The Connecticut school shooting was indeed a profound tragedy. It was late night in Saudi Arabia when I watched the tragedy unfold live on TV. I feared it was another Beslan Hostage crisis in the happening.
The very next day, I see President Barack Obama talk about the “unspeakable sadness” this tragedy has bought. He says our “Heart’s are broken”. I was taken aback, when I saw the Commander of the World’s No. 1 army shed tears. The tears proved that the president of United States of America was not insulated to human emotions. The incident has touched the most powerful person on the earth. It was very painful event indeed.
Later in the night I told my wife, why these tears now, not a single drop was shed when the drones killed innocent kids in Afghanistan-Pakistan border region. It took months for Americans to say sorry to the Pakistani government when Salala Border post was hit by the US-led NATO forces. It was simply put, mistaken identity or collateral damage. I don’t support terrorism and accept the fact that drones have proved to be the most effective tool to neutralize a target.
But we need the same emotions, humbleness and honesty when such incidents happen beyond the shores of America. Kids are indeed God’s angels. Emotions expressed by the parents in US and Afghanistan are the same. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and people of Newtown. — Bhaskara Sujeet Kumar, Riyadh
Obama’s tears
