Ms. Benazier Bhutto's assassination is not only tragic but it could provide more serious implication towards socio- economy of business communications in that of western nations than the defeat of entire U.S. military group and allies in Iraq, under the "Messrs. Petrozaurus's."

Kenta Sato ARC-Intrband, Fujigawa, Kanagawa, Japan

very sad day I hope she rests in peace! As far as I'm concerned religon is a big con, invented by humans to control humans. People need to start living in the now and realize that obviously religon doesnt work as most of the tragic and harmful acts committed through the ages have been because of too many gods!

jim, ny,

One of the sadest days of Pakistan's political history. Wake up the West. A failed Musharraf should not have your support. This very feeling is all around here in Pakistan. But such appeals go unheard and you (the West), champions of democracy, always support military dictators. Double standard.

Ahmad Waleed, Lahore, Pakistan

FBI has announced everywhere who the killers were?? Please! We all know what American "facts" are all about! And how convenient for them to quickly spread that announcement only hours after Bush spoke to Musharraf. In Pakistan the people still feel Musharraf is responsible for the plot. We need to hear the Pakistani's views on this - not the U.S. and their manipulative nonsense. I live in the U.S half of the year and have ZERO belief in their manipulative political announcements.

Ann, Barcelona, Spain

Bhutto had shown in public a lot since she came back to Pakistan.i know she was very brave cause there were great treathen to her life. but for some time i have been sick of her appearace in public inciting pakistani to boycott the election or the state of emergency.God knows whether she was protecting her people or not ,and at that time Musharaf has give up a lot .but i can't imagine those people challenge their opponent by assasination.this is simply unacceptable and out of rule.

shirley, guangzhou , China

"Courageous" "Charismatic" "A wonderful woman" "Brave"?

Get real people...this woman stole millions from the people of Pakistan. The very poor and uneducated people she "pledged to help"
She wasn't content with houses in Dubai, London and Pakistan.. untold millions in the bank or with her family. Her only aim was to have POWER, no matter what.
She knew the risks.

Susannah, Abu Dhabi, UAE

To Simon in Bath, she was killed probably because she stole $1.4 billion from the people of Pakistan - and like former General Musharaf and other politicians, victim to attempted suicide attacks by a small element of confused and ignorant fools who mistakenly believe they represent the teachings of Islam. Don't delude yourself into thinking this has anything to do with gender.

Farrukh, Woking, UK

Facts:

1. She has yet to be convicted of getting "kick backs"
2. Islam itself is not to blame
3. She is a brave woman, she knew what could have happened
4. The US and other parts of the World are no strangers to assassinations.
5. You can' t have peace unless basic human needs are met

Quoc, Seattle, USA

Ms bhutto's dead is solemn and stirring
her great cause will be immoral
No one can't forger her
she will live in our heart -the first femal prime minister in the muslim world in the late 1980s.

alicegwj, hefei city , china

When A Big Tree Falls - Bhutto and Pakistan


Usually when a big tree falls,
There is bound to be tremors.
The tree has fallen to the ground
But there is silence and murmurs.

The fire is burning beneath
Like in ash covered coal,
People are seething with anger
And praying for the dead soul.

When it finally erupts
With the force of a volcano,
Will Pakistan survive?
With its karma fast catching up
I really don't Know.

Vikram G Aarella, Cardiff, Wales

Ah, but, but, but.

jasper, chelmsford,

We in the west must accept that some countries/people are not ready for democracy and that a dictator is their best hope for peace and stability. The muslin world is full of such countries and we must stop trying to force democracy on people who are not up to the responsibilities that come with it.

Stephen, Middlesbrough, UK

It's incredible to see how islam is used in a favor of few. I can't beleive why crazy people kills in GOD's Name. This is unnaceptable. True muslims must start a cruzade to wipe out this crazy people, if you ask theirselves and ask to yourself, you will never find such crazy acctions as GOD ACTS. It seems that muslim people are doomed.

Benazir, may rest in peace.

LuisC, Lima, Peru

This woman stood there and said 'dare you'. Well they did and now Pakistan needs to find someone else who believes that democracy is the only way ahead. If democracy is a good thing of course. Sometimes I look at British democracy and wonder whether it is.

