Most people will be saddened and outraged by the violent death of Benazir Bhutto. However, we should remember she squandered 2 opportunities as PM to modernise, educate and develop Pakistan. She was notoriously convicted for money-laundering in Switzerland and has some $750 million amassed. Her shameless husband was nick-named Mr 10-percent during her tenure becos he selfishly and greedily cornered juicy contracts to the detriment of the average pakistani.
Third world leaders owe their followers a lot but most do not care nor, give them much thought. Benazir could have made a huge difference given her western education, exposure and power.
She has reaped tragically the seeds of decadence, neglect and larceny sown in her years in office. Corrupt leaders everywhere should take note: U can steal all u want, but u can not keep the loot when u die! It is a priviledge to serve your country, more so where millions lack such opportunity. Use it well or u could pay with your life. Sandy

sandy, london, UK

it was a bad news and those responsible should be brought to justice, but unfortunately this has never happened in the past ,be it pakistan, india or usa. Lets not forget she has been a controversial personality , never been a fan of this royal democratic family, but i feel sad for her-what a loss. The military govt. statement about who killed her was all rubbish, if they know who has been behind it & they even taped the telephonic conversation why they sitting and not doing anything? BB could have been a victim of a bigger game .. she was certainly a wicked politician who had the potential and wits to do anything after the election which was not acceptable for many inside or outside pakistan , now she is out of the scene everything seems soo simple .. a landslide win with the sentimental vote + ppl who r more than willing to cooperate. ..as far as my friend sunil has said .. that is naive and we should not forget all the indian political killings (big names) .. think about it :)

Jaff, Sheffield, United Kingdom

Pakistan has suffered a great loss. Nawaz Sharif was right in saying it was a sad dark gloomy day for pakistan the day Mohtramma Benazir was assassinated. This cowardly inhumane act could only have been carried out by coward and a non muslim. Our religeon does not give us the authority to take a life and certainly not your own. My heartfelt condolences go out to all Mohtrammas Family Friends and anyone who feels this loss like i do. Rest in piece Mohtramma Benazir. I will remember you in my prayers. May Allah Subhanawatallah grant you peace in your grave and grant you a place in heaven Ameen. Riffat Mustafa Manchester

Riffat Mustafa, Manchester, UK

benazir bhuttos death was an unexpected attack. but we all knew that was the future of benazir.
and who killed her? it could have been anyone.
but all these acts of anger is something that bhutto would not want for her country.(y do u think she was against the emergency rule??)
obviously alot of people are angry and upset, but burning stations, and cars and shops will not bring her back. by doing this you are only destroying yourself.

badluck, manchester, united kingdom

Well, in this case, Pakistan and its people are responsible for Benazirs death. For decades they have been blinded by their dislike for India and in the bargain nurtured terrorist groups on their soil for use against India. Now the genie is out of the bottle. Its going to haunt the people of Pakistan for a long time to come - it’s not over yet.

Sunil, Perth, Australia

It is really a big loss and can never be replaced. Killing someone for anything/reason can never be justified. Benazir Bhutto is the leader of million of poors. It is really hard to believe she is gone but assure you her idealogy, struggle and dreams are in nations eyes and can never be wiped out. I don't blame Puppet Gen. Musharaf of Benazir's killing nor pakistan army but it is all developed countries and their Bureaucrats and tycoons who indirectly and directly involved in murderring everyone who dares to fight for democrascy in pakistan. US, UK and European nations are main killers of Shaheed Benazir Bhutto.

Ash, Sheffield, South Yorkshire

I am very sorry to hear of the killing of Benazir Bhutto.

On occasions when I have paid interest to the events at my parents home land, I have hung my head in shame and disbelief.

The last such occasion was the occusation of Ms Bhutto on corruption charges - although I have no faith in the current regime in Pakistan I was nevertheless very disappointed. Ms Bhutto claimed to have no assets, however her husband was one of the wealthest men in Pakistan!

I feel for the people in Pakistan - the sooner they understand that they do not require dynasties. They do not require religious nutcases, nor military dictators. The day the ordinary man and more importantly a 'woman' on the street can have her say without being attacked or mobbed is the day Pakistan has learned to be a mature tolerant and a democratic nation.

