The first World Cup to ever have been held on the continent of Africa came to a resounding close on Sunday. Many celebrated Spain's win while others lamented the Netherlands' loss. Mostly, there was pride and happiness that South Africa had successfully hosted the event and that the continent could wrap up the games with confidence and the knowledge that there had been no violence or major attacks.
That is until two bombings hit Uganda late on Sunday night. The death toll has now risen to 74, including one American. The bombs -- detonated
at a rugby club and an Ethiopian restaurant in Kampala where scores of people were watching the World Cup -- added a sad end to an otherwise peaceful series of happenings in southern Africa over the past month. Just as the World Cup brought together people of many nations, the bombings wounded and killed nationals from all over the world including the U.S., India and Ethiopia.
The bombs, thought to have been placed by
Al-Shabab, a Somali militant group that apparently has Al-Qaeda links, were clearly intended to target innocent watchers of the World Cup.
Visiting the sports club after the incident, Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni reportedly said, "If you want to fight, go and look for soldiers, don't bomb people watching football."
President Barack Obama and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton have expressed their dismay and condemned the terrorist acts.
Although this is a major tragedy, it is a positive that the terrorists did not strike any of the matches or places where hundreds of thousands would have been gathering during the rest of the games. Large-scale damage could have been done if that had occurred. It is a testament to South Africa's security efforts that that didn't happen.
Nevertheless, it continues to be a shock to the world that such disdain for human life can be shown at any time, and especially during a time of joviality, unification and celebration.
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By: tired of POOR ME attitude on 7/13/2010 5:04PM
What religion were they?? Let me guess.....MUSLIM.
WHO needs them? Where are the "moderate" Muslims denouncing this? Coward Thugs.
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