Judy , Liverpool,

May your God bless you, you brave brave woman. let us not forget, also Aung San Su Kyi (orgive spelling!) of Mynamar another brave asian lady with whom I am sure Ms Bhutto would have a fellow-feeling. Her saga has been going on for 20 yrs now

Brian davies, Eastbourne, United Kingdom

Benazir could be positive star in the dark era of Army Rule where the country is loosing its image. Her personality and political ability can build better image of Pakistan. Her dead is sad and now political stability seems to be a dream in near future.

I feel that killing innocent people and political leaders is just making the country and its people suffer.

Fahad, Grenoble, France

To ALEC and Simon and all others who are just on the look-out everything on Islam:

This is an internal political matter. And if you dont know how Pakistan political machinery works, then dont just comment abt it. Taliban No. 1 target would be Musharraf and Not Benazir who wasnt even in power. So please dont let your prejudice rule your sanity.

As for her and her family, i feel deeply hurt and sad. She was definitely one of most brave women of this World. May her soul rest in peace. Ameen

NAB, Manchester, UK

What happened is tragic, its shocking. I admit that.

BUT why is she better then military rule? What about all those charges or corruption? How can people forget and ignore the corruption under her rule. That didnt do any good and she doesnt deserve martyrdom status. She wasn't an honourable leader.

Stop blaming Islam -
Regarding the asinine comments from the likes of Mel Davis
we western countries have had our fair share of assassinations - and what about the murder rates in our western Christian world??? Its not like we respect life. Would about the civilian murders our actions caused in Iraq and Afganistan.

And thanks Bush for calling it a cowardly act. That is rich.

A Christian in London

AndJ, London,

The attack on Benazir Bhutto only shows how the political unrest has only worsened.I seriously condemn such a gruesome n heinous act..A lady who knew her life was in threat,inspite of which she strived hard to give Pakistan a new politic facelift,restore democracy.Today i really salute a lady, who stood through her family being assasinated time n again, for her guts n determination.
I pray for her soul n Pray That Her Efforts Don't Go In Vain

reema, Mumbai, Maharashtra

One of the ironies of Islamic militancy is that it accuses the West of immorality and decadence and to a degree maybe it has a point. Maybe our society is decadent and maybe the morals of many of western citizens (even me) are up for debate. However a society that not only permits but encourages its members to engage in mass slaughter by indiscriminate mindless suicide attacks loses its right to point a finger in any direction. Given the choice I,ll take the decadent immoral west every time.

Alec, Manchester,

well i suppose it was inevitable. her family has suffered greviously over the years for their involvement in politics in this volatile part of the word. but to echo anjum; it's not religon, it's all about power.

Phil Barnes, preston, england

Killed because she is female. This is the enemy we face.

simon, bath, uk

This is an absolute tragedy which comes to Pakistan from time to time, but it is going to pass sooner or later. Democracy has been tried many a time in Pakistan and has badly failed even when there was no military influence. The best thing about this country is that it is and would be safe and sound and any foreign nation would not think twice but thrice before attacking Pakistan.

Z TARIQ, London, UK

Iam deeply shocked on this terrible news,it's such a set back in the political histroy of pakistan whose future implications would be far devastating than one can imagine,She was indeed such a committed and loyal leader of Pakistan who sacrificed her life for this nation,I give salute to her on her bravery and her love for pakistani nation.Ahh Benazir May ur soul rest in peace,May God bless you with heaven.ameen.

Saiqa, Islamabad, Pakistan

The religion of peace strikes again.

Dennis, Gaithersburg, USA

You can discuss this incident forever. Yet it boils down to one thing and one thing only: CORRUPTION. The foundation and continuing fudamental element in politics in Pakistan. That is what killed her. Human nature has rose to the surface again, greed for corruption and power has overcome everything else including humanity. It saddens me to be able to say that we all know too well how Pakistani people will react. This incident will cause further bloodshed. I say this not out of spite (my parents are from pakistan and im born here) but out of saddness for the people are too willing to jump on the bandwagon of revenge. As much as the west is criticised for its ideology and practices. There is one key difference that the west should be hailed for. And that is the appreciation of human life, the value of a person no matter how little or small. Whereas the east have yet to grasp this concept. It's almost as if they are used to hearing masses of people dieing in a bomb blast.

