Chewing

Since we're seven hours ahead of the States, we heard about the assassination of Benazir Bhutto just after 5 pm. I can't say I'm surprised - after all, she didn't have a Pope-mobile, and she was a target ever since she returned to Pakistan. But it was surprising that they got to her so soon (who "they" are remains to be seen - I've seen lots o' talk saying al-Queda, Bushies, Musharraf). And it's very sad and unfortunate - there are a lot of problems already in Pakistan - ungovernable mountains, unstable leadership, a possible civil war on the horizon. Normally I try to stay informed on the sidelines, but Dan at Gone Mild posted a blogger background on Pakistan, and for the one or two readers that I have, I thought I should pass it on so people can be more informed. Digby has a nice little post here. And Juan Cole, president of the Global Americana Institute, posts at Informed Comment, which is a blog on the Middle East, history and religion. Not only has he posted on Bhutto, but he gives us a view of what's going on in Pakistan (riots, the cities shutting down), as well as recently commenting on Mike Huckabee's really dumb comments on Pakistan and foreign policy.

Get informed and educated, America. You have the tools. Be ready you must when the time comes to vote.