Thursday, December 27, 2007

Former Pakistani Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto Killed in Suicide Bombing

Former Pakistani Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto was killed in suicide bombing today. It was first reported that she was uninjured and then later reported that she was undergoing surgery. Unfortunately, the second most infuential woman in the world didn't survive. FOX News has a really good bio here.

Rudy Guiliani:
“The assassination of Benazir Bhutto is a tragic event for Pakistan and for democracy in Pakistan. Her murderers must be brought to justice and Pakistan must continue the path back to democracy and the rule of law. Her death is a reminder that terrorism anywhere -- whether in New York, London, Tel-Aviv or Rawalpindi -- is an enemy of freedom. We must redouble our efforts to win the Terrorists’ War on Us.”
The White House has released a statement condemning the attack, but has said very little else on the subject thus far...

UPDATE: We finally have some words from President Bush:
"The United States strongly condemns this cowardly act by murderous extremists who are trying to undermine Pakistan's democracy," he said. "Those who committed this crime must be brought to justice."
...
"We stand with the people of Pakistan in their struggle against the forces of terror and extremism. We urge them to honor Benazir Bhutto's memory by continuing with the democratic process for which she so bravely gave her life," he said.
UPDATE 2: AP News Alert:
ISLAMABAD, Pakistan (AP) Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf announces three days of mourning for Benazir Bhutto.
UPDATE 3: Mitt Romney:
"We are still learning the details of today's tragic events in Pakistan, but this is a stark reminder that America must not only stay on high alert, but remain actively engaged across the globe. Pakistan has long been a key part in the war against extremism and radical jihadists. For those who think Iraq is the sole front in the War on Terror, one must look no further than what has happened today. America must show its commitment to stand with all moderate forces across the Islamic world and together face the defining challenge of our generation – the struggle against violent, radical jihadists.

"At this difficult time, our thoughts and prayers go to the family of Benazir Bhutto, and to all the people of Pakistan who are fighting against extremist forces that would commit such heinous acts as the whole world has witnessed today."
UPDATE 3: Secretary of State Rice:
"On behalf of the United States, I want to express our deepest sympathy on the tragic death of former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto. We extend our sincere condolences to the Bhutto family and to the family -- families of others who were killed and wounded in this attack. We condemn in the strongest possible terms this cowardly and murderous attack.

Ms. Bhutto's passing is a great loss for Pakistan. I knew her as a woman of great courage and had been impressed by her dedication and commitment to democracy and the future of Pakistan itself.

As President Bush said earlier today, the perpetrators of this crime must be brought to justice.

The deadly results of this attack will no doubt test the will and patience of the people of Pakistan. We urge the Pakistani people, political leaders and civil society to maintain calm and to work together to build a more moderate, peaceful and democratic future."
UPDATE 4: An AP News Alert from earlier in the day:
ISLAMABAD, Pakistan (AP) Opposition leader Nawaz Sharif says his party is boycotting the Jan. 8 parliamentary elections.