Good evening everyone. Hope you are doing well. I must say this week has been extremely busy for me with Christmas and Boxing Day. Last Friday after I blogged I was in a strange spot because I was wondering what I was possibly going to blog about. Anderson was supposed to be on vacation and I was going to have a nice blog post ready long before 360 would have been on. Well, plans change and because of the assassination of former Pakistani Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto and the unrest in Pakistan, Anderson came back from vacation to report live from Pakistan so here we go. There is a lot of information and like Anderson said tonight, “today raised more questions then answers” so tonight I am going to briefly go through the main points of the program.
Tonight program had Anderson live from Karachi, Pakistan. If you had a chance to read Anderson’s blog post you know this is Anderson's first trip to Karachi. I have kept a list of all of Anderson’s travels for work this year and before this week I thought my list was done for the year but you would think I would know better by now. In 2007, Anderson has travelled to 29 different cities and countries to cover stories for 360 and 60 Minutes.
*The Pakistani government released a video today showing the last moments of Benazir Bhutto’s life. The video is very intense and from the looks of it, it would seem that Ms. Bhutto either died from gunshot wounds or shrapnel from the bomb but today the interior ministry of Pakistan said that Ms. Bhutto actually died from a fractured skull she got from hitting her head on a lever on the sunroof of her car. Now I am not saying that is not possible but it just seems rather odd to me. It surely seems as through they are trying to take the title of martyr away from Benazir Bhutto.
*Anderson spoke with Peter Bergen who is in Pakistan with Anderson as well as with Nic Robertson who has been in Switzerland today. They spoke of the Al Qaeda link to this assassination. The Pakistani government believe that Baituallah Mehsud is responsible for planning the death of Bhutto.
*David Mattingly did a report about the video that was released showing the last moments of Ms. Bhutto’s life. David spoke with CNN security analyst Mike Brooks. The video is scary to watch. You can see how close the gunman was able to get to Bhutto.
*Ed Henry reported on the relationship between the Bush administration and the government of Pakistan.
*Anderson spoke with Peter and Reza Aslan about the relationship of America and Pakistan. They also spoke about what will happen with Ms. Bhutto’s political party. Reza made an interesting point that in Pakistan it is more about personality with their leaders and that there is not anyone who at this point can really stand in the place of Ms. Bhutto.
*Anderson spoke with John Edwards about the current foreign relations crisis and his conversation with President Musharraf and also showed a clip of Hillary Clinton from earlier in the day on the Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer.
*Anderson spoke with Candy Crowley and Time magazine’s Mark Halperin
about the campaign and Mike Huckabee’s comments about illegal Pakistanis in the States. Honestly I can see it happening along with the Chinese and the Filipinos as Anderson mentioned. If you have ever been to Toronto, you would see every nationality possible here and it is not even a hop, skip and jump to the States from here. So I can see all those nationalities having high numbers in the States and that’s all I really have to say about that.
*Anderson and Peter ended the show by discussing the effects of assassinations in the region. There was a cute moment between Anderson and Peter when Anderson was talking about Peter’s book. After 16 hours of travel I am surprised Anderson even remembers his name.
Well there was some good news tonight after all this depressing news. Anderson confirmed he will be back in New York for New Years Eve this Monday night. The man never sleeps but no one can say he does not give 110%.
Program Note:
Today on Your World Today it was announced that Anderson would be doing a special 360 from Pakistan on Saturday night at 10PM (thanks Cyn for the cap)
I have heard things around the internet saying that Anderson is actually going to be on tomorrow night at 8PM so be sure to check out CNN tomorrow night at 8PM and 10PM to check out more Anderson from Pakistan before he heads back to New York. Programming is always subject to change but hopefully we will get weekend Anderson.
Tonight program had Anderson live from Karachi, Pakistan. If you had a chance to read Anderson’s blog post you know this is Anderson's first trip to Karachi. I have kept a list of all of Anderson’s travels for work this year and before this week I thought my list was done for the year but you would think I would know better by now. In 2007, Anderson has travelled to 29 different cities and countries to cover stories for 360 and 60 Minutes.