Alas, for that to happen you have to change the populations docturation from birth and mind set.

Pakistan is in the same position it has occupied since 1947.

Withheld, Leeds, West Yorkshire

Mullahs and Al Quaida need to be kicked out of Pakistan. It is time to reunite the people of the Sub-Continent and end this insane religion based division. People of Pakistan need to wake up and take control.
http://expakistani.blogspot.com/

ExPakistani, Ohio, USA

Religious extremism has again saddened the face of Pakistan. These kind of acts will continue to happen unless the people start valuing democracy and freedom more than the narrow fundementalist teachings of their religious leaders. The seeds of such narrow minded thinking was sown during the birth of Pakistan itself on religious lines causing massive blood shed.
If India and Pakistan had been one nation, they would have been the number one nation by now bettering China in economic development.

Danny, Singapore,

Have the Muslim Council of Britain spoken out ?

Have they taken steps to denounce these Islamists ?

Have they issued a Fatwa on the Murderers ?

Has anyone heard a word from them ?

Are all the 'moderates' quietly thinking this is good because democracy is bad ?

maggie Millington, Brittany , France

Sad day... a charismatic leader with a lot of promise and hope, god bless her soul.

jus anothr prson, indian, india

Tragic end to a strong female muslim. Does not seem to be many of them about? In fact are there any now on the world's stage?
Very, very sad but the extremists will never win. Just a bunch of head in the sand losers.
Margaret, Perth, UK

Margaret Marshall, Blairgowrie, Perthshire

BB's death is indeed sad for Pakistan and for democracy. We have lost another potential opportunity by her (husband) to rule (and rob the country)! What is even more infuriating is how people take advantage of the chaos and burn things (ofcourse not their own) and spread violence. It is pathetic that some suicide bomber blows themself, kills a democratic leader and spreads uncertainty and all the common man wants to do is to burn and destroy and disrupt what is left. How many more have 2 die?

medicalman, Chicago, IL

My own country lost several prominent political leaders during our war against drug lords back in 80`s, so I totally understand how it feels: anger, and a very deep sadness.

I`m really sorry.

JAVIER GOMEZ, Bogota, Colombia

Tania Harrison: you have nailed it. Pakistan was irrigated by the blood of the people forced to leave their homes to provide a 'homeland' for a religious group. It does not get sicker than that...

Kara Swart, London, UK

I'm truely afraid of things to come. We are a nation that wants to put forth good will twords all men. The only bad thing about that is, that we can't afford to be good samaritans. What will happen if we find out that Pervez Musharraf is behind this? We will more than likely invade Pakistan. What will become of the U.S. economically and politically if we go to vs. doing nothing. In my opinion, were damned if we do, damned if don't.

Jason Reilly, OC, U.S.

You cant Blame the religion of Islam because of this, what this is hsowing you is the corruption and mayhem in the world that Islam shows people that this is not the way pray, love others...
This situation to me points to the politacal views of individuals and the fact that they result to violence more nowadays than ever and use the excuse of Islam preching jihad, when they actually have their wires crossed.

Amy, glasgow, Scotland

Pakistan was created on the basis of the hate of the other.This unfortunately is the result of a society based on hatred. It is a society simply beyond redemption. I know what I am talking about,my mother was a diplomat based in Islamabad only two years ago.

Tania Harrison, Madrid, Spain

Although I have never met Benazir, I have always admired her strength, her determination and her fight in the name of democracy. She became a symbol. I am stunned, I still can't believe that she is dead. We shall never forget you. God rest your soul in peace! Have a safe journey, Benazir!

Nicolae Mates, Deva, Romania

My deeply condoleances to Benazir Bhutto's family.

Nicolae Mates, Deva, Romania

MuslimMatters.org, a blog chosen by your online newspaper as the 30 most influential religious blogs is following the situation in Pakistan, as well as providing our opinions and analysis:

http://muslimmatters.org/2007/12/27/benazir-bhutto-killed-in-terrorist-attack/

amad, NEWARK, USA

Get a grip - killing is unislamic.
This has nothing to do with Islam, and everything to do with the cruel reality of politics in Pakistan!