Haroon Sheikh, London, UK

It is simply disgusting the world we are living. If it is true that the Islamic militants are behind the killing it is a coming back to Middle Age. Glory to Benazir, one of the few still fighting for the others and not for the money!

Gianpaolo Renino, Napoli, Italy

As saddened as I am to hear of this, the reality is that I wasn't the least bit surprised. The truth is that Pakistan has always been, since it's founding, a murky, dangerous and anarchic place who's short history has been littered with such assasinations and other forms of political violence. Unfortunately, as much money and attention as the US and UK throw at this problem (which we must, given that the alternative is unacceptable), we don't fully comprehend the amorality that pervades this country's politics and society. It's very possible that it emerges that this was the work of Musharraf, our supposed ally who will conveniently find today that the West now has no viable alternatives but to support his regime fully despite a recent tilt towards Bhutto. And, frankly, we will have to oblige and redouble our support for him. Welcome to the dangerous and enigmatic politics of nuclear-armed, Islamist-stoked Pakistan. God help us all.

H Juneja, London, England

Whjy are they shouting out 'dog' about the person they feel responsible for this dastardly deed? I know of no species of dog that plans murder and suicide attacks.

helen, Norwich,

Our hearts go out to the people of Pakistan at this terrible time.
May she rest in peace.
Kathy, Lancashire

Kathy Maidment, Chorley, Lancashire

And Mohammed is now the 2nd most popular boys name in the UK. Gotta love it. ;-)

Keith Olery, New York City, USA / NY

Had she been elected again as the P.M it would have improved the status of the Muslim women, she being a highly educated lady she would have improved the plight of women there

A.H.Rau, Hyderabd, India

Dictatorship or military rule is bad for any country. However, in the case of Pakistan unfortunately the so called democrats like Bhuttos (Benazir and her father included) and the Shareefs have been worse than any dictator. One may criticize the Pakistani army for anything but out of four military rulers not even a single one has looted the country and taken its money to buy palaces outside.

If anyone has deprived the masses in Pakistan of their rights it is the landlords known gageerdars and vaderas. Mullah influence in Pakistan is overestimated and people who overplay this influence find it so convenient to ignore election results. That they have succeeded in NWFP credit must be given to Bush and Blair for providing them this opportunity.

M A Yusufzai, London, UK

It is rare to see a women capable enough to lead a nation and a Muslim country on top of that. I feel the loss as do her family, supporters and many countrymen.

As for her attacker - the only way to combat fundamental Islam is to provide people with adequate food, clothing, shelter and I would add a proper education. It will not change everyone but it will provide less imputus for most of today's young Muslim men to join Jihadist organization.

But I am very suspectful of the government's action. I believe they were aware of the attack yet chose to take no action and that constitute aiding the terrorist, which only makes the terrorist even bolder.

Naleen, California,

This is just a pretext for the US to send in its forces (possibly as a UN "peacekeeping" mission) to secure the next link in the oil supply chain and surround and isolate Iran, now that the National Intelligence Estimate has meant the Attack on Iran has had to be postponed.

Bhutto is, tragically, collateral damage in the ongoing PNAC geopolitical game.

Voland, Caen, France

This sad news is not only a blow to Pakistan, but to the whole region including India. The void created by this event, will surely give the hard line Islamists the stage to exploit the situation which can easily engulf India in the flames of religious violence in due course. The West must make sure that the nuclear arsenal of Pakistan is well secured and India must take steps to secure its borders in order to contain the fallout from the current situation. The Pakistani military must take charge once again and postpone the elections till matters are well under control. Civil war in Pakistan is now closer than ever. God help us all.

mocho, St. Louis, Mo., U.S.A.

It is a great loss for women all round the world. My heart goes out to her family and to all the women who must suffer as a consequence of these barbaric attitudes towards women's emancipation and equality.

Stephen Pain, odense, denmark

What a shame for Pakistan!
It showed again there is no stability and law and order in Pakistan.
It is time for Pakistan to stop tying religion with politics; this is killing Pakistan and other Muslim countries. C'mon wake up and get your act together for the well being of your country men.

Rehan, Toronto, Canada

It is indeed sad that Bhutto has died but those who say that Bhutto's death is a loss for Pakistan's democratic future have probably slept or intentionally ignored what she has been doing during her 2 terms of power. She was a corrupt woman and has been looting the country as much as she could and has hence done more harm than good to the country. So why is a person's death who has actually been harming Pakistan more tragic than the lives of those people who have been killed since her return to Pakistan in October this year? Bhutto was very well aware she was not welcome in Pakistan and has therefore voluntarily taken the risk to be harmed/killed.

