CNN.com - Anderson Cooper 360° Blog

Thursday, December 27, 2007

Covering the assassination, one step at a time

--Anderson Cooper

When a story like the Bhutto assassination breaks everyone stops whatever they are doing and gets to a phone as quickly as possible.

I was on vacation but am now heading back into New York. I've spent the last couple of hours discussing with my team what our coverage plans are for tonight, whether we can get visas to get into Pakistan, what flights leave and when.

It's always a point of discussion, you want to be on the air tonight for "360", but at the same time you want to try to get there as quickly as possible. I will be on air tonight, and I guess we'll figure it out after that.

The last two years something has always happened around this time. Two years ago there was the tsunami, last year the day after New Year's there was the Sago Mine tragedy.

Last night when I went to bed I thought to myself, "looks like this year nothing bad will happen."

Posted By CNN: 12:00 PM ET
57 Comments

Figured you'd come back and help out on this story. Yeah it seems things always happen around this time of the year. And it seems whenever things like this happen I'm home and able to follow it in real time. I'm not someone who lives for tragedy just a fellow news junkie.

Posted By

Marcia Warren, MI : 12:23 PM ET

The sad thing Anderson is, not only have we lost someone in this world that was fighting for peace and freedom, but that this was a result of violence. Sadly it seems that we live in a time where people are thinking that violence is the way to get their message across and heard.

Violence begets violence...doesn't anyone remember that anymore.

And while, people will spend the next few days focusing on the repercussion of her death, few will focus on the life she lived and the battle she was fighting so hard to win. And while she knew the risks that she was taking in publicing fighting the battle, the loss of someone like her, is sad and so untimely.

Posted By

Heather from Florida : 12:29 PM ET

Dear Anderson,

I have found that terrible things seem to happen just as you begin to relax.

As horrible as it is Benazir Bhutto's assassination today does not come as a total surprise considering the state of affairs in Pakistan at the moment. Ms. Bhutto was a courageous woman who could have lived out her life in luxury, but she truly cared for Pakistan and its people. Although her death is a terrible loss maybe it will be a catalyst for real change in Pakistan.

Unfortunately, Bush will use this incident as an "I told you so" moment in his war on terror and it won't be long before the pro war candidates attempt to try to use it to their benefit as well, I have already heard John McCain bring it up this morning.

One way or another Musharraf created the conditions that resulted in Ms. Bhutto's murder today. Bush claims that Pakistan is an important ally in the war on terror yet Musharraf continued to deny our troops access to the terrorists that sought shelter on the Pakistan border. I know that the United States is between a rock and a hard place in regards to its relationship with Pakistan, but I think it is time to get answers from Musharraf, especially in regards to the money he has received from the United States.

My sympathies go out to Benazir Bhutto's family and the people of Pakistan.

Stay safe,
Jo Ann

Posted By

Jo Ann : 12:34 PM ET

Anderson,

This is a horrible way to end a year full of so many other tragedies at home and abroad. The assassination of Prime Minister Bhutto will not only shake things up in the Middle East, but will have an enormous impact on the Presidential race. I look at the candidates, and the ones with the most foreign policy experience are not necessarily the ones at the front of the pack. So what should voters do? The race might be over by the time I get to vote in the CA primary.

As all this spins out I have come to the conclusion that the smartest thing a foreign leader can do is go on The Daily Show and be interviewed by Jon Stewart. I keep thinking about the show where Musharraf plugged his book and Jon served him tea and twinkies and asked him where Bin Laden was. Everytime I read or hear about what Musharraf is or isn't doing, I think, is that the same guy I saw on TV? I guess the answer is yes and no, and if everything was as black and white as we would like it to be we wouldn't be in the mess we are in today. I wish I had more faith in this Administration to know what to do.