S Parklands, Leeds, UK/Pakistan

If we in the United States continue to make excuses for terrorists, if our presidential candidates are serious about talking to terrorist leaders, and liberals continue to appease terrorists as opposed to confronting them as merchants of evil, our freedom will be lost because our national will was weak.

Greg, Orange Park, Florida

And Al Gore wins the Nobel Peace prize for global warming. It kind of puts things into perspective and shows who the real heroes of the world are. We have too many politicians and too few leaders. The politicians are ridiculous and the leaders are courageous.

Sam Minervino, Portland, USA/ Maine

I feel sorry for all her supporters and extend my condolences to her bereaved family members. However, I should say that I am hardly surprised that she should die the way she did. Remember her corruption riddled rule? Remember how she robbed the needy Pakistanis of millions of dollars? The people are in a state of shock only because she was killed in the wrong time. Had this happened ten years ago, I wonder whether their reaction would have been the same.

I hope such acts occur in many other parts of the corrupt world more often so that the potential thieves will be deterred.

Sorry once again for being a bit too harsh in this moment of grief, folks, but truth is bitter!

Shyam Bhandari, Kathmandu, Nepal

"The assasination of Bhutto is a false flag operation designed to perpetuate the 'War on Terror.' To be blamed on 'radical Islamist terrorists,' the crime will be used initially to influence the US Presidential election in Guiliani's favor.
LAZARUS LONG, CONCORD, NH, USA

Do you really think Islamic terrorism will go away if you pretend not to see it? Grow up for God's sake.

Andy Gill, London, UK

Is this the first time a female leader or past leader of a country has been assassinated? Very sad.

Lisa, Atlanta, GA

Remember how WWI started. With the assasination of some Serbian political figure.

Jack Steel, SBC,

Once again this asassination has shown that in Muslims cannot bear a woman to be a head of state. She is only meant to be a slave who will bear children and be submissive always. No opinions. Opinions are for MEN. Rest of the world is crazy when they allow wolmen all that liberty.
Not their cup of tea.

rajne, Hyderabad, India

Sad to hear the news. Wishing the best for the people of Pakistan.
Hope this is truly the wake-up call that was ever so required. Just as a naughty class requres the principal to take stern actions i hope there is somebody or people who stand up in this time of crisis to unite the country like never before.
Tough times ahead... but when going gets tough the tough get going.

Unite Pakistan ... this is your last chance to do so!

Jins, Dorset, UK

this is horrible. what a sad day for the world. what reassurances did us govt give her to make her return to pakistan after 8 years. it doesnt look like anyone is in control of this country now.

this is awful. what a brave lady she was to fight her way through the morass of a religious and male dominated society and its politics.

jshree, bangalore, india

USA supposed to support Musharraf because he is supposed to be against terrorism. If he was so against it, why didn't he assist in supplying her a better security force.
Musharraf is another thug like Saddam Hussien, who speaks out of both sides of his mouth. Osama Bin Laden is still alive and prospering in his country. What does that tell you.

Nigel Kazwell, New York City, USA NY

A sad day indeed ! I believe Gen Musharaf has the answer for it.

Neil , Mauritius, Mauritius

Isnt it obvious that the pakistan army has something to do with it ? The army rules in the social sphere, the buisnesses, food markets, nearly everything . Only Bhutto and to some extent Sharif were threats. I never liked this Bhutto, but this as old fight between the army and its refusal to get out. The pakistan army (first hand experience) is among the most corrupt and brutal regimes i have ever seen. Bhutto was fighting aginst this which i applaude, but she had too many questions over here connections with the West. When ignorant people dont know the answers to these questions they will kill.
The army is to blame; i can bet a million that somewhere
the army is behind it. Sucide Bombers blow up first, and the killing is second - in the sequence. They dont carry a gun, shoot to Kill and then blow up. This was a targeted assasiantion, which the army probably set up by holiding some poor guys mom or brother or sister. Folks, this is the way pakistan works, im a pakistani ....

ifty, London, London

The previous attempt on her life was a bomb encased 1 year old baby blown up to further the cause of Jihad. Unless our leaders recognize this war for what it is..i.e. islamic jihad vs the unbelievers of any stripe, we will lose ground to the crazies. It is much easier to create chaos than to maintain a status quo. The jihadists will continue to use our weakness and lack of clarity against us. Whenever I hear a reference to "the religion of peace" I know I am listening to an individual with his/her head in the sand...an attitude which puts that very head in danger.