To P Lee from Bangkok Thailand who said that "even British rule was better than this". I cannot believe how ignorant you are and how foolish your comment is. Get some history lessons!

N. A. G., London, UK

Once again the forces of evil and darkness come out on top.

Bruce Northwood, Washington, D.C. , USA

Death has no calendar. Bhutto was in line as prime minister or going to be killed. The army is known for its corruption as well as the Bhutto's and Sharif's. Her re-entry would have challenged the army. What happens now ?
1. Civil War ? No i dont think so : The army will make sure of that. they are as brutal and as corupt as Sadam Hussein's Regime or for that fact the Saudi Regime.

2. If we dont have election, then 'democracy would be seen to be defeated' will be the slogans. Musharraf Wins

3.An Alliance betwee Sharif and PPP is only way through a democratic process of defeating the military. If this occurs, the West had better support it , because the military is not going to back of easily. It may not be the best choice , but it is democracy. If we are to hail and trumpet bhutto as a symbol of democracy, then its only because of democracy and not Bhutto.

4. What about the Al-Qaida nd Taliban ? They just want a new face in politics. No cronies, no corruption.

ifty, London, London

I am disgusted with the views of those blaming Islam. May be you should care to actually look into our religion, it is a stupid suggestion to say 1 billion+ muslims shared the views of the stupid people responsible for this attack. Quit slating Islam!!!

Waleed, Derby,

For heaven's sake people keep religion out of all this. Blaming Islam or Muslims for this assassination is like saying Christians have started crusades in Afghanistan, Iraq and wherever those so called (anglo-american) well wishers of democracy are invading other countries.

Anjum G, London, UK

This is just terrible I can only imagine what people would feel if ron paul was assasinated. I don't think bhuto and paul can be compared alot or should be but there was similar desperate hope behind both of them. CURSE all wars, religions Special interests and dictators!
Peace and unity is the only way to save this planet... I pity you, our rulers,your evil I dont understand

lesley, cam, uk

Pakistan is better of with military rule...Bhutto and Sharif would just fill their own pockets and have no regard for the Pakistani citizens

Farah, West Yorkshire,

Just remember, these guys are armed to the teeth with nuclear weapons, and they have delivery systems too... Surely it's time for the USA and good old Mother India to come to the rescue of civilization?

Thomas Goodey, Cuxton-upon-Medway, UK

A very sad day. I hope Musharaff has the guts to order the hunting down and bringing to justice of those responsible, regardless of where the trail leads. RIP a brave lady.

Ben Richmond, Sheffield, UK

I am absolutely shocked. No words. May she rest in peace.

Ali, London, England

The martyrdom of Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto will never go in vain and as her Shaheed father Zulfikar Ali Bhutto said she was, is and will always remain the icon of struggle, determination, courage and sacrifice. I request to all Jihadis to come out all at once and let's see how many people you may kill. I dare the jihadis. Just quit this route or go back to the caves of Afghanistan. The shahdat of Benazir Bhutto will ruin the military rule and few political parasites will take the advantage. PPP should now get rid of Rehman Malik and Naheed Khan please. They are bloody culprits.

Mir Mehdi Raza, Karachi, Pakistan

Oh look, just what we needed, another oppurtunity for the Americans to have a field day and bash islam and the east to no end. Yet what little do they know about politcs in the east. And yet they overlook their own history. Abraham Lincoln, JFK. What do these to people share in common? Both assisinated. The only difference is when a muslim does it, it's a barbaric act of terrorism that reflects the whole country's attitude. Ms Bhutto wasn't the greatest politician in Pakistan, and it is debatable whether she did more good than bad for the country. But nevertheless it is a sad day, as it is a blow to Pakistani politics, a influential person has died and now we can only wait for the ensuing aftermath from two of Pakistans biggest enemies: The extremist and fundamentalist people within Pakistan (whether they be political or religious) and the mighty wrath of the right wing media of the west.

