To segun
Middle East is a loose term which can and commonly oes include Pakistan. read before you write.

james stclare, london,


NO, it doesn't!!!

B Neckle, Leicester, UK

To segun
Middle East is a loose term which can and commonly oes include Pakistan. read before you write.

james stclare, london,

As a woman who has been watching and studying what Islam is all about ; I knew this was going to happen ... No supprise to me. The nations pushed Musharif into a situation he knew he could not control with a big majority of his nation being moderate to extreme Muslim.
Anyone who things you can push a nation overall islamic into an non theocratic, all inclusive nation and than use a woman to try so must have fallen on their heads . The nations ;including USA who forced Mushariff , are co-responsible for what we are now seeing. In Islam man will not allow women to become head over them and will not allow any law but Sharia to be put into force.. Wake up people know and accept what you really dealing with..

dominique, Pinellas Park, Florida, USA

there's a thin line between bravery and stupidity.

the saddest thing about this is that whoever was responsible, there are a number of groups that could have been. and no credible opposition to the violent partisans.

ms. bhutto was hardly a shining beacon of democracy.

jem, london, uk

Gar Sherman of texas
You must be completely ignorant to believe every word you wrote.
Saudi arabia would have nothing to do with bhuttos killing, not that i am defending them but what you said about islamic world & religion & so on proves you know nothing, blaming saudis is equally like blaming the CIA for benzairs killing... you ought to go get some logical circuits

S Ahmed, CAIRO,

Whatever one says about Benazir , no one has the right to kill her. This is a world of Freedom . Whoever behind her death will pay for it in their Life time !!!, directly or indirectly . One can see in Afghanistan the non-stop atrocities, the nation is suffering. You may have killed her, but you cant kill her soul which is still living in those who Love her !!! Hundreds of Benazir will come to save the nation. Those who believe in Pain and Suffering , please STOP killing people.

kumar, Malacca, malaysia

I feel noone will claim this attack and murder and if that proves true, I feel that it strengthens my suspicions that Saudi Arabia was behind the murder of Benazir Bhutto, either directly or indirectly. Saudi Arabia still holds the greatest power and influence in the entire Muslim world and it would certainly go against everything the Muslim governments, Muslim religion, Muslim ideology and their leaders stand for to have a woman and a woman's influence over that part of their world. Stop and think how much Bhutto has been Westernized and the impact of Westernization she would have had on the Muslim women of the Islamic world. The Saudi government can not allow that to happen as they would stand to loose politically and influentially over the entire area. Keep in mind that the Saudis do ore behind out backs than they do to assist us. They are only fair weather friends at best and merely hide behind a cloak of friendship because it is politically necessary to their power and stability

Gary Sherman, Nederland, Texas, USA

Why all this is going on do we know who's watching the nukes? That's the thing I'm nervous about. Why did we not intervene when these people were making the nukes? This all makes no sense.

James, Fergus Falls, MN USA

Remember that "elements of the military" were also complicate in the two assassination attempts on Musharraf. I agree with Peter Bergen when he says that any idea of Musharraf being personally involved are unwarranted. Lets face it, the militants who have been threatening her life (and have now taken credit for it) are probably those involved.

Justin, san diego,

The only solution to have peace in pakistan is to reunite with india (like East and west germany) to become one powerful nation

Antonio, Ellicott city, USA/MD

It is George Bush's fault. It is always his fault.
The Miami Dolphins have had a terrible season; that is Bush's fault as well. Is your dog sick? Bush's fault.

Tom, Houston, TX

The Land named Pakistan was born for a particular religion. It seems that every religion aims at Eternal Peace.....

It seems that there will be Eternal Peace in Pakistan.... the Jehadis are the Pilgrims sent by the Almighty for PEACE in Pakistan .. and for the WORLD........ amen.

Robin, Dimapur, India

Hard to believe a nuclear state like pakistan doesn't have control over its own country? Time to send the entire army into lawless north upthewazooistan and clean house!

fatjoey, wilmington , DELAWARE

"Yawn!

Looks like the CIA has given BushCo. all it needs to start WorldWar III.

Giddyup Ya'll It's gonna be one hell of a ride!" - Greg, Boston.

I for one am completely fed up with this illogical, uneducated sheep mentality of a certain section of the worlds population. The Americanaphobics i call them.

I've all the time in the world for somebody who makes an intelligent point about the Bush administration but the "Bush is Hitler" and "Bush is evil!!!" brigade really aren't worth listening too. They're prevalent on the internet, one presumes they cannot find jobs.

