Bhutto assassination rocks Pakistan

The assassination of Benazir Bhutto is a severe, and potentially crippling, blow to international hopes that Pakistan might emerge into a state of stability.

The risks of Pakistan imploding have once again increased.

It is a further setback for the US "War on Terror", which has as part of its strategy in the region the restoration of democracy in Pakistan to offer an alternative path, away from militancy and extremism.

The strategy is very much at risk.

Benazir Bhutto's death came less than two weeks before elections scheduled for 8 January.

The ability of militants to wreak havoc with their ruthless tactics is once again demonstrated

Her decision to carry on with campaigning despite a double suicide bomb attack on her convoy immediately after her return to Pakistan on 18 October was undoubtedly brave.

However, it underestimated the determination of those out to kill her.

She herself blamed Islamic extremists for the first attack.

The ability of such militants to wreak havoc with their ruthless tactics is once again demonstrated. READ MORE