The effect that the assassination of Benazir Bhutto will have on the situation in Pakistan is unknown.  Many writers and media outlets are trying desperately to tie her death to the Bush Administration as this article in the WAPO suggests. Was it a lack of special security vehicles as some of her supporters claim that Pakistan President Musharraf  have suggested, probably not, whether you believe the official version that she hit her head while ducking.  This attack appeared to be a somewhat well planned and executed, I mean the fact is, this attacker (or potentially other attackers although nothing suggests there were multiple assailants) obviously was able to gain close access, fire some rounds, and detonate an explosives vest or belt. 

Reports that Blackwater or other similar private security companies were prevented from protecting her are potentially troubling, while Pakistan’s military has done a commendable job protecting President Musharraf from multiple assassination attempts, who was providing the close protection to candidate Bhutto?  Was it her own people or was it the security services of Pakistan, my guess is her own people.  There is a constant tension from political candidates in all countries resisting their security details, a constant challenge, access or security?

Benazir Bhutto was clearly a controversial figure with allegations or wrongdoing.  But she was most obviously a very brave individual, with both threats against her verbally and actual attacks, as recent as her return from exile. For any person to leave a life of luxury where she was feted by leaders and the media alike, to return to a country where she was loved and hated, with death threats constantly abounding, that is the mark of one great leader. With Al Qaeda getting it’s a.s.s kicked in Iraq, and the potential for a woman to come to power and go into the FATA after the remnants of the Al Qaeda leadership, that would have proven too much for these Arab Muslims to take.  I for one am convinced it was Al Qaeda.

Benazir Bhutto, we salute you for your courage and wish our friends in Pakistan a safe and free future and elections.