Haroon Sheikh, London, UK

This tragic end was waiting for this brave woman from the momentr she set foot in her ntive land with tears of emotion She has now given her life trying to bring Pakistan into the modern world. Her popularity, international statture reasoned attitudes and progressive,moderate religious stance were just too dangerous for the evil islamofascist forces gripping the Islamic world.Presumably the family of the brainless fool who committed this suicide attack are now rejoicing tthat he is heaven with the other martyrs. The truth is that it is Mrs Bhutto who is the true martyr -to reason and progress.There seems to be no hope for this nuclear armed failed state -deranged fundamentalists will destroy any attempt to build any kind of democttratic government .Sharif next? How can it be managed but by an iron fist? We should also be very afraid of the forces at work in Britain and for the danger the whole disfunctional politivcal and religious culture of Pakistan presents to the world

david, Uzes , France

Tragic news. May she and all affected by this rest in peace,

If only there was someway to stop these kind of bombings then peace would raine.

chris, essex, uk

Pakistan can ill afford to sacrifice the few moderate leaders it has left. Bhutto's death will plunge the upcoming elections in Pakistan into uncertainty and the country further into instability. This assassination will be turn out to be a nail in the coffin of peace process of India. Condemn this cowardly action; Human beings are capable of much higher thought, rational discussion and respectful dispute. Our leaders need to set a more intellectual and evolved example for the people of the world.

VED PRAKASH, RANCHI, INDIA

Tragic though today undoubtedly is, it is no more than a culmination of the decades of failure and broken dreams suffered by the people of Pakistan at the hands of her leaders, Benazir included.

Nawaz Sharif and Benazir Bhutto, if they were truly committed to democracy, would never have participated in this election. The election was only made possible after Musharraf ruthlessly dissolved the Supreme Court that dared challenge his dictatorship. Those Supreme Court judges are still under house arrest and Benazir had been strangely silent on their treatment, nor had she called for their reinstatement. Interestingly, for Benazir to have been re-elected as PM the constitution would have needed amendment to enable her to serve a third term.

Meanwhile, out of the gaze of the world media, the Pakistani army is busy slaughtering "militants" in the the Swat valley and Waziristan without being accountable to anyone.

Where there is no rule of law, the cancer of extremism will thrive.

Haroon Abbasi, London,

What a sad event indeed.

US Presidential Canidate Ron Paul a short time ago stated that Pakistan is in shambles. Bhutto's death certainly won't make things better.

I hope the people of Pakistan can overcome this.

R.I.P. Benazir.

Steve, NYC, USA/NY

Bhutto should have been more cautious.

This was just sloppy. Here security was infiltrated or something.
Or she ignored her security advisors warnings.

The weapon of choice is a suicide bomber by the radicals and yet one was allowed to get close enough to her to kill her.

Just sad.

Another Victory for the Radicals of the "RELIGION OF PEACE"

kejjer, houston, Texas

She was a truly courageous woman!
Although se she was “marked to be killed” she kept fighting for Justice.
Her life should be seen as an example for us all.
May she rest in peace!

Vitor, Porto, Portugal

More evidence, as if it were needed, of just how peaceful islam is.

Richard , Greater London, England

This is terribly sad news. But, once the sadness dissipates, hopefully, the world would realise what it is up against and help liberal Muslims comprehensively defeat these murderous recalcitrants who have a perverted interpretation of Islam. There will be no peace in Pakistan, Afghanistan or anywhere else until the murderous madmen who have been killing people by the hundreds until now are militarily defeated. Pious platitudes will not help.

Mehul Kamdar, Des Plaines, IL, USA

A tragic blow that has serious consequences, not only in Pakistan, but throughout the world.

galahad65, YEOVIL, UK

Wake up, M B, of South Carolina. Al-Qaeda have already claimed responsibility for Bhutto's death.

Nick, Rotherham, UK

Any violent death is a tragedy,but Benazir Bhutto was a very brave lady who knew the risks and she was prepared to take them for what she believed in.
This does not make it any less horrible for her family and her supporters.
May God rest her soul. and bring some sort of peace to Pakistan.

Anna Warwick, Houston, Texas

Her untimely death is most tragic and undoubtedly a national loss. Kennedy, Gandhi and Bhutto families sail in the same boat luck wise. She was a controversial figure in the national politics because of corruption and reportedly carrying foreign agenda. Only the ensuing election could have proved her's and her party's credentials.What a pity the alleged looted money, US $150 billioln plus all security provided to her by US and also by former pakistani intelligence officer Rahman Malik couldn't save her.