Robert Brandon, Pensacola , USA/FL

know that it is an Indian custom not to speak ill of the dead.I merely observe that the law of karma spares no one.
Dr Kapila in an article in boloji.com says "Further, for those who fawn over her in India, let it be reminded that it was Benazir Bhutto who brought Kashmir as an emotional frenzied issue in Pakistan%u2019s electoral politics, it was during her prime ministerial tenures that proxy war and terrorism against India was heightened in Kashmir and it was she again who was instrumental in launching the Taliban which emerged as a scourge in Afghanistan and in Kashmir."
So the mother of kashmiri terrorism has been finally consumed by her terrible offspring.That will bring no solace to the thousand of indian victims of islamic terror.She follows in the path of General Zia who went up in a bomb.
Another recently retd General better watch out.
PS Suicide bombers apparently get 72 Virgins in paradise.What do the victims of these attacks get?

Bala, Mumbai, India

Murder of a charismatic lady though highly corrupt and feudal is sad. It is amazing that those who profess Islam day in and day out, murder a helpless woman? Is it Islamic? From the mayhem of Islamic extremists and jihadi terrorists all over the world, how can we say: Islam is a religion of peace and love?

Pakistani leaders including Benazir Bhutto and her ISI are responsible for the growth of Frankenstein monster, known as Islamic terrorism and jihad. So it is not surprising that it has started killing the supporters and masters.

Pakistan will eventually plunge into bloody civil war and broken into different independent nations.

But UK, US, European nations and India should close their borders and prevent the immigration of people from Pakistan in all forms for "better life".
Regards,

Krishna R. Kumar, Udupi, India

Tragically, the events that continue to cultivate and unfold in Pakistan are symbolic that "fear rules". It is the same type of fear that the U.S. has allowed itself not only on the domestic homefront but, the world-stage under the guise of democracy promoted by George W. Bush and the neocons. If we learn nothing else from this tragedy, we cannot allow our leaders to set the agenda based on fear. Democracy cannot flourish under the barrel of a gun - regrettably, our commander in chief, George W. Bush doesn't understand the basic concept. Franklin D. Roosevelt said it best, "we have nothing to fear but, fear itself."

tom cat, greenville, usa/nc

Bhutto was doomed the moment she returned. There can be no female power in an Islamic society; there can be no democratic debate in an Islamic society. There is nothing to debate, there is only Sharia. Islam is not the Religion of Peace. It is the only religion that specifically sanctifies, even mandates violence and murder. This type of killing is the duty of believers. Islam has been at war with the non-Islamic world since its inception. This war will last until all of the world accepts Allah as master or until Islam is destroyed. There is no middle ground that will not be soaked in blood.

Equbal Parsi, Miami, USA

The world today hears the bell toll for democracy, it rings for a woman who gave her life for it.

John Thompson, Raleigh, NC/USA

It's easy to sit here and say we should crush the "terrorists" or fight a "global war on terror" with bullets and bombs, unfortunately, that is not very effective and only perpetuates things into a vicious circle. Terrorism cannot be fought with violence, only education and tolerance can diffuse the hot heads of terrorists. Everyone around the world must step up and refuse to tolerate bigotry and outdated irrelevent superstitions (such as a woman is not permitted to lead a country, go out in public wearing whatever she wants, etc) in order to stop this madness. People brainwashing the impressionable young with pseudo-religious garbage (I have seen it in both Islam and Christianity) and words of hate and intolerance must be stopped if we are to ever "win" this "global war on terror."