Maybe you would care to explain why America would wish to start worldwide nuclear war in which hundreds of millions of people would die? (not that starting such a war would even be possible)

What you sad people do not understand, or maybe you do, is that you're merely repeating Islamic Fundermentalist propaganda. Burying the image of the West, it's culture, leaders, governments and institutions while promoting Al Qaeda

David, London,

Where is the couragous osama bin Laden? While Bhutto shows hersaelf in public unafraid to die , where is the coward Bin laden. Why does he hide in a cave and let others die for him? I often wonder how people can follow a man with less guts than a woman in a culture that that claims womenhave so little value. I guess there is one woman who you thought had some brains or you wouldn't have sent your murderous thugs out to silence her while you while you cower in fear inside a rock

Leo Snyder, smyrna, ga

i am very sorry and disgraced at this apalling tragedy occuring i have regarded this political figure as one of the most outstanding and fine examples of what an true woman should aspire too. she was a role model of generations being educated in harvard and oxford, it is most revolting and disgusting when this type of thing happens i weep solidly i do

priya, leicester, united kingdom

I am very surprise I have not heard anyone bring up the real culprit here...Global Warming!!!

jlk, Arlington, Texas

President Bush responded to the killing of Ms Bhutto saying:

"The United States strongly condemns this cowardly act by murderous extremists who are trying to undermine Pakistan's democracy," Bush said.

What democracy? My government and my party continue to back the military dictatorship under Musharraf. We can only hope that America and the world survive until January 20, 2009.

Rob McMonagle, PhD
Assistant Professor of Political Science
Neumann College (Pennsylvania, USA)

Note: My views do not necessarily represent those of Neumann College.

Dr. Rob McMonagle, Aston, PA, USA

As I am Saddened by any death, Mrs. Bhutto, Twas but another Western Stooge, and her life no or more less worthy than others.... Think of the Massive Piles of millions bodies left by the American Freedom Machine, People Like Osama better than bush... second in Command of the Largest Terrorist Machine the World has ever seen, dripping in Blood we raise our Freedom Flag like a head on a Pike...FREEDOM FREEDOM, we scream to mask the dying gurgles of our Victims...Spreading Democracy with Cluster Munitions and Depleted Uranium.. How dare anyone question us! We can do no wrong... Iraq needed the kind of freedom we can deliver... Anybody else want some? We can defy even science.. see bldng 7
USA USA USA

WHYnotnews, dc, washington

Jared needs to check his facts. The largest oil exporter to the US is Canada, followed by Mexico ... most of our oil does not come from the Middle East.

Marlene Koenig, Alexandria, VA

"S Parklands, Leeds, UK/Pakistan"

Unh, Leeds isn't in Pakistan, much as you would like. One or the other, please.

The Landlord, London,

Musharraf is the US's main asset in Pakistan and is key for their continued fight with Al Qaeda and Bhutto was a threat to his dominance. The US has been trying to secure Musharraf throughout the recent crises to hit the country and tried to formulate a deal with Bhutto without success. There was motive for US backed Musharraf to get rid of Benazir as well as from the Islamic militants, who lets face it, would be better off concentrating on their enemy Musharraf and his forces rather than Benazir who was no threat to them!

Salman, UK, UK

Think about it.... An insecure Pakistan gives Bush more power for future decisions for his so called 'War on Terror', which gives him even greater 'justification' for control over Americans and the world. Do you really think security around Bhutto is THAT poor to let a suicide bomber get that close? C'mon, whoever let the assasination happen no doubt has an alterior political motive that's not yet clear. If Bhutto was really an ally of the US and Bush and his cronies wanted her in power they certainly would have made sure she was protected. Hmmm..I smell a rat!

Pierre, London, UK

We will be in a position of trying to work with a regime in Pakistan that becomes more and more corrupt, and comtemptious of us. Yet to leave gives us a bigger disadvantage in the war against Islamic Terrorism.

Wayne, Omaha,

Will you conspiracy theorists ever cease? Don't you get tired of blaming the "CIA" for everything? You think you're so enlightened by your "outside thinking." You don't even care that a Bhutto was killed (or all the innocent ppl around her). You just want to voice your pointless agenda.

Shame on you...

Humanist, SC, USA

Yeah and the 9-11 attack was an inside job, there was no moon landing, it just goes on and on and on.

