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Madrid bombings - shadow over K2?
21:45 p.m. EST Apr 18, 2004
Published March 14, 04.
A videotape purportedly from al-Qaeda claiming responsibility for the Madrid bombings casts a new shadow over the K2 anniversary in Pakistan this year. Already earlier, Americans hesitated to go to Pakistan, a popular hideout for the terrorists. But the latest attack in Madrid sent through a clear message that al-Qaeda is after not only Americans - but allies as well. A few months back, the British embassy issued a go on Pakistan, but the recent attack could well alter that recommendation.
There are Brits, Americans and Spaniards heading for K2 and the surrounding mountains only a few months from now. As we await the turn of events, Sherpas are migrating to Everest from Kabul (!) - another former al-Qaeda hangout. A news article today revealed the little known fact to climbers that Ang Nima Sherpa and many other actually have spent the winter season cooking at Canada's Camp Julien in Afghanistan.
"They peel potatoes, clean latrines and do a host of other thankless jobs that drill sergeants use to punish soldiers in the movies," writes CNews. "While they earn less than Canadian workers, it can still be many times what they make in Nepal. The company gives different wages according to the market of the worker's home country. The Nepalese guys are probably the most respected out of anybody, they do tough jobs, work long hours and always with a smile on their faces."
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