Terry, Plano, Texas, USA

Musharaff and his power hunger!
He showed the world how low he can stoop to cling on to power.
Divide and rule.
Rule even when people do not support him, rule even when the judiciary says hes an illegal president..stick to power even if means assasinating, or being complacent in Benazirs security.
Mia Musharaff, you have shown the world what no one in history can even dream of acheiving.

Silver Painter, New York, NY

Is there anyway to end of all this hate? Muslim is blackened. The word itself is associated with death and hate. I have no idea how it could ever be whitened again.
Marisa Castillo

maria castillo, san juan, puerto rico

Was Bhutto really that popular in Pakistan?

Or was she a Western construct?

I am quite curious on this question.

geoff., canada, canada

I never really cared for her...but knowing that she was a Shia Muslim, and actually knew a thing or two about Democracy changed my opinion of her. I inherited the PNL-Q, literally--but her death makes me sick. Pakistani's will not succeed or get anywhere in this world, as long as they keep killing themselves!
Wonder why more people want to leave the country, than to reside in it...go figure!

SMWpdx, Portland, OR,

Very sad news for the whole country. She took the risk she shouldn't have taken. Whatever her faults may have been but nevertheless she was a leader who believed in democracy. who is responsible? The responsibility lies with no one else but self imposed President of the country whose actions have thrown the whole country into turmoil.

B.A. Solangi, Ilford.,

Men never do evil so completely and cheerfully as when they do it from a religious conviction.

Sharon, NY, NY

I am in shock at the assassination of Benazir Bhutto, I admired her tremendously as a strong, powerfull and democratic leader. I am a muslim woman and I strongly believe Benazir Bhutto is what the muslim world needed! I pray for her and her family.

Romessa, Pickering , Canada

Lets not jump in the band wagon and blame Musharrraf and al-qaeda. Musharraf is mearly a puppet of the so-called democratic free world, and al-qaeda a myth created by them. This is the work of the free-world (so-called). They installed, funded and directed Musharraf for the last 7 years. Why didnt they remove his military dictatorship when the had a good reason to do so. Because he works for them. come on people wake up.

Truth, London,

Let this be a continuing message of the barbarian terror methods used that will not just go away at the cheap talk of so called wanabe leaders. What's it gonna take another 911.....Wake up everyone!

Jim, Abington, Pa USA

i don't know why people so easily and quickly blame a religion for this. So sad, so sad.

Anwar, Bogor, Indonesia

Its a sad day for Pakistan as well as India to lose an Iron Lady. This is certainly an Al-Qaeda operation with ISI providing intelligence for this operation. If Benazir Bhutto won elections she would have had the momentum to transform the political landscape and put ISI genie back in the bottle. But unfortunately, Pakistan will be a God forsaken land for sometime now as the big tree has fallen and tremors will undoubtedly be felt across the region. The Americans have screwed up big time by picking up wrong end of the stick. Their incompetence and shortsightedness are appalling. My prayers with bereaved supporters of Benazir Bhutto and her family
Amen

Jayadev, Kochi, Kerala,India

No religion, including ISLAM allows killing of innocent human beings, anger has to be and should be expressed for anyone who perpetuates killing of innocents; but to label a religion as barbaric is bad that too when one is not aware of teachings of that religion.No religion gives freedom to massacre innocent people.ISLAM says "killing a single innocent human amounts to killing of the whole humanity".Why to see ISLAM only in a suicide bomber who has a muslim name, there are many without a muslim name even.
The most clear picture of ISLAM and the only authentic one is in the teachings and life of Prophet(PBUH) and the society of his companions.
Morever,same anguish and hatred for the killers of innocents should prevail, be the victim a former prime minister, a very ordinary muslim of Gujrat, a common man in Iraq, a civilian in Afghanistan or Palastine or an Englishman in London or an American in Washington

nisar, Srinagar, india

We need to engage in a compassionate discourse with the followers of Islam. All we need to do is to find common ground. A peaceful resolution is the only answer.
Fred, Fayetteville,, North Carolina, USA

Are you totally insane? That’s what this brave woman was trying do and they murdered her.