Charlotte D, Stockton CA

Posted By

Charlotte : 12:36 PM ET

Hi Anderson,
What a horrible tragedy for Pakistan and the world. It seems as if the region just keeps tumbling downhill. This is not just about a war, but the future of a region is really in danger and therefore, our future is in danger as well. Good luck and stay safe!

Posted By

pamina : 12:40 PM ET

When I heard about what happened in Pakistan, I thought to myself....what is up with this particular time of year. It seems like something bad is always happening at this time of year when joy and happiness should be front and centre. My second thought was Anderson is probably going to be on tonight. Looks like I was right.

My thoughts and prayers are with the Bhutto family and the people of Pakistan. The world lost a woman today who was trying to fight for peace and it truly is a sad day.

I look forward to seeing the report you and the team will bring us tonight Anderson. Safe travels back to New York!

Posted By

Megan O. Toronto, ON, Canada : 12:43 PM ET

Hi Anderson,
News never takes a time out.
I hope that very soon the Countries and it's citizens of this world will condemn suicide bombings for the disgusting, cruel and hateful act that it is. I'm tired of hearing excuses to justify the reasons that suicide bombings are done.
There is no reason.Period.

Lorie Ann, Buellton, Calif.

Posted By

Lorie Ann : 12:44 PM ET

Hi Anderson, I'm sorry your vacation will be cut short. I'm glad you'll be back tonight, but I'm sorry it's under these circumstances. I was shocked as well to learn of Mrs. Bhutto's assassination. I barely got in to work then checked the CNN Home Page, and there it was. What is it about this time of year that something devastating always happens? I've asked myself that question so many times, but I'm afraid I haven't found any answers.

See you tonight.

Lilibeth
Edmonds, Washington

Posted By

Lilibeth : 12:58 PM ET

I'm sure I speak for many Americans whose hearts go out to Mrs Bhutto's family and followers in Pakistan. Yes, something horrible always happens between Christmas and New Years. I'm sorry you can't get in a vacation Anderson.

May there truly be peace on earth in our lifetimes.

Posted By

Anne -Detroit, Mi. : 1:04 PM ET

I was born in Pakistan and grew up seeing Bhutto on the T.V. addressing the people. Now as a college student majoring in Politics I cannot help but think that somehow growing up seeing her in power has allowed me to pursue this field of study. Although I did not always support her politics I still think her death comes as a loss to the international community-- at the core of it we've just lost another person willing to stand up for a cause they believed worthy. I too have the want to hop on a plane and see how Pakistan as a country is reacting to the events and what impact the images on the T.V. screen for the weeks to follow will have on the little girls growing up there now.

Posted By

Afroz --Northern California/ Maine : 1:06 PM ET

I'm in deep shock and grief for a human being who, in spite of not being the ideal leader for many, at least worked in her nation's best interest and held the mantel for many people. A salute to Benazir Bhutto for the courageous woman she was.

Posted By

Jane S , Wilmington, N.C. : 1:10 PM ET

It's very sad to hear about the murder of a world leader who looked to the future and had potential to take Pakistan far ahead in many ways. She is the bravest woman I know .

Posted By

heather patel, virginia beach va. : 1:13 PM ET

Hey Anderson
sorry about your vacation...

I had the same thoughts last night, wondering if something bad was going to happen before the year ends.
Sadly, natural disasters and the evil-minded don't take vacations.So here we are. Bhutto is gone and everybody is holding their breaths to see what's going to happen now. Will the people of Pakistan express their grief, anger and confusion through acts of violence or will they actually take progressive action to save the elections and their country?
I hope you'll get into Pakistan quickly for I am curious to hear what the word on the street is over there. And I mean 'street', not politicians with their politically correct little sound-bites.
Bhutto wasn't all that loved as the media always makes it seem, at least so my Pakistani colleague tells me...find the truth, please.

Posted By

Minou,NYC : 1:15 PM ET

Anderson,

I'm a man of a lot of words.

Today, I'm simply sad. It hurts to hear of Bhutto's assassination.

