In a world that grows dangerous by the day, the ability to stand for one's convictions and beliefs speaks highly of any politician. Benazir did that and payed a heavy price. Truly it is a sad day for the sub-continent. She had displayed tremendous courage in returning to her homeland when an clear danger to her life stared at her and her country was going through a period of upheveal. Her coming was taken by many as perhaps a sign of possible return of democracy and the welcome she got was remarkable. As an Indian, as a neighbour I feel sad today for people of Pakistan at their loss. 

The next few days shall show how the omnipresent army deals with this development. Perhaps this shall be a pretext to postpone elections and for Mush to hang on to power. What effect it would have for India only time will tell, but the sub-continent is certainly poorer today at the silencing of a voice of democracy. Of all the leaders of Pakistan, I would believe it is Benazir's memory that is going to stay on the minds of her people the longest. One hopes that this memory inspires them to strive to get their country back into the international mainstream instead of spiraling into mindless violence. That would be playing right into the hands of the fundamentalists, a mistake that Pakistan can ill-afford.

Rest in Peace Ms Bhutto and Godspeed.