Merckle had lost millions of dollars during the global financial crisis and killed himself by jumping in front of a speeding train on Monday. His death serves to lengthen the list of high profile investors committing suicide.

A professor of economic psychology at Berlin’s Free University Detlev Liepmann says “An industrialist losing a fortune on the stock market has different motives for killing himself than a father with six children who loses his job.” Liepmann further commented “Merckle’s livelihood was certainly not threatened by his risky investments but he was threatened by shame, a loss of face in society and a loss of honor.” Merckle was ranked as the fifth richest man of Germany.

Before him to go was the Frenchman Thierry Magon de la Villehuchet who was found dead on hiss office desk after having slit his wrists. The money manager had lost up to $1.4 billion of his client’s money in the Madoff scandal.

A psychotherapist in Frankfurt’s banking quarter, Gerrit Grahl said “People like Merckle may be highly motivated but also highly sensitive.” He treats more than four hundred patients each year and believes that bankers and managers are now topping the list,

Gerrit said “It’s unfortunate he killed himself because he could have been treated. Many other people in the same spot would say ‘to hell with it’. They’d look to save their own tail and wouldn’t think of killing themselves no matter what happens.”

The World Health Organization has also expressed its concerns over the dilemma caused to people as a result of the global economic crisis. The organization warned that the world could witness an increase in mental illness and suicides. 

The director general of WHO, Margaret Chan said “There is clear evidence that suicide is linked to financial disasters, I am not talking about the millionaire jumping out of the window but about poor people.”

 
The concerned authorities mentioned that he had left a suicide note but the details of the note were not made public. The German billionaire’s death is the third such incident that has been reported since the global economic turmoil began to take its toll on businesses.
The first of the high profile suicides came from the chief operating officer of private equity house Olivant, Kirk Stephenson. He killed himself by jumping in front of a train at a rail station in London. The 47 year old was killed in an instant leaving behind a widow and children. Stephenson left without writing a note. 
Rene Thierry Magn de la Villehuchet was the next to go. He was found dead at his desk with both his wrists slit along with a bottle of sleeping pills just two days before Christmas. He had lost over $1.4 billion in the Madoff scandal which turned out to be too much for the French man. His fund was amongst those that faced the biggest losses in the scandal. His brother said speaking to the press “He was totally ruined. At first he thought he’d be able to get the money back. He was very determined. Gradually he realized he wouldn’t be able to.” 
As the global economic crisis tightens its grips around the global economy there is no telling what to expect in the future.

The militant group that was held responsible for the execution of Daniel Pearl in 2002 was blamed for masterminding the September Marriot Hotel blast. The hotel has now been reinforced with a giant bombproof wall and further enhanced security measures which have made it fit to welcome its guests again. The owner of the hotel Saddaruddin Hashwani said “We have expressed our resolve that we will not bow before the enemies of Pakistan.” 

The Sunday suicide attack took place at a polling station situated close to the troubled Swat Valley. There have been growing concerns of the expected increase in extremist violence as Pakistan has shifted its troops from the Afghan border towards the Indian border.

The Pakistan military has cancelled the leaves for the entire military personnel following the tension that has arisen as a result of the Mumbai attacks. Thousands of soldiers are now being deployed towards the Kasur and Sialkot region which borders with India. The northwest region which is considered to be the base for Al Qaeda and Taliban militants is now lesser secure than it was.

With India putting the blame entirely on Pakistan and not willing to ruling out military action at the moment Pakistan has no choice but to reinforce its borders with its military men. Tensions are escalating below the surface and there are grave concerns whether the two nations are heading towards the fourth war. On the surface however the leaders of both the countries have stated that they want to avoid war. 

Pakistan is faced with making tough decisions. On the one hand it needs to reinforce its borders against India as the two nation stand at the brink of war. But reducing the military might in the northwest regions will give the militants the chance to operate freely and consequently the war on terror will be adversely affected.