Ariston Neto, Miami, FL

Posted By

Ariston- Miami Beach, FL : 1:16 PM ET

Benazir Bhutto offered something different and exciting for Pakistan. She gave women and girls there an opportunity to actually have an opinion and be heard.

Anderson, I thank you for dedicating yourself to this most important turning point in the peace process . I know you will provide us the best coverage.

Posted By

janet w , franklin, tn. : 1:18 PM ET

So saddened to hear of this sudden and shocking turn of events.

Islam will be a 'religion of peace' only when their own people are willing to stand up to the thugs who use the religion as an excuse to destroy free thought.

Posted By

Barbara, Orem, Ut. : 1:29 PM ET

My heart sunk when I opened up CNN.com at work this morning and saw that Benazir Bhutto was assassinated. She was a woman who not only fought for peace and democracy, but also gave many Islamic women the will and determination to speak out. The Time.com headline saying that she is now martyred says it all. She is a woman who has done more for the world than she is given credit for. I can't wait to see yours and the rest of the 360 family's reports on this sad day.

Posted By

Tiffany S-T, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada : 1:33 PM ET

Is this a surprise? Bhutto was a progressive woman in an increasingly strict Muslim country. She represented all that militant Islam is trying to destroy. These radical Muslims will do this to anyone who threatens their goal of an oppressive sharia state.

Posted By

Amad Nuru, Ft. Pierce , FL. : 1:35 PM ET

Did we think that radical Muslims would actually allow a woman to be a world leader? Or allow anyone who will fight their evil form of Islam to be influential?

Posted By

David H, Lake Barrington, IL : 1:46 PM ET

for AC & Company,
At the time of my posting, a concurrent CNN poll reveals 81% of respondents feel Benazir Bhuttos death will derail democracy in Pakistan. It's natural to initially be pessimistic when something senseless happens but, the movement towards democracy in any country is not the domain of one person; it's embodied in the hundreds of thousands of supporters of the Peoples Party. Every country on the road to democracy navigates the same road; she was one of many who've died en route & there's no diminishing her resolve & determination but, she has always been a catalyst for change & remaining in exile for five years while your country is under martial law was no longer an option she could tolerate. It's depressing when a charismatic leader is assassinated, J.F.K. immediately comes to mind, but someone will take her place & shine as brightly as she did; that's the definition of optimism.
all the best, Dwayne Moholitny

Posted By

marq65 : 1:49 PM ET

This is what happens when people continue to think that terrorists are not the problem. After Musharraf ordered a State of Emergency, he should have been allowed to go into the places where AlQueda flourishes and wipe them out... instead Musharraf gets pressure from world leaders that allows AlQueda to run free and cause these kinds of incidents.

Posted By

James R, Atlanta, Ga. : 1:50 PM ET

It was a sad news. Morning when I started my car, the radio started, and people were discussing this incident. The tone of the discussion was terrible, and I could not figure out what has happened. Once I came to know about the tragedy, I pulled my car off to the curb. It is a serious impediment in the democratic process that is going on in Pakistan now.

My thoughts went on…. Who would have done this? Whoever it is, whether they claim it publicly or in silence, may enjoy the victory in disturbing democratic process. The whole world would be an unstable place with this incident. I guess Pakistan is competing to enter the top-5 list of the Failed Nation index for 2007-2008.

Posted By

Murali Thoota from Buffalo, NY : 2:00 PM ET

I was watching CNN as the news was unfolding. My heart just broke with sadness for this great woman and for all of her loyal followers. She must be to her followers like what Princess Diana was to so many of us. I keept hearing on the news as I was channel surfing between camercials that she knew the dangers of returning to her country. But like Princess Diana who took the hands of aids patients, or went to places that had land minds, Benazir Bhutto was that brave. She showed charecter.

Anderson Cooper, I love your show. I think your another person who is unselfish and cares for people and your passion for your job reflects through your show. I will alway tune in to watch your show.