Wake up, we are at war, and whether you believe it or not, these people want you and your children dead. They don’t want compromise, they don’t want peace, they want us all dead. It’s so much easer for them when you don’t see them as an enemy.

According to libs, terrorism is America’s fault; can’t wait to start seeing them blame Bush for this somehow.

Scott, Florida.USA,

Indeed a terrbile development for progress in Pakistan, but who are we kidding? She wasn't Indira Ghandi.

The Pakistani government controls little territory within its own borders. It's volatile and nuclear-armed. Let's just pray that the Islamic separatists will not have their way and bring about full-blown Civil War.

Nash, Black's Township, NJ

This is a senseless death. I read these responses and realize that people just don't get it. Our entire world is on a down hill road slide to hell. The human heart is filled with evil, no matter what nationality. People are void of morals and void of conscience. They continue to do what is right in their own eyes. Until people realize their sinful nature and need for salvation that comes from someone other than themselves, nothing will change. Wars will continue, death will continue, families will continue to fall apart. A day of judgment will come for each and every one of us, like it or now. We will all be accountable. Those who don't believe now will believe then. The time is closer than you think. It is not about having a religion or being religious......it is all about having a relationship with the one true living God.....Jesus Christ. He is the Prince of Peace. The only one to bring peace. Wait and see. Judgment is coming to all.

Preceptlady, Atlanta, , GA

tragic,tragic,tragic!!!!!!!!!!!
may HER SOUL rest in peace.

peace, Bristol, UK

Why did she return to Pakistan,she was insane.

Ciaran Caughey., Belfast,

it's very sad to hear about a world leader who had farsightedness and the potential to take pakistan ahead in many ways, assassinated. it simply provides further proof to the fact that even in 21st century, people are not enough broad minded and practical to let others take on the lead if it is for the betterment of a nation. all of us are in deep shock and grief for a human being who inspite of not being an ideal for many, at least worked to her nation's people's BEST interest. a salute to benazir bhutto for the woman she was

Sandhya Chaudhry, Delhi, India

No politician in Pakistan is 'good' or 'bad'. They are to be measured only by varying degrees of corruptibility - and by all shades between Musharraff and Bhutto. That said, her demise in this fashion was utterly predictable. That was made all the more so after Musharraff pre-secured the protection of a hand-picked Supreme Court after unceremoniously replacing their impartial predecessors. All this has been made possible by the US' and Bush's unquestioning patronage of their glove puppet Musharraff. The gun that killed Bhutto may have been fired in Pakistan. But it was loaded in Washington.

The Revd. Tony de Alwis, Nottingham, UK

Please give CHANGE a chance!

The finger is pointed today at Musharraf {surely, for the failure of his administration, at least}. If he believes that he is not responsible, his conscience should come out to say THAT HE WILL TAKE NO ROLE IN THIS ELECTION!

Let us all pray for Benazir and her family and for Pakistan.

Titus, Toronto, ON, Canada

Bush is in a tough spot now, of his own making, as usual. Blaming al Quada would draw attention to the fact that Pakistan allows them to thrive in their country. Not condeming them suggests that some other party (Mush himself?) is responsible. What would Jesus do?

Zentrails, Philly, PA

The Islamists factions would never had benefited from Benair not coming into power. What Benzair promised in 'War on Terror' , Musharraf is already delivering it. Pakistan has suffered enough helping US run its 'War on terror' campaign. A stable democratic Pakistan means no dictation from US. So who benefits from this? Come on people, bring Musharraf back as a dictator and if it is not possible, Invasion is always a second option.

Q, london,

For as long as there has been religion and politics there have been people who have wanted to kill eachother. Does History not teach us anything? Practice your religion, do not shove it down other peoples throats. Practice your politics and apply the same rule and everything would be fine. Such a shame. Though she was not exactly Mother Teresa she did offer something different and an exciting opportunity and role model for Women and Girls all over the world who realised that they could actually have an opinion about something and be listened to.

