Obviously a hideous tragedy for Pakistan and the world.

Also a shame that some people on Mudcat seem to be so petty that they are determined to tie this tragedy to their own anti-religion hobby-horse. It should be obvious to anybody who takes off blinders for just a minute that any belief can be abused--including secularism. In fact that particular phenomenon--abuse of secularism-- seems to happen fairly often on Mudcat--perhaps a reaction to perceived powerlessness off Mudcat--since religion still plays a large role, including, still, in US politics. .

Anybody who has said that that religion should be "stamped out" has no leg to stand on in criticizing terrorism--the line between advocating that a belief be "stamped out" and terrorism is very thin. I'm sure the suicide bomber who killed Bhutto was convinced she and her ideas needed to be "stamped out"--even at the cost of his own life.

I challenge anybody, however, to find justification within Islam for what the suicide bomber did.


Another, much less significant , but still noteworthy, aspect of the Pakistan disaster is that it is likely to strengthen those presidential candidates who claim "experience"--including Hillary. Though if her opponents are smart they will point out that the bulk of her "experience" was as First Lady, not exactly a first-rank foreign policy position. And as Senator, she's not been a mover and shaker in foreign policy--more like an enabler for Mr. Bush.

But we'll see.

As to whether Musharraf had a hand in the killing, he wouldn't have to have a direct hand--just not try hard to ferret out the al-Qaeda sympathizers in his own government. Remember that Bhutto herself accused Musharraf--recently, in fact, after a failed attack on her-- of not trying hard to provide security for her appearances. She may well have been right--though it's not anything we're likely to get a clear answer on any time soon.