Several gunmen kidnapped an American development expert after overpowering his guards and breaking into his home in Lahore, Pakistan today (August 13, 2011) -- a brazen pre-dawn raid that alarmed aid workers, diplomats, and other foreigners who already tread carefully in Pakistan rife with Islamic militancy and anti-U.S. sentiment, according to the Associated Press website.
The U.S. Embassy identified the victim as Warren Weinstein. Weinstein is the Pakistan country director for J.E. Austin Associates -- a development contractor that has received millions of dollars from the aid arm of the U.S. government.
Police declined to speculate on the motive; however, kidnappings for money -- by criminal gangs and by Islamic militants -- are common in Pakistan, with foreigners being the favored targets.
Weinstein -- who has worked in Pakistan for the past seven years -- headed a program designed to strengthen the competitiveness of Pakistani industries. He has worked as a development expert for 25 years, and holds a Ph.D. in international law and economics.
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