Speak, London, United Kingdom

Another Shame on Islam, it is now up to Islamists to clean up the filth that has grown out of their own fanatic crazies. Shame on you. This also confirms the utter hopelessness of the human condition and shows once again we are but brainless animals living in a thinly veiled self deception of political stability - actually we live always close to total anarchy. It is not just the Muslims, but we of the western world as well, chasing out material toys, seeking out drugs and sex to escape from the capitalism we thought would save us.

H. Horne, Bend, Oregon

Those who criticise her with lies about corruption and nonsense about how she should not have gone back have her blood on their hands. And the blood of thousands of others.

Matt, Shropshire,

And you wonder why the Israelis built a wall.

leila, manchester, uk

It's only going to get worse people. When will the world rise up against this global threat?

Kevin Opatz, Boulder City, Nevada

The act is horrible and the killing of Bhutto and the poor folks in her crowd utterly unacceptable.

Unfortunately she was no hero. Twice Prime Minister of a very poor country and she and her husband looted whatever they could from the treasury and did nothing to better her people. She was no beacon of democracy, she was not Pakistan's hope or anything of that sort. She was willing to negotiate with a coupist and a Dictator in order to get back to power.
{Nelson Mandela - now that is a hero.}

Ahmadu, Dutse,

You would think that precedent being what it is and having been on the receiving end of a suicide bombing only weeks before, that it would occur to Bhutto that she shouldn't be wading through throngs of supporters and well wishers. But I guess not.

The islamic suicide bomber modus operandi started with the killing of US marines in Beirut and became a regular staple of mid-east news during the Intifadah with the killing of Jews, but at this point I'd venture to guess that ten times as many muslims have been killed by them as have been non-muslims.

It probably doesn't seem so funny anymore.

John, Northampton, USA

Bhutto should rightly be remembered as a hero.

Although she had been accused of petty corruption, she voluntarily returned to her homeland and risked her life - hardly the behavior one would expect from a pocket-lining politician. Bhutto left behind a comfortable life in London - if comfort was her desire, she'd have remained there.

And although her supporters blame Musharraf, this terrible crime was carried out by a suicide bomber - hardly the mark of Pakistan's army. No....this was Al Qaeda.

These nihilistic Islamist maniacs are cannibalizing the very Muslim world they claim to be defending. Truly, has any force in the world today claimed more Muslims than the Muslim Jihaadis themselves? Muslims blame America and Israel while their real enemy lurks within.

Al Qaeda, Bin Laden and Al Sawahiri, are the certainly the greatest Muslim killers of all time.

jcambro, Chicago, Illinois, USA

Such an intelligent and beautiful human life terminated in such a brutal inhuman way. If it is true that we, humans, have sprang from the apes, it seems evident we have not landed very far...

"Violence is the last refuge of the brutes, the stupid and the incompetent".

Al Cruz, London, UK

History repeats itself, again.

The assasination of Bhutto is a false flag operation designed to perpetuate the "War on Terror." To be blamed on "radical Islamist terrorists," the crime will be used initially to influence the US Presidential election in Guiliani's favor, What a strange co-incidence that Guiliani releases his pro "War on Terror" advertisements on the same day as this assassination.

Then, as instability in nuclear-armed Pakistan develops, pressure will mount in the US and Britain to invade the country "to prevent weapons of mass destruction from falling into the hands of Islamict terrorists."

Do not let them get away with this horrendous crime.

LAZARUS LONG, CONCORD, NH, USA

Islam will be a religion of peace only when their own are willing to stand up to the murderous thugs that infest it and use it as an excuse to destroy free thought and action.
I'm not holding my breath waiting for this to happen. I've yet to see any hint of a movement toward courage.

DRC, Oakland Park, Florida

Half a good point Khalid! As someone aptly put it: "violence is the last refuge of the brutes, the stupid and the incompetent". Furthermore, the "the bad and corrupt in the world are many and the good are but few. It follows the sages injure the world in many instance and only benefit it in few". Draw your own inferences.

Al Cruz, London, England

We need to engage in a compassionate discourse with the followers of Islam. All we need to do is to find common ground. A peaceful resolution is the only answer.