*The Pakistani government released a video today showing the last moments of Benazir Bhutto’s life. The video is very intense and from the looks of it, it would seem that Ms. Bhutto either died from gunshot wounds or shrapnel from the bomb but today the interior ministry of Pakistan said that Ms. Bhutto actually died from a fractured skull she got from hitting her head on a lever on the sunroof of her car. Now I am not saying that is not possible but it just seems rather odd to me. It surely seems as through they are trying to take the title of martyr away from Benazir Bhutto.
*Anderson spoke with Peter Bergen who is in Pakistan with Anderson as well as with Nic Robertson who has been in Switzerland today. They spoke of the Al Qaeda link to this assassination. The Pakistani government believe that Baituallah Mehsud is responsible for planning the death of Bhutto.
*David Mattingly did a report about the video that was released showing the last moments of Ms. Bhutto’s life. David spoke with CNN security analyst Mike Brooks. The video is scary to watch. You can see how close the gunman was able to get to Bhutto.
*Ed Henry reported on the relationship between the Bush administration and the government of Pakistan.
*Anderson spoke with Peter and Reza Aslan about the relationship of America and Pakistan. They also spoke about what will happen with Ms. Bhutto’s political party. Reza made an interesting point that in Pakistan it is more about personality with their leaders and that there is not anyone who at this point can really stand in the place of Ms. Bhutto.
*Anderson spoke with John Edwards about the current foreign relations crisis and his conversation with President Musharraf and also showed a clip of Hillary Clinton from earlier in the day on the Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer.
*Anderson spoke with Candy Crowley and Time magazine’s Mark Halperin
about the campaign and Mike Huckabee’s comments about illegal Pakistanis in the States. Honestly I can see it happening along with the Chinese and the Filipinos as Anderson mentioned. If you have ever been to Toronto, you would see every nationality possible here and it is not even a hop, skip and jump to the States from here. So I can see all those nationalities having high numbers in the States and that’s all I really have to say about that.
*Anderson and Peter ended the show by discussing the effects of assassinations in the region. There was a cute moment between Anderson and Peter when Anderson was talking about Peter’s book. After 16 hours of travel I am surprised Anderson even remembers his name.
Well there was some good news tonight after all this depressing news. Anderson confirmed he will be back in New York for New Years Eve this Monday night. The man never sleeps but no one can say he does not give 110%.
Program Note:
Today on Your World Today it was announced that Anderson would be doing a special 360 from Pakistan on Saturday night at 10PM (thanks Cyn for the cap)
I have heard things around the internet saying that Anderson is actually going to be on tomorrow night at 8PM so be sure to check out CNN tomorrow night at 8PM and 10PM to check out more Anderson from Pakistan before he heads back to New York. Programming is always subject to change but hopefully we will get weekend Anderson.
Well that is it for me for 2007. Peace out and I will be back in 2008!!! ~ Sapphire
17 comments:
Well 360 was better than I thought it would be. I went into it with the midnset that it would be a terrible show. It wasn't. Actually it was fairly decent.
The theory that Ms.Bhutto hit her head on some lever for the moonroof of the car seems kind of weird. I mean it's very possible, that it could have happened like that.
I must need to go to the eye doctor becuase when I was watching David Mattingly's piece I could not see the gun they were talking about. All I saw was a bunch of people and what I assume was an arm holding thr gun I could not see. It was an interesting piece I just couldn't see what they were talking about...lol.
It was interesting to learn that personality seems very impportant in Pakistan politics. I hope they can find someone to stand in the place of Ms.Bhutto.
All in all it was a faily good show :)
I guess I'll be checking CNN at 8 and 10pm to see if Mr.Cooper is on or not.
Hi all:
Oh my goodness,29 cities and countries-wow!