Dave , Rochester, NY, USA

Oustanding Comments from J.Braud,Jeff&Stuart,some folks have to blame someone,anyone,(usually President Bush)other than themselves,for everything and anything that goes wrong,not only in their lives,but the entire world.Commendable perceptions!
John,Ohio

john, elyria, ohio

Oh yeah, forgot that the victim of a murder is responsible for the murderer's actions!

Kurt, Oakland, CA

Bhutto was a corrupt leader who through neglect or complicity allowed the Taliban to gain a foothold in Pakistan. Once it was no longer politically expedient for her to ignore/enable the Taliban they killed her. Let this be a lesson to all who choose to ignore or in some cases embrace the Taliban. Once you are of no more use to them they will kill you. End of story

Bud, USA!!!, USA!!!

Didn't the I.S.I. also fund the 9-11 hijackers? Wonder why we aren't going after the I.S.I.? Hmmm...

Russ, Dallas, TX

to those who dont want peace,any leader him/her who is working or works for its country,less or more,slow or fast, is infact working for you(people).Now you will never find a women leader like Ms bhutto especially in pakistan.God have mercy on us all.

Muhammad adil, islamabad, pakistan

There is no place like America. America might be down now, but it will resurge and will take it's lost place and leadership in this world. America must watch what is going on in Pakistan, Pres Bush was allmost allways right. This is BAD!!!

Fred Capay, Geneva, Switzerland

I am sorry for Benazir Bhutto, may be a naive woman, but too young to die. Anyaway, too many deads everywhere. Are we at the beginning the WWIII?

pino, turin, italy

I think Greg was kidding . . . .

david , Beaufort, SC,

Dont invade Pakistan,Think in an economic perspective and outsource that to India.given an idea,indian companies may float their 'war' wing for their BPO's.

Jack, Portsmouth, USA

Benazir Bhutto is dead, assassinated. My condolences to her family and nation.

It is pointless trying to point fingers. First, not one of the posters here know anything outside of their own world view. The assassin is dead, and with him the truth. Even if he was a card carrying member of Al Qaeda or trained by an intelligence agency of any nationality, the lady is still dead and we won't know who gave the order.

Were it not for the Pakistani nuclear arsenal this would not be an international issue. But the nukes are there.

Perhaps an international solution is called for, not some ham-handed cowboy response by you-know-who...

But, for now, my thoughts are with Benazir Bhutto, her husband and three teenage children. May she rest in peace and may her family find consolation in the outpouring of sympathy from around the world. She was a rare woman.

Mark H., Mashpee, ma

To our parochial American cousins, please note that Pakistan is not in the Middle East. As you say, you should get out more.

Segun, London,

Some points to remember. Bhutto was not the first female leader of a Muslim state in the region, Queen Raziyya from the Sultanate period is a well-known historical figure. Her brother Murtaza was the head of a terrorist organisation. The Bhutto "Dynasty" has been much bloodied with its lust for power in confrontations with the army. Bhutto was a classic venal feudal plutocrat who kept her party as her personal fief due to the support of an illiterate peasantry, a vast provincial personality cult. It was for this reason that many saw her as willing to flip-flop with Janus-faced Machiavellian ease between appearing as a Western feminist liberal at ease in "revealing" dress in the West, whilst donning "traditional conservative". Many in the region saw through her obvious lip-service to democracy as exemplified by her acting as a HMV mouth-piece for the company of Western think tanks that she kept. The allegations of corruption were not purely politically-motivated as evinced by the Swiss.

NRI, London, UK

Jared:

It was not BP or Texaco or Exxon that killed Bhutto. It appears to have been an Islamic millitant. Muslim fanatics have been killing in the name of Allah long before Henry Ford rolled the first car off his assembly line. Oil does not kill people, people kill people. If you had waked to the store this morning with $1,000,000 other Americans Bhutto would still have been killed. Wake up.

Chris Conder, Tyler, USA

Keith in PA - re-review your history; it was the Mujahadeen who went up against the Soviets and not the Taliban as "freedom fighters". The Taliban were never considered freedom fighters and have alway been an oppresive regime which was instilled after the Soviets were expelled from Afghanistan.

Mike, Minneapolis,

Yesterday it was announced that Russia is delivering a missle system to Iran better than the US Patriot System. Today, Bhutto tragically dies in a bombing. This is going to continue to slide downward until we rethink our dependence on foreign oil.
All freedom loving americans need to recognize oil is as the basis for all of this nonsense. Start decreasing your consumption by a little bit today and see the results. Walk to the store 1 time instead of driving per month or find one other way to use less.