Fred, Fayetteville,, North Carolina, USA

a very unhuman and devastating political demise of a leader who had the guts to turn the table.......

chris, new delhi, india

Jesus, Mohammad???? Wadever, c'mon people - it's all a sham - IT'S PEOPLE!!!!!!

Bob Martin, New York, NY

Not one good thing at any level can come from this. These terrorists are now the world's lading clebrities and they do it because they dig it, not for any other reason. Their cuase is their own little egos. it is actually routine but svere neurosis with bombs...marshall bell

marshall bell, Los Angeles, CA

The Unwillingness to let the RECOGNITION of RISK restrict individual freedom will have a Equally Predictable Ending.

Amad Shaff, Runweed, Pakistan

Is this a suprise to anyone? She is a progressive woman in an increasingly strict muslim country. She represented all that militant islam hates. These islamic savages will do this to anyone who gets in the way of their dream of an oppressive, medieval sharia state. She won't be the last.

Scott Cunningham, Las Vegas,

I shall pray a Prayer for you tonight Miss Bhutto.
Christians around the World knew you as a woman of strength and peace. It is a truly sad day that Muslim Nutters around the World wanted you dead.

TangoMike, stansted, IK

to what horror do you cling? The real enemy is inside your own minds

anuru, minneapolis,

Butto created her own death. When she insisted that she be allowed to go out in Pubic she should have known what was going to happend. They should have seen this coming especially with all the problems AlQueda has been causing in Pakastani. Did you think those Islamic wackos would actually allow a woman to be a leader, or allow anybody else that is opposed to the evil form of Islam that terrorist force onto others?

This is what happens when people like her continue to think that terrorists are not the problem. After Musharrif ordered a State of Emergency, he should have been allowed to go into the places where AlQueda hides and wipe them out....insted Musarif gets world pressure that allows AlQueda to run free and cause thses kind of incidents.

Kevin, Garland, USA/TX

I do not think this is the work of Musharaff. It must be the work of Islamonuts who dislike her moderation, her makeup and jewelry etc,

Dennis , New Jersey , USA

And Al Gore just won the peace prize for his courageous stance on global warming. This tragic event kind of puts everything in perspective and shows who the real heroes of freedom are.

Sam Minervino, Portland, Maine

I will foolishly hope that this attack will force the leaders in that part of the world to start rooting out the Madrassas and leaders who ferment this violence. Education and supplanting the location are the only way to rid the world of the widespread terror that the fanatical Muslims foment across the globe.

JLD, Dallas,

Can we all, at least for one day, stop calculating the ramifications that this evil will claim upon our own country. For one day at least let us mourn the deaths of the innocent.

paul, NRH, Texas

A country with the most radical muslims showed their real skin to the whole world. Even knowingly, the great country of America was breast feeding these hypocrites and Pres Musharaf liked the breast milk dazzeled with American Tax payer dollars very much!!!!

George Benjamin, rowlett, US

Please find me ONE islamic country where the religion is not used to produce barbarians - and one can NOT blame the barbarism on poverty or lack of education. Bin Laden puts that lie to rest - this is a religion that supports the concept of murder of "infidels".

Tragic. A great woman. A real HERO.

I just spent the Christmas weekend in Las Vegas with THOUSANDS of displaced PERSIANS who have made Vegas a tradition on Christams - which must ease the pain of having been driven from their homeland by Islamic Radicals.

Wealthy or poor, Islamic or Christian - the world has too many victims of Islamo-Fascism. To try to take the Islamic element out of the equation is maddness. Just as it is to take take the Christian element out of Christo-Fascism that was the Nazi Party. Religion have and will be used to spread violence and hate. To ignore that is maddness. Christians around the world stood up to defeat the Nazi's. Now is the time for the Muslim world to stand up.

RJP , Cambridge, MA USA

Tragic end to a very corrupt women. I would have preferred that she and her husband should have been tried in a court of law for looting a deprived nation. She was also instrumental in rise of extremist Talibans in Afghanistan. So the calling card has come back.

Khalid Mian, London, UK