Abdul Rahman, London, U.K.

Just sickening. It feels similar to when Rabin was assassinated: the light of hope being snuffed out. Why was she not better protected?? One has to feel very, very badly for her family and her many supporters who are now completely devastated. A terrible day for the Middle East, and yet another blow to the prospect of peace by the hands of these madmen extremists. May they ultimately fail.

Shelley, Boston, USA

Until Islam can become a non political religion, half the world is condemned to this barbarism - and our bureaucrats would like it here

Yaya, Dalston, UK

Pakistanis will never have peace until they unite, march on Waziristan, and hang every terrorist that finds shelter in that backward cesspool. As for this dastardly act, only a fool would fail to realize that this is Musarraf's doing. This was seen so clearly for a long time. Musharraf, like any dictator, has done everything to avoid having to give up power, and will continue to do so until he is bodily removed from power. Dropping one position to hang on to another - it's no different a game than what Putin is doing in Russia. It's utterly corrupt.

Pog Mahone, Dublin, Ireland

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?

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.

The people responsible for killings will never be known as in the past. It is time to spin theories, blame someone else, give excuses and explanations as usual. You have seen some of the samples in UK, US and European nations in such similar caes!
Regards,

Krishna R. Kumar, Udupi, India

GW is right on. Confront the extremists in their own corner of the world instead of the street of NY City or Washington (again). MB from SC needs to switch to another brand of Kool-aid as the current batch has gone stale<sarcasm>

Strat, Washington, D.C.,

Is there any news of Christina Lamb, the Times correspondent who had been travelling with the Bhutto party on her return to Pakistan? I hope that she is safe.

A, Oxford,

I dont understand how Pakistani people can pass a sweeping statement that this is Musharraf's doing? I am not advocating Musharraf but I do feel as a Pakistani citizen working in a multi-national that the economic growth that Pakistan has had in recent years as well as the manner in which the Afghanistan situation was handled post 9/11 are proof of Musharraf's success and his contribution to the country.

Do you really think Benazir or Nawaz Sharif could have handled the recent political turmoil in Pakistan? They would have sold the country the first chance they got and history proves it.

Today truly is a sad day for Pakistan as Benazir's death will now throw the country in turmoil and I am deeply concerned over the future of our beloved country. We need to come together as a nation in this crisis and react thoughtfully.

Zeeshan Feroz, Lahore, Pakistan

Unfortunately, Tarni, the lust for power can blot out all else. That and never underestimate religious obsessives. Sanity, rationality, and reason, such as you display, don't even enter into it. Innocent people, good people, are the ones who pay, and these evil people don't care a single bit.

Shelley, Boston, USA

My dad also passed away the day before Christmas...and now this...Ms Bhutto...RIP...

jimg29, edmonton,

Its the result what ill fanatics can bring to the people of the country!!

The country needs help and definitely not from America but from its own people.. Somebody has to rise above greed and stand for the people and distance religion from Politics.

God please give peace to the soul !!!

Prasad, Norwich, UK

Thus is the end of those who are engaged in an inordinate pursuit of power. It happened to Jonas Savimbi in Angola, Abacha in Nigeria, Doe in Liberia, Hussein in Iraq, etc.
A word is enough for the wise, and let those who are living today, but involved in the same know that Power is transient no matter how you look at it. It should be an instrument for service, not for oppression or self aggrandisement. If we have this philosophy, the world will be a better place to live in.
I however condemn the killing in its entirety. It has not solved any problem, but has created a massive one which will be difficult to solve. It may trigger on fresh violence

James Atuonwu, Bedford, UK

I condemn this act of killing a woman, who would have sorted all confusions prevailing in pakistan now pakistan has lost one of the greatest leaders no doubt a great loss to the country .
raghu INDIA

Raghu, Bangalore, INDIA

It is not the religion of Islam that strikes again, it is extreme islamic fundamentalists that MIGHT have caused this. Do not label a whole religion on the actions of the few of those who use this religion as a way to excuse thier disgusting deeds.

