreign minister of Germany was watching a France-Germany friendly soccer match. He was safely evacuated.

More explosions and shooting happened in other parts of Paris as well as in a nearby suburb of Saint-Denis. Gunmen armed with Kalashnikov-style assault rifles went on a shooting spree in two restaurants – Le Carillon and Le Petit Cambodge.
More shootings in other parts of Paris.

In grief in Paris. AFP photo

In grief in Paris. AFP photo

But the deadliest attack was at 9:40 p.m. at Le Bataclan, a concert hall, where an American band Eagles of Death Metal was performing to jam-packed audience. Three attackers wearing suicide fired at everybody on sight killing immediately 89 people.

BBC’s timeline said that by the time of the Le Bataclan assault, which was a little over 20 minutes from the first attack at Stade de France, “President Hollande was in crisis talks with Prime Minister Manuel Valls as well as Interior Minister Bernard Cazeneuve.”

BBC also reported”President Hollande visited the scene of the Bataclan atrocity after security forces had moved in. Shortly before midnight, Mr Hollande gave a live address on TV announcing a state of emergency throughout France and a tightening of border controls.”

All that in less than three hours.

A woman mourns outside of the Carillon bar in the 10th district of Paris on November 14, 2015, following a series of attacks in and around the city, leaving at least 120 people killed. AFP

A woman mourns outside of the Carillon bar in the 10th district of Paris on November 14, 2015, following a series of attacks in and around the city, leaving at least 120 people killed. AFP

Hollande’s message:”My dear compatriots,

“As I speak, terrorist attacks of unprecedented proportions are underway in the Paris area. There are dozens killed, there are many injured. It is a horror.

“We have, on my decision, mobilised all forces possible to neutralise the terrorists and make all concerned areas safe. I have also asked for military reinforcements. They are currently in the Paris area, to ensure that no new attack can take place.
“I have also called a cabinet meeting that will be held in a few minutes.

“Two decisions will be taken: a state of emergency will be declared, which means that some places will be closed, traffic may be banned , and there will also be searches which may be decided throughout Ile de France (greater Paris). The state of emergency will be proclaimed throughout the territory (of France).

“The second decision I have made is to close the borders. We must ensure that no one enters to commit any crimes and that those who have committed the crimes that we have unfortunately seen can also be arrested if they should leave the territory.

“This is a terrible ordeal which once again assails us. We know where it comes from, who these criminals are, who these terrorists are.
“In these difficult moments, we must – and I’m thinking of the many victims, their families and the injured – show compassion and solidarity. But we must also show unity and calm.

“Faced with terror, France must be strong, it must be great and the state authorities must be firm. We will be.
“We must also call on everyone to be responsible.”
***

David Martello gave an impromptu performance of Joh Lennon's "Imagine" near the bombed Bataclan concert hall.

David Martello gave an impromptu performance of Joh Lennon’s “Imagine” near the bombed Bataclan concert hall.


An online friend, Anne de Bruce, based in Europe, shared her thoughts why ISIS has targeted France despite the fact that it did not participate in the invasion of Iraq called by then U.S. President George W. Bush over alleged weapons of mass destruction in Iraq which turned out to be false.

She said, “In recent months, France which, along with Germany, remains one of the genuinely two big powers in mainland Europe, is the only Western country that has launched bombing raids and airstrikes in Syria (and continues to do so) against ISIS enclaves.

“Looking back, France has also been present in Mali; French troops have pushed ISIS terror strongholds from Timbuktu and into the dessert. France is the first and the only country in the world that has made it illegal for the full Islamic garb to be worn in public which most Muslims in France have denounced virulently ad nauseum. Most recently, France has refused to open its borders completely to Middle Eastern refugees and has declared that it would do so only ‘piecemeal.’

“When terrorists with better ability to organise and strike deal with ordinary people of subterranean mindset or with a generation that still wants to live in the medieval era, actions by France of the sort become easy propaganda tools to use on these highly impressionable individuals. Terror minds operating from the Sub-Sahara only need a few poor perverted souls to sow havoc in mainland Europe.