Posted By

Stephanie : 2:04 PM ET

Hi Anderson
I just turned on CNN this afternoon to watch the re-run of “Planet in peril” this afternoon (local time in Germany) and I was in shock to see that Benazir Bhutto was murdered. How terrible for the people in Pakistan. She seemed to be the symbol of hope for that country. There have been threats to her, but hearing that she was killed was still a surprise and is simply horrible.
My condolences to her family and the people in Pakistan.

Judy
Cologne, Germany

Posted By

Judy : 2:19 PM ET

There is a time in one's life when one feels that all hope is lost..this is one of them and I am sure majority of Pakistanis are feeling the same way too. Growing up in pakkistan in the tumultous 90s I have seen what both Benazir bhutoo and Nawaz sharif Govts have been like. The best potrayal internationally has no doubt been during Benazirs time..whereas Sharif has madea complete mockery of Pakistan internationally. Living in Des moines, iowa these days feels like I have a front seat for "world politics". Hearing john Mcain ( who I think is one of the most bi partisan candidate) this morning I absolutely agreed with him when he said he wasn't very fond Mr Sharf... who seems most likely to lead if electiona are held unless the PPP ( bhuttos party ) can conjure someone up ( perhaps some one in Bhuttos family) with the same stature as that of Benazir Bhutoo.

Front seat at "World politics"

Posted By

Shakeeb : 2:20 PM ET

Prime Minister Bhutto made statements about eradicating the madrassa system and she apologized for Taliban rising in the '90s. Of course she was feared and despised by Jihadists. Regardless, it is a sad day for the world. We should mourn for this brave woman who went out of the frying pan and into the fire, so to speak, and held her head high .

Posted By

Vijay B, Washington , DC : 2:22 PM ET

Hi AC! I hope you at least got a little R and R. I can't say that I'm surprised that this happened. Mrs. Bhutto seemed to have many enemies that were not going to stop until they killed her. My prayers go out to her family and to Pakistan. Safe travel to all.

Posted By

Kathy Chicago,Il : 2:24 PM ET

Dear AC,

I was shocked and saddened to hear about the assassination of Bhutto. I’m curious to see what will happen with Pakistan in the next few days, weeks, and months.
I look forward to your coverage of this breaking story.

Meggan
Los Angeles

Posted By

Anonymous : 2:25 PM ET

Anderson,

Looking forward to hearing your broadcast. I'll admit that the first thing I thought when I turned on CNN this morning was wondering where you were, and I wasn't surprised to hear you were working on trying to get to Pakistan.

I agree with you, I feel as though there is always some tragedy that occurs this time of year.

Stay safe. You're in my thoughts.

Best,
Casey

Posted By

Casey : 2:28 PM ET

What a sad day, Bhutto the symbol of struggle for democracy simply gone, The hope for Pakistan to build a beautiful country is on its way to disappear, The whole Middle East and the world are mourning, The persistant and the evil intention to kill this lady won't stop creation of a similar patriot in the region.

Rami Michael, Jacksonville NC

Posted By

Anonymous : 2:35 PM ET

She has done a great deal for women in her region and for women worldwide. This woman dared put her life on the line in a place where women suffer horrible oppression from men.
Although I am a Christian, I must say that Ms. Bhutto lived a life worth everyone's respect.

Posted By

Heidi P, Albany, N.Y. : 2:36 PM ET

I have no words. Any attempt articulation falls short and feels like false platitude.

So much has died with her.

Posted By

Hale : 2:39 PM ET

Can CNN analyze and explain the irony of this whole thing.

The extremism I understand - destroy anyone and anything that poses a threat to your misguided ideology. What I don't understand is Bhutto's supporters setting fires to private businesses, firing at policemen and creating chaos. It's as if people just need an excuse to act like savages. How does this advance her cause?