Zed, Manchester, UK

A very sad loss of life and a cruel way to die.May god bless you Benazir Bhutto and your soul rest in peace Surely God will open the door of paradise for you and those who died in this incident. I will pray for all of you and may god give your families solace in this difficult moment. Dont worry I strongly BELIEVE in the day of judgement and the evil perpetrator of this act will have to account to our almighty god.

justice, london, uk

A terrible bit of news in a frightfully unstable part of the world, populated by unstable political zealots with homicidal and kamizake orientations.

Edward Breyer Ryder IV, Greenlawn, NY/USA

It's possible that Musharaf had nothing to do with this. If Musharaf had been killed in any one of the numerous attempts made on his life in the past, would we have been so quick to blame Bhutto and her followers? There are millions of fanatics in Pakistan, to whom human life is not sacred.

Dave, Blairstown, nj

The Peaceful Religion Of Islam Strikes Again...

Dave, Walnut Creek, Caifornia, USA

America are the cause of Bhutto's death. Pakistan can't allow the americans to determine who will lead Pakistan.

Musharraf obviously has huge american backing and Bhutto has fallen victim to a calculated foreign and home grown assassination.

You are a Martyr Madame.

Muhammed Lawal, Kent, UK

The world has gone mad! What exactly does anyone hope to achieve in killing? And if so- called 'power' is achieved, they may well have money, may well have influence, but how long will it last ? And what will they do with the money? What will they do with their influence - for to try and make the world a better place takes becoming better oneself, not killing in the name of a country or an ideal - however worthy it may seem. Worthy has worthy actions. Unworthy has unworthy actions. How many suits can a man wear at any one time? How many cars can he drive? How many houses can he live in at any one time? What in reality is all this killing and power-seeking for? To protect oneself against someone else trying to do the same thing? Life is so very short, and to spend it in this way guarantees no life at all, not just for the perpetrators of these crimes, but for anyone who has the misfortune to come across them or their kind.

Tarni, London, UK

Bhutto knew the risks and the fact that there were elements in the current ruling military who did not want her back. Given how corrupt Pakistan is and the fact that most of the Al-Qaeda leadership is supported and sheltered by Pakistan, don't you think it is time for the US to put pressure on instead of just sending money which finds its way to corrupt military and intelligence figures' overseas bank accounts? The place does not produce anything economically except economic migrants so why not let it implode on itself?

Al W, London, UK

In her case, I'm afraid to say '(s)he who lives by the sword, dies by the sword'. She was not free of the taint of involvement in violence herself. It's a country unsuited to anything other than dictatorship.

Roger Rimmer, London, UK

Anyone who thinks we should negotiate with the Islamic militants (such as Taliban or other manifestations of al Quaeda), whether secretively or in the open, should take notice that this is what their agenda is. People who think we can negotiate a peace with mass murderers or their supporters--well, they are sadly mistaken and all too trusting. If the threat of more bombs looms over Pakistan or anywhere else, then we need to respond by crushing those who live by the bomb and bullet. Musharaf leaving Pakistan will not solve the problem (though it is still desirable). But if militants only want him gone, there are other, more productive measures to take to pressure him. Killing Bhutto will have solved nothing, but it will serve to show just what kind of people want to control Pakistan. They must be crushed. They must be spared no mercy.

J., Columbia, Missouri, USA

We should admire the courage she had to bring forth her message in a country with so much insecurity, fears, and uncertainty when being aware of this. Would our spineless leaders (Blair, Brown), who don't even dare to say the truth upfront in fear of public opposition or ridicule, have this courage?
It is so sad that Pakistan is now again no closer to democracy and peace, and have again fallen victims of political terrorism where free speech is not allowed.
A woman, like Butto, often enter politics in conviction of a cause, something all women should be proud of - while a man is prompted into politics by the greed and his dellusion of his own grandeur.

Ann, Barcelona, Spain

We in the West have "Hobbson's choice" in this matter, there are no pure or easy solutions. Muslim countries are by design difficult to deal with or using Western logic, understandable. We will have to continue to deal with difficult and flawed leaders and governments regardless of what we may wish or believe, it is after all their countries and we in the West can not direct the choices that these people make as to their religion, leadership or governmental structure.

WILLIAM G JOHNSON, ANAHEIM, USA/CA

This is awful news for democracy and peace. Musharraf will have a huge job on his hands to keep the country stable. Nawaf Sharif is already stoking the flames. We need to watch circumstances closely. Foreign investors, for instance from the Gulf - who have invested in the country recent years in anticipation of growth and stability - should be rather nervous. I would be.

