Link: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/4/19/pakistan-attack-targets-van-carrying-japanese-autoworkers
Summary: A suicide bomber detonated his explosive vest near an van consisting of japanese autoworkers. This explosion injured three nearby innocent bystanders and killed the accomplice alongside the bomber. This happened in Karachi Pakistan, a large port city for Pakistan that has a constant flow of infrastructure. All victims, including the targeted 5 Japanese Auto Workers, survived. The three wounded bystanders are in stable condition. Luckily police in the area were quick to foil the attack, preventing deaths. This is not the only recent attack as in May Chinese citizens were killed when their car was rammed into by an explosive car. Leaders of Pakistan denounce this attack and have yet to see any group claim responsibility.
Analysis: These attacks are something that could become disruptive to the flow of infrastructure In pakistan between countries they work with. To see two suicide bombings only about an month apart is concerning for the stability of the ports in Pakistan and could cause partnering countires to raise questions about the benifit of working with this country. The potential with this is specifically high for China, as China and Pakistan work together through the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). This would be detrimental to Pakistan as they are working on linking a series of highways from southwestern China to Gwadar port on the Arabian Sea.
Connection to class: this can be connected to class as we have seen what happens when instability happens within countries and the threat that poses to alliances with other countries. It is extremely interesting that there have been no statements that have caused red flags from China or Japan, and how not too many questions have been asked wondering who did this and what the motive is. As we have seen in class the stability of a country and that country’s government’s ability to control the stability is extremely important. Alliances remain strong when they can support one another with less worry, if this continues that might not stand true.