Pakistan arrests 129 Muslims after mob attacks churches and homes of minority Christians
NBCAug 08, 2023
The Facts
Local officials said that at least 52 people were killed and scores more were wounded after a suicide bombing in Mastung in Pakistan's Balochistan province on Friday.
The attack took place as hundreds gathered to mark the birthday of the prophet Muhammad. The celebration is accepted by a majority of Muslims in Pakistan but not by some religious denominations.
The Spin
Narrative A
These heinous terrorist attacks are an attempt at sowing chaos and pushing back against religious tolerance. These assaults call for a swift investigation, and whoever is behind these attacks must be held responsible to the fullest extent of the law.
Narrative B
It's not enough to just hold these culprits responsible: terrorism is on the rise in the region and will continue to be until preventative action is taken. This looks like signing intelligence-sharing agreements with Afghanistan and creating a broad counter-terrorism strategy that addresses the structural causes of extremism.