The assassination of Benazir Bhutto is a shock that was, unfortunately, not entirely shocking. Given the chaotic political situation in Pakistan and her multiple enemies -- from jihadists to elements of the Pakistani military and intelligence services -- the danger that she would be killed on the campaign trail was ever present. And Pervez Mushharaf himself must be condemned for sins of omission, in the form of the inadequate security provided to Bhutto from the moment she re-entered Pakistan to the day of her death.

No one knows who killed Benazir Bhutto, although rumors and accusations are already flying. An independent investigation is urgently needed, ideally involving both the FBI and representatives of the UN, to ensure international legitimacy to any results the ensue. And efforts must begin now to ease the Musharraf regime from power, even if it takes a year or more to successfully do so. What cannot be permitted is for Musharraf to use this tragedy to tighten his grip on power under the guise of providing "stability."

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