Jared, Boston, USA/MA

To be historically accurate, the Taleban were freedom fighters. They fought to expel the Soviets from Afghanistan. They fact that they later became oppressors themselves, like the criollos in the Latin American independence movements or white male colonists after the American Revolution, doesn't mean that someone is ignorant for referring to them as freedom fighters.

Keith, Pittsburgh, PA

This is the proverbial "middle finger" shown by ISI and Musharraf to the great Satan from trying to prop a female, liberal political figure as a head of an Islamic state.

Al-Qaeda, ISI, & Pakistani Army these are just differenet shades of the rabid Islamic fundamentalism that is growing like a cancer on this planet.

Allah have pity on the poor people of Pakistan who have to bear the brunt of terrorist attacks, army's atrocities, and of course the universal hunger and poverty that pervades throughout the region.

Chacha , Houston, Texas

To the fools (like Greg) who want to blame the US and President Bush, try to use your heads for once? We gain nothing by this murder, but we lose a great deal. Instability in Pakistan is the last thing that we would want. Who gains from this? The Islamists: Al Qaeda and the Taliban. They are the only ones who benefit. Bhutto was an insult to them (a powerful woman), and they feared that she would succeed in turning the tribes against them. Who benefits? The enemies of the US, not the President and the American government.

Stuart in Great Neck, Great Neck, New York , USA

I find it incredulous the amount if invective being thrown at Bush, the CIA, and America in general by some of you people. Even more amazing is the description of Al Queda and the Taliban as FREEDOM FIGHTERS. by one really deep thinker.

j braud, baton rouge, La.

Greg in Boston...

Yeah...It is all Bush's fault...Global warming...Princess Diana...teen pregnancy....I bet they were the ones who let that tiger loose in SF, too....

Keep taking your medication and click your heels together 3 times...IT IS ALWAYS OUR FAULT....THERE IS NO PLACE LIKE HOME.....

Jeff, Everytown, USA

Those of you who think that the USA will invade Pakistan are naive. The people in the pentagon are smart enough to know that an invasion in such an unstable state would turn out to be much worse than Iraq. The most that can be expected is a targeted strike on Pakistan's nuclear arsenal which is highly unlikely as long as Musharraf gives Bush his assurances.

Walid, Karachi, Pakistan

It's so easy to blame 'al qaeeda' -
when will people realise the 'al-qaeeda' is a western invention in anycase!!!!
The people who are bombing are the same ones who bombed a mosque in Pakistan on Eid-ul-udha. The so-called 'al-qaeeda' wouldn't do this, nor would any 'militant islamic group' (if there is such a thing')

basically politicicians without brians.

S Parklands, Leeds, UK/Pakistan

Amazing. We have a pro-western, pro-democracy, pro-Bush leader who has clearly been given death threats on numerous occasions by easily identifiable people whose MO would certainly be to send a suicide bomber, but some think Bush and the CIA is behind this? When has the CIA ever used suicide techniques? Why would Bush want this ally killed? Because she is a woman? Bush has put more women in high levels of authority than almost any other world leader. It seems to me that those who insanely question Bush's involvement in this are just using the Internet as a propaganda tool for their own purposes. I hope no-one is listening to their misleading rants.

LibertyLover, Phelan, CA

I know its fashionable today to blame everything on Al Qaeda, however, in this case I think President Musharraf and his regime had something to do with it. Either by not providing enough security or making it look like Al Qaeda did it. And this is suppose to be our ally. What a disgrace!

Gerry Carter, Palm Beach, Florida

I'm surprised some idiot hasn't blamed Israel yet. I just cannot fathom the Islamic mind.

David FeHill, Lyndhurst, Ohio

Let us ask as to who benefits? Is it not Musharraf who has tried to hold onto power? Musharraf is also another stooge and one stooge does not kill another stooge unless the powers controlling these stooges have lost control over them.

The whole war on terror has been a farce..

Sam, Houston,

This is one more day of infamy that makes me sad about human kind .This people that order a killing in name of God, are plain and simple the Evil on earth, and the suicide killers are mere peons, inside an obscure hungry battle game, for power, money and control.

Did Osama exploded himself against any target in name of his beliefs? Off course not. Others will do it for him.

P.S. CIA did trained this terrorists (even Osama was trained by USA intelligence), to fight Soviets in Afghanistan.
P.S.S. I Remember a Hollywood movie Rambo III... lol...now that brave people, cultivate opium and lay bombs on us.