Posted By

Jeri , Brentwood, Tn. : 2:43 PM ET

I can't believe this Anderson! Bhutto was a real inspiration to me and I feel that this happening, has caused many to lose hope for peace and democracy throughout the Middle East and the world. Please help all of us understand what is going on, it seems like fast-pace chaos. I know you will do a great job reporting, but be safe.

Posted By

Frenchy : 2:44 PM ET

Hey Anderson glad to see you back, nice vacation i hope. Sorry to see you rush back for such a terrible story. I like many others were hoping that nothing bad would happen at the end of the year. unfortunetly we were wrong. its sad to lose such a wonderful woman who inspired many and stood up for what she belived in. I once read that "A person who believes or fights for something can die but their idea will never die" that is the case here. My condolences go out to Bhutto's family and Pakistan. Thank you dorothy

Posted By

Dorothy : 2:55 PM ET

What tragic news! To think that an individual who wished to bring about peace, in a region that so desperately needs it, cannot do so, is proof of need for reform and peace in Pakistan. Benazir Bhutto was a brave and courageous woman who, like America's Founding Fathers, wished to bring about democracy, a government for the people, sadly she gave her last full measure of devotion to ensure a better life and government for others. Hopefully the people of Pakistan will be so outraged by this act of terror, that they will stand up and demand that things be changed within Pakistan.

Posted By

Jessica, Bourbonnais Illinois : 2:55 PM ET

Anderson,

The news of Bhutto's assassination sadly does not come as a surprise. Islamic radicals already tried to kill her several months ago in Karachi. Now they have succeeded at their plan to cause chaos. It is a huge blow for the elections that are to be held in January. Pakistan appears to be in a dismal state after Musharaff recently declared a state of emergency and now the murder of Bhutto will only make matters worse. By losing Bhutto, Pakistan also lost a strong female leader in a region of the world where female leaders are so desperately needed. Time will tell what 2008 will bring to a country in disarray that also has nuclear weapons. What Musharaff decides to do next may decide the future of Pakistan for a long time to come.

If you do decide to travel to Pakistan just make sure you and the 360 crew all come back safely. Looking forward to spending new years eve with you and guests to ring in 2008.

Michelle, Tampa, Florida

Posted By

Anonymous : 3:14 PM ET

I'm home visiting my parents for Christmas; this morning when I saw the news, the first thing I said to the family, after "Oh my God," was "I bet Anderson Cooper is getting a flight to Pakistan." Everyone agreed....

It's so sad that so much hope for so many people can be taken away in an instant. I'm Lebanese and we're no strangers to political assassinations; every time we have someone willing to stand up for the national good, he gets killed. The latest assassination isn't even a month old. It's always devastating to the country, and even worse for the family and friends of that person. Our condolences go out to everyone who is touched by Bhutto's death.

I'm interested in knowing what kind of popular reaction will take place (or maybe already is taking place) in Pakistan, if it will resemble what happened in Lebanon after the assassination of former Prime Minister Rafiq Hariri. Bhutto's death is a huge tragedy, but maybe it will be an impetus for change.

My family will be watching tonight (as usual).

Please stay safe!

Posted By

Marie Rose, Chevy Chase, MD : 3:16 PM ET

Will be interested to understand what and who the forces are behind this assassination, what the motives are and what they hope to gain. This is of course receiving global coverage today.

A brave women, who stood for democracy - a postumous recommendation for 2008 CNN Heroes.

Sarah, Canterbury - UK

Posted By

Anonymous : 3:25 PM ET

Anderson,

What a remarkable woman! She knew the risk involved but was so committed to deterring the extremists and militans that she chose to go back to Pakistan. Even with the assassinations of her father and brothers and the imprisionment of her husband, she forged ahead paying the utimate price for her convictions.

I am looking forward to the forthcoming information on why she was denied the security she requested. I'm sure this will be an avenue 360 will explore.