I watched that video,and it is scary how close that gunman got to
Ms.Bhutto,isn't it-but how was that possible?
There are now questions and conflicting reports it seems,as to how she actually died.Will the real story ever be known?
It is great to see Charlie blogging again,I enjoy reading his articles.
In the picture of the guys standing around that shows the cameras and lights,is Charlie the second guy from the left?
It is hard to make out,but I was going by the fact that it was a tall guy,and it seems to look like him!
LOL
I know,considering what has happened over there ,this may not be so important,
but Anderson did say he would be back for NYE.
Good recap of the show Sapphire, thanks.
When I first heard about the dead of Bhutto, I got chills all over. I still have a very bad feeling about what's next for Pakistan.
The show was informative and I always like hearing what Peter Bergen has to say.
I also liked what John Edwards had to say, sounds like he at least knows what he's talking about. Mike Huckabee not so much.
It was good to hear that Anderson will be in NY for New Year's eve. I'm sure Kathy Griffin will keep him awake!!
As of right now the schedule at CNN.com says AC360 Live from Pakistan at 8PM EST and a repeat at 11PM EST.
I thought the interview with the security guy was very interesting. Could her security guys have been in on it?
I've bumped my head on lots of things and only got a knot on my noggin so I'm trying to figure out how ducking down and hitting a lever could be a fatal blow.
Quitty I agree with you I really don't believe she died from hitting her head maybe knock her out but not kill her.
Anyway the show was decent wasn't put together very well, which can be understand were they have the delay inbetween them talking. I seen it bit more organized than that.
I think the need to warn Anderson that those video are about over or whatever they show because they caught Anderson off guard a lot. I will tune to see if he on at 8 and 10.
Hi gang,
Thanks for the info that Anderson will be on tonight, Sapphire. I got the email schedule from CNN and it does appear that he will be on tonight. He amazes me.
Admittedly the fact that he is in Karachi makes me very uneasy. Being used to seeing him in all of the worst places, this place is unnerving me like no other. To say it is unstable is the understatement of the century. Then when I read his post regarding the fact that this is where Daniel Pearl was captured. OMG!
I know that you all join me in praying for the safety of Anderson and his crew. Knowingly I will not rest til he is back in NY safe and sound. He will need the fun and frivolity of Times Square by then.
Hi there...
I just saw Charle Moore's blog today and am glad that he is back on his feet.
We can't tell how did Ms Bhutto die. But I've heard there is a chance that they are going to exhume her body and to find out exactly what's happened. But really, that is very strange theory about her death.
I will be at my cousin's for the New Year Eve. Unfortunately, I may not be able to see Anderson. (but maybe hopefully...) I'll see...but don't see how Anderson can stay awake during the whole show. Otherwise, Kathy will take over his show. LOL
Hearing impaired gal
Nice report Sapphire!
With so much going on in Pakistan right now, the program raised as many issues as possible to try to get some handle on all of the factions and possible direction they will take. The networks have so many people out of place; it is hard to get a real grasp. How they handle the upcoming elections is a real concern - Al Qaeda is great at paying people off - and we also have the $10 Billion given to Pakistan with no accountability floating around with the Musharraf government.
I am also pleased that you identified the Al-Qaeda link of Baitullah Mehsud as the pronunciation of his name is so close to Shah Massoud, the Afghan Northern Alliance Commander who was aligned with the U.S. before he was assassinated the day before 9/11. No one would want anyone to think they are linked in any way and their last names have just a slight pronunciation difference.
Peter Bergen is almost quoting chapter and verse from THE LOOMING TOWER by Lawrence Wright. If you haven’t read it, I can highly recommend it, in understanding the roots of Al Qaeda. The organization is certainly back in full force and only one of three "masters" President Musharraf has - the pro-Islamic militants, Al Qaeda/Taliban and the pro-democracy supporters. What an untenable situation! And working Nukes on top of all that!