Saraiva, Evora,

The only solution is for the top leaders (those that are left) to set aside their personal ambitions for the good of the country. Unfortunately, greed and power, are at play and that may not be possible.

Pete, Minneapolis, MN

Al CIA duh has already claimed responsibility. Surprise, surprise the "American" enemies of freedom strike again and the American sheeple follow meekly along.

Steve, Fayetteville, AR, USA

Greg, Do you have proof for your assertion? Or have you been drinking too much cool-aids today.....

Tom, Arlington, VA

Liberal fools! The events of the day had everything to do with politics of Pakistan. It had nothing to do with President Bush, the CIA or any other government agency/policital person. Perhaps now though the Pakistan government will do the right thing by their people by rooting out the religious fanatics and ridding the planet of this evil pestilence. Let's start with ousama bin laden, and all of his ilk.

President Bush is right, support his efforts. Otherwise the liberals should shut their pieholes or sell their tripe on down the street. Because reasonable people aren't buying your point of view.

thomas winton, Pearland, Texas

Analysis of the article are different from reality, It is a planed killing which without the government blessing is impossible.

haji darwesh, ankara, turkey

What a fun land the middle east is turned out to be. A fun vacationland for westerers. Maybe it's time to sit back in our easy chairs, not say anything or interfere and just watch.

Doug, Daytona Beach, Florida, USA

An educated, liberal, pro-Western woman - Benazir Bhutto already had four strikes against her name. There will be crocodile tears, but the Islamists have got their way. Pakistan continues its slide towards the past.

Gareth, Sunderland, UK

Mankind, that's who. It's what we do best...especially in the name of some god or other.

David Downes, Chester, UK

Pakistan and other Islamic countries must seek and destroy their own rabid dogs, now, or else this insanity will spill blood all over the world. Either the Islamic countries spill some of their own blood in their own countries, or great quantities of blood and pain will be spilled in Europe and the United States, and then even greater bloodshed will befall the Islamic countries. The danger factor is heating up. And Iraq and Afghanistan will be but a weak prologue to that devastation.

James, Annapolis, USA/Maryland

The Tree of liberty must be refresshed from time to time with the blood of Patriots & Tyrants. This time, the nourishment is provided by a Patriot. God Speed Maddam Bhutto.

Sonnyb1776, Chciago, USA

I agree with Fox's comments below. Additionally, blame will be uncritically assigned to al Qaeda and it will be turned into an issue of terrorism, rather than political assassination, that demagogues can then drool all over. I think this is more likely to be like the Hariri assassination: although it's improbable that Musharraf would be foolish enough to order this himself, this was probably orchestrated or at least allowed to happen by the ISI. Of course, any hint of official complicity will be dismissed by Western media as a "conspiracy theory," and this will serve as an excuse for further madness.

James , New York, New York

This is just a pretext for the US to send in its forces (possibly as a UN "peacekeeping" mission) to secure the next link in the oil supply chain and surround and isolate Iran, now that the National Intelligence Estimate has meant the Attack on Iran has had to be postponed.

Bhutto is, tragically, collateral damage in the ongoing PNAC geopolitical game.

Voland, Caen, France

Jerry from Alpine - there's a whole world outside of your tired, petty Red/Blue 'conflict' - Bhutto was a big ally of America beyond our party lines - this is bad for Republicans and Democrats alike. That kind of blind partisan mindset is what's hurting America at home and abroad, and I'd say that if you were a Democrat or Republican.

Paul, Los Angeles, CA

The cowardly (read balanced in more polite terms) brits and the moonbat Americans as usually are flaunting their liberal but empty education.

The best anology here is Archduke Ferdinand and WWI. He was assassinated by a pack of looney leftist anarchists after a day of drinks at the Golden Sturgeon. No one really gave a rats butt about the Archduke but, to sat the least, the assassination was destabilizing.

Now all we need is Hillary in charge of things to polish off the last shreds of stability and loose the loons with 100 weaponized missles on the Earth.

Ted Baar, Providence, RI, USA

Wow.Blame it on Bush? You are clearly unhinged. This is just one more example of how Al Qaeda works. She would have been an partner in the war against Al Qaeda. She was a prominant woman in politics in a muslim country. The militant extremists can not stand for that type of open minded behavior. This showcases the mindset of these extremists. They're here, they aren't going away, and they are coming to a town near you.

Ken, Evansville, Indiana

Naturally this falls in the lap of America and any allies. Bhutto knew of the danger Al Qaeda posed, and I believe she was a threat to them.
This is where to look for the assassins.

