Benazir Bhutto assassinated

[Captain K.]

This is a major event.  Bhutto was one of the most influential women in modern history.  Turn on CNN now for more details.

[Grefter]

There had been a few attempts on her over the last few months as well.  It kind of felt inevitable.

It really fucking sucks for so many reasons though.

[Shale]

Right before the first elections after Musharraf stepped back, too. I can't begin to imagine what this is going to do to Pakistan over the next few weeks, beyond "mess shit up."

[Hunter Sopko]

Have there been any claims by terrorist groups? My first reaction hearing this was "Oh god, Musharaff's finally gone off the deep end."

[Shale]

The FBI says al-Qaeda claimed responsibility, but the sourcing is...uh, dicey.

The source of the claim was apparently an obscure Italian news agency, Adnkronos International (AKI), which said that al Qaeda Afghanistan commander and spokesman Mustafa Abu Al-Yazid had telephoned the agency to make the claim.

"We terminated the most precious American asset which vowed to defeat [the] mujahadeen," AKI quoted Al-Yazid as saying.

http://www.cnn.com/2007/WORLD/meast/12/27/bhutto.dhs.alqaeda/index.html?eref=rss_topstories

Edit: And I'm sure this isn't going to help matters. From a letter written by Bhutto two months ago:

"Just wanted u to know if it does in addition to the names in my letter to Musharaf of Oct 16nth, I wld hold Musharaf responsible. I have been made to feel insecure by his minions and there is no way what is happening in terms of stopping me from taking private cars or using tinted windows or giving jammers or four police mobiles to cover all sides cld happen without him."

On a side note, I find it immensely depressing that a (former) head of government of a major political and military power wrote "u" for "you."

[Hunter Sopko]

Stronger evidence is getting put forward pointing to an Al-Queda linked Pakistani terrorist organization. I have a feeling it's still linked to Musharaff though. Did you see Bush's face during the press conference? He's definately pissed off about more than just the fact that this happened.

[Clear Tranquil]

Words can't describe just how wrong this is.

It's quite depressing =/ I just hope that somehow things don't completely fall apart over there and that some way is found to stabilise the country's current sitautions somewhat.

[Taishyr]

Ack. Not good news to hear nowadays. I'd say more, but not having access to the news sources I have back home makes my knowledge regrettably limited.