Dear newsletter friends! Regarding the attacks on New York and Washington, you have already learned about them from the media. Many of you have asked us how the whole situation is being experienced in America. Therefore, Angelika has gathered some thoughts:

Even a week after the terrorist attacks, America remains in a state of shock. Unfortunately, the voices calling for revenge, retribution, and the harshest military action as an appropriate response to terrorist violence are growing louder. San Francisco is trying to return to normalcy. As early as last Wednesday, all city and state buildings reopened their doors. Schools and universities were only closed for one day. Baseball games are being played again, concerts are taking place, and people are going to work. The highways are as congested as ever during rush hour. However, a closer look reveals that the impact of the catastrophe runs deep. Although New York and Washington are miles away, the tragedy affects many in San Francisco and the surrounding area quite directly. A participant in one of my photography courses lost two of his friends who worked in the World Trade Center. Some of Michael's colleagues are still stuck in Dulles, the AOL headquarters. They were on a business trip to the East Coast last Tuesday and are now patiently waiting for American air traffic to return to normal.

What everyone here had long feared happened today: The first American bombs fell on Afghan soil. The media informed us that America is now at war. The television images are reminiscent of the Gulf War era: greenish images interspersed with flashes of light. In San Francisco and other cities in the Bay Area, spontaneous peace demonstrations formed. However, opinions are divided. Many who appear in front of the cameras believe that the military actions were long overdue. Others are concerned about what the coming weeks and months will bring. There is widespread concern that countless civilians will once again die and suffer. The fear of new terrorist attacks in response to the falling bombs is palpable. The heightened security level for airports and government and city buildings is in effect once again.