Shoals, Portsmouth,

There are a number of supsects in Bhutto's death, but the ONLY thing that matters is making sure that a pro-western government keeps control of Pakistan's nukes. For all of you lefties in the UK and the US: you will sing a different tune when the radical Muslims you profess to love set off a nuke in YOUR homeland.

Jim, New York , New York USA

Taliban. Period.

scook, denver, usa/denver

Her ambition-- is the culprit.

Jim, Whitesboro, TX

the wingnuts and their bush paranoia emerge from their under the rock home

r chisolm, dallas, tx

Who had the most to gain? Even that standard question of detectives can't clarify this muddy mystery. In the short term, the Taliban (and al Qaeda) stood to gain most because chaos in Pakistan serves their aims. But, in the long term, the military stands to gain most. A polarizing and dynamic figure has been violently removed from Pakistani politics, presenting an excuse to reimpose emergency rule, keeping the money and the nukes in military control. It was, in sum, a bad day for democracy but a good day for Western interests. After all the agonizing and moralizing, (temporary) stability will return, and the nukes will be (temporarily) safe.

Whilom Smykket, Paris, Texas USA

Following the money requires me to admit that Al Queada and the Taleban are complicit in her dreath. A prayer for her family and the people of Pakistan who want to be free.

Charles Glasgow, Euless, Texas, U.S.A.

Some news has Al Queda claiming "reponsibility" for this.
Why is this, if true, being "blacked out" by the media?

patriotic American, Chicago, Illinois

R.J. You are a real class act. Grow up.

dinbert, London, UK

How ironic that the first people who use events like this to make ridiculous conspiracy allegations and blanket motive slander against Democrats or anyone who has ever had any disagreement with G.W. are the first to be guilty of the very thing they allege.

More troubling is the absolute ignorance they show when they do so. Democrats know Bhutto was an ally against "Islamic" terrorists and Bush hasn't exactly been happy with Musharraf lately, who had been essentially shamed by the US into negotiating w Bhutto and hasn't done the job against Al Qaeda. So why would any Democrat claim Bush wanted Bhutto gone?? It's just dumb to paint people in wild, baseless extremes or exploit anything as a guise defend Bush no matter the circumstances.

chris, boston, usa

We in the US have been cleaning up the mess you Brits and French created when empires fell. You created countries based on religion and religious factions where there were none. then you left without adequate support. You split India and Pakistan by religious regions. In spite of the fact that Bengladesh is on the other side of India, you made it part of Pakistan. You created Arab countries without regard to anything reasonable. For more than a century we have been spending and fighting to rectafie what you have created. How about taking some responsibility.

john tolar, Hurricane,

Actually, Al-Qaeda's Afghanistan-based spokesman, Mustafa Abu Al-Yazid, is claiming responsibility for the death of Bhutto.

All the conspiracy theorists and hand-wringers would do well to read Tariq Ali's piece on Pakistan in last month's London Review of Books--or google for a summary.

Mike Hunt, Cockermouth, UK

Yeah, and the CIA and Bush were responsible for the assasination of Abraham Lincoln, JFK, etc. Seriously, how pathetic are those that immediately point to the USA on this. Get a life!

Ron, Los Angeles, CA

Greg we will not invade Pakistan. If we were to get involved all we got to do is instigate a fight between India and Pakistan, that would take care of the problem. Hillary can't hunt!!!!

chris, york, sc

-To Fox in London-

It is utterly ridiculous to to asign any blame for the death of bystanders on Bhutto. She was participating in a peaceful rally, encouraging her fellow pakistani's to participate and voice their wishes for the future and their country.

The ONLY people who deserve blame are those that targeted her for death, whatever their nefarious reasons may be. Not the people charged with her protection, not the pakistani Government, not those that simply disagreed with her in the political arena, or anyone who don't actively support, plan, or tolerate this brand of Islamic Militantcy.

I personally believe that it was courageous on her part, knowing that she had been targeted by various islamist militant factions and yet continued to press on believing her ideals were larger than herself. Also courageous were those who participated in this rally...most if not all were well aware of the dangers posed to Bhutto and thus themselves.

May Pakistan realize peace soon.

Chris, Milwaukee , WI, USA

Although I was not all that suprised to hear Bhutto had been (again) attacked this morning, I was nevertheless deeply saddened to hear of her death. She was not only an inspiration to many Pakistanis, but inspired many here in the USA by her courage, conviction, and relentless pursuit of more free and fair self-governance. Not only has Pakistan lost a true visionary --- the entire world (at least those w/ho are not extremists) has lost a leader. She stood for ideals that are universal to most humans, regardless of nationality or religion.

