The attack has the hallmarks of an Al-Qaeda attack and it has been reported that the terrorist organization has taken responsibility of the attack. (Asia Times, 28 December, 2007). Al-Qaeda is known to retarget failed plots and respond with greater chances of success. This was seen in the repeated attacks on the World Trade Center in New York (1993 and 2001) and it was also reported that the Embassy attacks in East Africa in 1996 took place after a similar attack was foiled earlier. An additional feature of an Al-Qaeda attack has been the use of a suicide bomber which was witnessed on both occasions when Benazir was targeted.
The success of the attack has highlighted a glaring failure of the Pakistani security establishment which was already reeling under intense scrutiny after the escape of suspected terrorist Rashid Rauf. Rauf’s escape it has been alleged was facilitated by the Pakistani police (Hindustan Times, 17 December 2007). With the malaise of the security establishment conniving with militant groups being increasingly witnessed, it would be highly difficult for Pakistan to maintain its integrity in the Global War on Terror.
What the attack has further exposed is the major road blocks which lie ahead in Pakistan’s quest to re-establish democratic rule. Benazir’s death is a major blow to this process, for it removes from the scene a highly popular leader and would exacerbate the domestic turmoil within the country.
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