“Our way of life is in danger. The only thing to do is to defend and counter-attack ruthlessly.”

Heartbreaking

Funeral scene. Photo from CNN.

Funeral scene. Photo from CNN.

The world is no stranger to heinous crimes but nothing is more abominable that the massacre of schoolchildren in Peshawar, a large valley close to the Pakistan-Afghanistan border,Tuesday.

This is excerpts from a New York Times report:

“First the Pakistani Taliban bombed or burned over 1,000 schools. Then they shot Malala Yousafzai, the teenage advocate for girls’ rights.

“But on Tuesday, the Taliban took their war on education to a ruthless new low with an assault on a crowded school in Peshawar that killed 145 people — 132 of them uniformed schoolchildren — in the deadliest single attack in the group’s history.

“During an eight-hour rampage at the Army Public School and Degree College, a team of nine Taliban gunmen stormed through the corridors and assembly hall, firing at random and throwing grenades. Some of the 1,100 students at the school were lined up and slaughtered with shots to the head. Others were gunned down as they cowered under their desks, or forced to watch as their teachers were riddled with bullets.”

Taliban terrorists pose in front of their banner before the murders. Photo from the Daily Mail.

Taliban terrorists pose in front of their banner before the murders. Photo from the Daily Mail.

The Taliban, a brutal Islamist fundamentalist movement in Pakistan and Afghanistan, proudly claimed responsibility for the heinous crime.

NY Times said, “A Taliban spokesman said the attack had been retaliation for the continuing military operation against the group in the North Waziristan tribal region.”

The UK-based Daily Mail reported that the depraved killers even proudly posed for photos in front of a Taliban banner declaring ‘There is no God but Allah.’

“Clutching an array of rocket launchers and machine guns, the crazed gunmen are shown both in traditional clothing of Taliban fighters and the Pakistan military uniforms they wore to avoid suspicion immediately before storming the Army School in Peshawar.

“The pictures – apparently taken in the hours before Tuesday’s attack – were released yesterday by the Taliban, together with a threat to carry out similar attacks despite the outrage at the horrific, carefully planned massacre in which 132 children and more than a dozen teachers were killed.“

The Taliban, whose creation was supported by Pakistan and the United States Central Intelligence Agency in the mid 1990s against the Soviets, tried to justify the attack by claiming that the Pakistani army has long killed the innocent children and families of Taliban fighters.

The Daily Mail said “The Peshawar atrocity is said to have been ordered by Maulana Fazlullah, head of the Taliban in Pakistan and the man who ordered the shooting of teenage education campaigner Malala Yousafzai, this year’s winner of the Nobel Peace Prize.

“The firebrand militant, whose thick black beard reaches halfway down his chest, took control of the Pakistani Taliban 13 months ago. It is thought the massacre may have been his barbaric revenge for Malala, 17, being award the Nobel Peace Prize earlier this year.”

School principal Tahira Kazi set on fire by Taliban terrorists. Photo from The Daily Mail.

School principal Tahira Kazi set on fire by Taliban terrorists. Photo from The Daily Mail.

Pakistan is in a funeral mood now. The Daily Mail reported that the best attended of the funerals was that of teacher Afsha Ahmed, 24, who confronted the gunmen when they burst into her classroom and told them: ‘You can only kill my students over my dead body.’ She was burned alive as she stood in front of her pupils.

Accounts of the funeral scenes are both harrowing and heartbreaking with “ dozens of small wooden coffins carried for burial together with those of their teachers. Rows of children and fellow pupils stood in silence, some weeping, and their hands clasped in front of them beside the lines of caskets draped in blankets.”

A CNN report quoted Pakistani Defense Minister Khawaja Asif saying,“The smaller the coffin, the heavier it is to carry it. And we’ve been carrying smaller coffins today, more than a hundred small coffins we’ve been carrying, the Pakistani nation.”

We bow our heads in prayer.