I hope this tragedy gives the people of Pakistan the extra motivation to seize their GOD-GIVEN (pbuh) RIGHT to free and fair self-governance from those who currently hold power over that and from those who will (apparently) stop at nothing to ensure their hold on power and over the great people of Pakistan (most of whom are not extremists).

If fair elections are still held in January, I think whoever perpetrated this attack will regret it.

Jb, St. Louis, MO - USA

What are you trying to tell us!!? bhutto was assassinated by islamists. Are we supposed to believe this now, that the only one to promote democracy in pakistan was killed by freedom fighters!
What i really want to know is who gives you this information, maybe they know who really did it .

julien thomas, oklahoma city , oklahoma

Unfortunately, Greg is both insensitive and a dimwit. I'm surprised he would take time from his life of self-absorption and read something concerning someone else, much less from another country.

Bhutto's death is both tragic and amazing. The former for obvious reasons that reinforce that this is a on-going struggle of freedom versus intimidation. Amazing in that she knew of the danger of returning to politics and did so any way. To speak out with a death sentence on your head shows her commitment to her people and democracy.

Will, Santa Clara, California

I agree Bush is always responsible...even the snow storm y'all got last week was his fault as well. Can not wait for Hillary to come because she has been to 79 countries. I could be a VP or member of cabinet...I have been to 30 countries.

Steve, Roanoke Va.

steve, Roanoke, USA

<i>The ISI, in particular, includes some Islamists who became radicalised while running the American-funded campaign against the Soviets in Afghanistan and remained fiercely opposed to Ms Bhutto on principle.</i>

I would like to be able to read a British newspaper article that managed not to find some oblique blame for the United States. For the record, Pakistan's Muslims were radicalized by the Deobandi sect; this rose to prominence during the British raj. You might as well blame Queen Victoria for this latest barbarism as any policy of the United States. Failing that, you might hold the ISI accountable for its own acts instead of treating them as children.

Nicholas Packwood, Toronto, Canada

Dear Greg,

Are you friggin kiddng me you paranoid Lib? What does this have to do with Bush and the CIA? Bhutto in power in Pakistan would have been the best thing for the Bush administration. The more freindly allys in the Mideast, the better. Now we have a (nuclear armed) country in complete caos.

Josh, Rochester, /USAMN

Anything happens it must be Bush...
You 9/11 truthers are unbelieveable...

It could not possibly be Al Qaeda, could it?

Mick B., Los Angeles,

The paki generals created a frankenstien - ISI, which in turn spawned a thousand headed hydras - taleban, militias, islamists. Now their pets are coming home to bite them. The world should recognise pakistan for what it is, a failed state. a rogue state. dramatically realign the handling of the country away from a kid gloved to a iron rod approach. Its eye for an eye, not more aid for an eye. The west is never safe is pakistan is continued to exist in this state.

Pankan, Singapore,

I just came across the story. What a tragedy. Ms. Bhutto was most likely the bravest woman we'll ever see in this century.

The US has no reason to intervene. However this will have a horrifically destabilizing effect on Pakistan.

Sean, Norfolk, VA, USA

this is the biginning of III° world war.

paolo, Cagliari, Italy

Let's see ... who had the most to gain from this? Nawaz Sharif.

Rick, Stockton, USA

Your kidding me, right? Alrighty assigning blame to this infamous deed to the CIA? You have any proof to back up your assertion?

Mark, Savannah, GA USA

You silly liberals and your delusional conspiracy fantasies about Bush and the Cia would be hilariously funny if you weren't so pathetically sad.

Ron Helvey, SAINT PETERSBURG,

She was DOA once she stepped foot in Pakistan again. It was only a matter of time.

Barack, Chicago, USA, IL

How long before America invades?

R.J., Aluquerque, N.M.

The nukes can not be left in the hands of a woman, so Musharraf, Bush's buddy is the best bet. How difficult to arrange such assasination? there are no usual suspects in this case it is sometimes the most unusual plotters. How about Iran, Israel, the USA for a change?

salem mohamed, Dubai, UAE

>This is just the beginning, unfortunately. Forget Iran,
>the US will be in Pakistan by the end of the month.

LOL,
That isn't going to happen. If we ever decide that Pakistan is our enemy we'll hire India (who has Nukes) to fight them.



