Mariane Pearl v. the Aga Khan

Remarks from the Fray:

I was on the scene at the U.S. Consulate in Karachi during the furious search for Daniel Pearl. I do not excuse the horrific murder by those foul criminals. Understand that. But I know that Mr. Pearl visited Mr. Randall Bennett, the Regional Security Officer at the consulate, shortly before he went to his meeting with the infamous terrorist who kidnapped him. Mr. Bennett laid out the history of the man Pearl was going to meet. He pointed out his penchant for kidnapping and murder. He strongly urged Pearl not to go to the meeting. He even offered to provide a secured meeting place in the nearby Sheraton Hotel. Pearl refused his offer and went to the meeting anyway. Now, I respect Mr. Pearl's intentions, but I can't help but recognize his reckless actions. He had a beautiful wife and young child, and still he chose to take such a terrible risk even when he was warned clearly and explicitly about the dangers by Mr. Bennett, who is arguably the best Diplomatic Security Service Agent alive. It is a damn tragedy. I do not blame Pearl for the actions of the murderers, but I do wish he had heeded the warnings.

--patricktherogue

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