Concerns for an American Held in Pakistan

After reading an article in the paper regarding a consulate worker being charged for murder in Lahore, Pakistan I grew quite concerned for his safety and situation.

The Consulate worker named Raymond A. Davis was approached by two armed men shortly after taking money out of an ATM machine.  Fearing for his safety Mr. Davis engaged the would be robbers and killed them.

The death of the two Pakistan’s at the hands of an American has resulted in intense media coverage in the region and has sparked angry protests throughout the Country.

Anti-American sentiment runs strong in Pakistan due to American occupation of neighboring Afghanistan and the repeated drone missile attacks on terrorists in Pakistani territory.

My main concern is that the weak government of Pakistan will bow down to the pressure of it’s angry citizens and put Davis on a quick public trial and execute him.

Family members of the killed robbers have already called for the hanging of Davis and opposition political parties are using this situation to put pressure on the ruling government by urging them to act or be shown as a pawn to the United States.

Most alarming is the statement made by Interior Minister Rehman Malik who when asked whether he would set the American free responded with: “I will never abet a criminal.”

If Pakistan moves forward with a trial how hard of a line will the Unites States take against Pakistan?  Pakistan’s cooperation is much needed in neutralizing terrorist safe havens within their borders.  It also provides vital supply routes for our troops fighting in Afghanistan.

Is it a possibility that the United States government may sacrifice this man in order to appease Pakistan?

To our governments credit they have called for the immediate return of Raymond Davis and have claimed that he has diplomatic immunity.

Though this is a good start, for every minute Davis stays under Pakistani control the more dangerous his situation may become.  The Unites States must do all within it’s power to get Raymond Davis back as soon as possible.

What can we do?  Contact your Congressman, Senators and the White House.  The more our elected officials know that we know, that an American citizen is being held against his will in Pakistan the more pressure they will put on the State Department and the President to act quickly.

Here is a link to the article in the San Diego Union Tribune: http://sandiegouniontribune.ca.newsmemory.com/publink.php?shareid=0dfab4b47