>Looks like the CIA has given BushCo. all it needs to
>start WorldWar III.

You are an idiot. The CIA didn't do this. The last thing we want is more destabilization in the arena. A destabilized Pakistan is America's number one threat.

An American, Philadelphia, PA, USA

Pakistan is an artifice created by a short-sighted and tired colonial power - Britain. It has been sustained by a short-sighted and rapidly tiring neo-colonial power -America. It is a place of class war and tribal conflict - each and all sustained by a self-perpetuating myth of "Islamic" purity. Corrupt, riven, militaristic and nuclear armed. The chickens are coming home to roost. Pakistan is the perfect storm - armageddon in the making. Well done all concerned on this brilliant construct.

sheev master, london,

A very sad day for Pakistan, Sub-Continent and the world as a whole. A brave, moderate, liberal, charismatic and iconic figure, she really knew her people. Today, Pakistan needs the world to help prevent civil war and disintegration.

Her assisination proves the danger of supping with devil; the fanatics and religious zealouts as successive Pakistan government and the establishment has done since 1970. Cross border terrorism, Jehadi manufacturing madarssas, training camps for terrorists, providing arms and logistical support support to Taleban and terrorists alike became government policy for a long time. Now the chicken has come home to roost.

I remember seeing an old photograph of her with Rajiv Gandhi when they were Prime Minister of their respective countries.countries. They both met exactly the same fate !!!

Let us hope some good should come out of this tragedy for Pakistan.

Dr. Ajay Kumar, Gt. Yarmouth, England

Blame the USA first and always, loony liberal.

Sam Adams, Boston, MA

Its not even 1 hour since she is dead and the moonbats are blaming Bush. Some real sick people.

DK, Washington, DC,

What a sad, tragic day this is.

Let us pray that with Benazir, that democracy in Pakistan does not also die.

Daniel Humphries, Grand Junction, Colorado/USA

The killing Of Benazir Bhutto has pushed not only Pakistan but also South East Asia and as well as the whole world into danger of atomic peril. Benazir was one of the last few sane voices in the wilderness of radicalism. Now it is to be seen how soon the China and US provided nukes go into the hands of Al Quaida et al. However it provides another source of income to ISI-CIA agents who continue to milk US tax payers.

Abhi, Trivandrum, India

To Greg in Boston -

Wow, it sure didn't take long to blame this on Bush. Please learn to think on your own and understand what is going on in the world instead of just blaming Bush for anything and everything.

Tim, USA,

For those of you who think the US will invade Pakistan now are officially off of your rocker.

Daoud, Sa'ana, Yeman

Thanks for that in-depth, well-reasoned perspective Greg, now please return to the Ron Paul campaign...

Rusty, San Francisco, USA

While I agree that Musharraf is unlikely to have ordered Benazir's murder, it can only strengthen his position in the short term. His only visible opponent now is the corrupt and incompetent Sharif. But it is the Islamist enemies within the army and security services who pose the long-term and most deadly threat

Richard, Bexhill, UK

This is clearly an al qaeda operation.

Ray Robison author of Both In One Trench: Saddam's Secret Terror Documents
http://www.bothinonetrench.com

Ray Robison, Huntsville, Alabama

I wonder who (and how long it will take), before one of our congressional or senate Democrats comes out stating that President Bush had plotted, and was behind the assassination?

Jerry, Alpine, USA California

Sounds like JFK.

Aaron, Cincinnati, Ohio

160+ people have been killed not just Benazir Bhutto.

Whatever her reasons for deciding to return to Pakistan (and i'm not saying they are right or wrong) the direct result is over 160 deaths.

She knew that death threats had been made against her before she returned and she knew that the chances of an attack during her open top bus parade were very high but she still encouraged thousands to be there. Following that she once again encouraged thousands to be at a rally without proper security in the knowledge that further attacks were likely

I have huge sympathy for the people that were killed in both attacks by what can only be described as cowardly and pathetic terrorists but I feel that Mrs Bhutto and her advisers should take some responsibility.

Fox, London, England

Page's Piece is the best early perspective I've seen on the Bhutto assassination...

William Naegele, Albuquerque, USA - New Mexico

This is just the beginning, unfortunately. Forget Iran, the US will be in Pakistan by the end of the month.

Ausbesseur, Philadelphia, USA / Pennsylvania

Yawn!

Looks like the CIA has given BushCo. all it needs to start WorldWar III.

Giddyup Ya'll It's gonna be one hell of a ride!

Greg, Boston, USA