Mayra Lund, London, UK

It is surprising that so many peple have made comments which show they are disppointed for Pakistan's future because of this event.

Many I remind them that Bhutto did nothing for the ordinary people of Pakistan, given two opportunities to do so. No other country in the world would have a twice dismissed leader running for a third attempt at power.

I do not support any form of terrorism, but Bhutto's legacy is one of failure for the country of Pakistan, and may now give it an opportunity to emerge from behind her dark shadow.

Saeed, London, UK

Re: Mo, Herts

Yes, the world is no more violent than it has ever been. I would even argue that it is safer now than ever before. However, God cannot help us when God is the problem.

R.S., Ohio, US

<sarcasm>Just another victory in GW Bush's war to make the world (and the middle east) safe for democracy.</sarcasm>

M B, South Carolina, USA

It is a very sad situation today in Pakistan. Military rulars one after the other have ruined the country. They have defeated the very purpose for which Pakistan was created . Thase military rulars allowed terrorists to bread in their soil and now they have turned against their masters. These terrorists won't allow democracy in Pakistan and so they chose to target Benazir Bhutto. People of Pakistan should now stand up and fight for their democratic rights and not allow any military rule in future.

Malvika, Slough, UK

No respect for human life. No respect for God-given life. These people and their causes make me sick.

RIP Benazir Bhutto. Saddened to hear this news.

Mel Davis, London,

bhutto did her duty to her god and country and should be admired for her personal courage

riaz, pune, india

Pakistan has always been far better off with military rule rather than the likes of Bhutto and her bunch of sleazy cronies milking the system for every last dollar. That goes for Sharif too, they have absolutely no regard for the welfare of ordinary Pakistani's and were all too eager to line their pockets by any means possible.

Whilst there are still ignorant, brain-washed, country bumpkins in Pakistan willing to listen to the rantings of the local Mullah and follow their own flavour of militant "Islam" that preaches violence, Pakistan will never be at peace.

Ash, Bradford, UK

She survived years in solitary confinement to victoriously become the first woman to be elected prime minister of a Muslim nation. Her determination and courage in refusing to give way to militants set on undermining democratic development and reconciliation in Pakistan set her in a class well beyond the norm. I am proud to have known her and her two brothers – and hope that her martyrdom will give courage to the majority peoples of Pakistan to stand up against militancy and terrorism. Let not her death be in vain!

Pida Ripley, WomenAid International, London, UK

"and Musharaf is worse than Mugabe in my educated opinion". What an entertaining (if myopic) education you must have had

oliver, London,

What more needs to be done before Musharraf finally realises he needs to leave the country in peace...

Salute to Bhutto!

Saad, Birmingham,

According to Al Jazeera, she's unhurt...

http://english.aljazeera.net/NR/exeres/F9C2E2D6-8000-4A4B-B2A0-DA33707A36E0.htm

William Boyd, Brussels, Belgium

We have promoted Musharaf in the west and coveted him because it is convenient for us. If what has been happening in Pakistan had happened in Zimbabwe (and Musharaf is worse than Mugabe in my educated opinion) we would have invaded the country.

BB, BIRMINGHAM,

This was inevitable from the moment she went back to Pakistan.
It's a madhouse; military rule is the ONLY option.

Michael Rigby, Blackburn, England

A very sad news indeed.
The monster of terrorism Pakistan once created to hurt India is now engulfing Pakistan itself. I wish Pakistan learns from its mistakes and takes a determined stance against jehadi terrorism. We all want peace.

Priya Deshi, Kashmir, UK

May she rest in peace!

What a violent world this has become, God help us all!

Mo, Herts,

This is awful news for Pakistan. Bhutto must have been only too aware of the risks she faced on returning to Pakistan and now she has paid the price. Surely the loss of further lives is now inevitable. And a military crackdown?

Tony Clements, London, UK

Let's all hope that Pakistan can resolve its problems peacefully.

John, Scottsdale, AZ

This is terrible news for Pakistan . I was there last week and you could feel the tension and un easy qiute then.
The people desearve better than they have had these past years, dare I say even British rule was better than this!

P Lee, Bangkok, Thailand