And the cause of Ms. Bhutto's death - I doubt that will ever be solved, but blood on a lever proves nothing. One can leave that after being shot or hit with a bomb. Sounds like a pretty weak explanation to me.
It was also interesting to see the way the Republican Candidates handled questions versus the Democrats over the last two nights.
The broadcast tonight up against an epic football game being aired three different ways will be a real challenge for viewership.
J in LA
Uh.. Sapphire I posted on Saturday thread on Anderloads and someone told me that it would be 8 and 11 because Rescuing Youssif is at 10. So I just giving the head up that so people want to catch the repeat it at 11. Ya that right actually I just check the schedule on CNN to make sure.
On CNN through out the day so far they have said several times that Nic's SIU is coming on at 8 instead of 9. So where does that leave Anderson's show? I think they have canceled it since he didn't even mention it last night and they haven't mentioned it on CNN any today. It seems if it were coming on then they would be hyping it big time. Maybe they decided not to do it so he could be back in plenty of time for the New Year's Eve show.
I am totally confused. The anchors today have been saying Nic's Pakistan piece is going to be on at 8:00 tonight, but the scheule page says 9:00. Plus I might be reading to much into it, but it says AC360 live in Pakistan. It doesn't necessarily say Anderson. Peter was on earlier today still in Pakistan and now Zane Vergie has been reporting from there. So my thoughts are maybe it will be 360, but without Anderson. I guess we will have to wait and see.
I don't think Anderson is going to be on tonight. They are showing commercials for the Pakistan SIU to be on at 8. They have not mentioned Anderson being on at all tonight any time today on CNN. I think he is on a plane back to New York.
There was a lot of angry people in the streets of Pakistan yesterday. There was at least 20 other people killed when Bhutto was murdered, there is a lot of conflicting views on what actually killed her if it wasn't the Taliban's bullet, It is known that they were planning on killing her.
Bhutto had left a letter with Wolf Blitzer and he was told not to open the letter unless she was killed. In the letter she said if she was killed whom she would want held responsible. She was burried next to her father. She left behind 3 teenage children and her husband, with Pakistan having nuclear weapons the whole world is involved in watching to see what's going to happen now.
But who knows? Anderson said "There are a lot of difficult times ahead".
Great post, Sapphire. I think the show tonight might be recorded, but even if he's on live and it's at 10pm ET, it will be morning Sunday there and they can leave right afterwards. He should be back in NY by Sunday night at the latest. I suspect they had Peter available earlier because he was checking out the new OBL tape. But we'll see...
@anne, that is Charlie, second from the left.
@j in la, I second the endorsement of "The Looming Tower." It's a terrific book. I still haven't read Peter's books *hanging head in shame* but they are sitting here on my To Be Read pile. I'm currently re-reading Reza's book. And also studying Arabic.
I'm actually worried as to why Musarraf hasn't yet declared martial law again. It's like he wants to have as much damage done as possible so that when he clamps down (once the Western media has left?) he can do it even more harshly than he did last time.
With all do respect to Benazir Bhutto, do yall think it was pointless of Anderson to travel to the other side of the world for ONE show? All he did was stand by some shrubs... Couldn't he have done the show from New York? Although even though he did travel to Pakistan for one show, Im sure it drew a lot of viewers.
@Anon, 8:12pm, I don't think it was pointless for Anderson to have gone to Pakistan. At the time he left NY, the situation there was still developing. There was a possibility of severe rioting or even civil war after the death of Benazir Bhutto. I think it was a matter of having the 360 team in place just in case the situation deteriorated. Thank goodness it didn't and Anderson was able to return home.
m.minkoff: It was pointless that he was only on for 1 hour live and didn't stay longer to see what else might develop. During that show he made a point to say that he would be back in NYC for New Year's, so from appearances it seems they knew they would be leaving Pakistan before knowing what else may develop. Unless they knew before the show ended nothing else would be happening, but don't see how since it was still the morning there.
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