Posted By

Marsha, Washington, DC : 4:14 PM ET

hi,
after reading all the comments over here,as a Pakistani, i would like to say thanx to all those people who have shown their grief at this moment. it came as a shock to me in the evening and it really made me feel suddenly so insecure.
so many people have pointed towards Musharraf, some said it was done by exttremists which we are not able to handle.
to some extent you can say that these were the reasons but its not the whole picture. we are a very immature nation. too simple for the plans of the outsiders. too emotional.
you can see how the nation is reacting by burning their own buses,hospitals,banks,factories,people.....then their are our internal conspiracies.
just a few days back a prominent artist of our country "GUL GEE", his wife and his maid were murdered in such a myterious way that we were so very much shocked that how could such a person can do something to someone that he has been killed like that.
these things have nothing to do with Musharraf or extremists...its us who have to change our way of thinking....who have to realize the facts by keeping the emotions on the side. we have to emerge as one nation
I just pray for my country and my people. May ALLAH bless us all. and thanx once again for the condolence you all have shown.
Regards
Maria
Pakistan

Posted By

lilac : 4:23 PM ET

Dear Anderson,

This is one very sad and depressing day. Tragically this is one of those situations whereas no matter how many years go by, you will remember exactly where you were at the moment you heard the news. Horrible. Pointless. Sickening.

Anderson, if you can get there, please be safe. Personally this whole thing makes me nervous, but admittedly we need to know the details of how this tragedy occured.

Take care - hope you make it back for Times Square. :)

Posted By

Pati Mc : 4:43 PM ET

Anderson,
Glad you will be back on the air tonight but sorry that it is under these circumstances. I feel for the people of Pakistan and the Bhutto family which is suffering again due to a senseless loss. Looking forward to the coverage from the AC360 team. Stay safe if the team does end up in Pakistan.

Posted By

Mary H. St. Louis, MO : 5:11 PM ET

All we are saying is give peace a chance. Look forward to AC360's coverage, as usual. Peace.

Maureen, Mississauga, Ontario, Canada

Posted By

Anonymous : 5:13 PM ET

Is it just me or why is nobody looking closely at Musharaf for having Former Prime Minister Bhutto assassinated? She was his only real competition in the upcoming elections and was thought by many to be a sure winner. It wouldn't have taken much for Musharaf to have gotten one of his former military people to kill her and then blow himself up pointing all the blame towards the radical extremists. This allows him to declare marshal law again and put off the elections he tried to put off when he did this a couple of months ago. The man is nothing but a dictator and is not interested in democracy, only the money we send him and this awful incident is sure to get him more of this.

Also, has anybody in the Pakistani government ever given anybody in our government an accurate accounting of how the $10 billion we have given them in the last 8 years was used?

Posted By

Cindy Crowe, Duncanville, TX : 6:08 PM ET

Agreed with Cindy. Its clear that Musharaf would have some hand in the event. Considering the current turnmoil in Pakistan, its clear the nation is not going on a good path and would ultimately result in a disaster.

Posted By

FraZ : 6:31 PM ET

Hi Anderson,

Well it's a horrible thing that happened, and I hope your safe traveling over there.

stay safe, and make it back in time for New Years!

SMW

Posted By

SMW, Seattle, WA : 8:29 PM ET

I'm sorry your vacation has been cut short; I'm even sorrier that its to cover the death of Ms. Bhutto. Such a sad event - just like the other sad events you have covered at this time of year in prior years.

I'm glad though that you will be covering this story because you will as you usually do help us understand not only what has happened and why but what the impact will be. Be careful and see you tonight.

Annie Kate
Birmingham AL

Posted By

Annie Kate : 8:39 PM ET

Stay safe...
From "behind a desk" Pakistan looks like one mad bomb randomly meandering about the place.
It's quite unfathomable to us Westerners that not only a political figure, but also tens of people from the crowd should die "just like that" in civil unrest.
Thank you for going out there to see it for yourself; the world needs to know.

Posted By

hyperlaxe : 10:46 AM ET

Hey Anderson...
Here in India, Benazir Bhutto's death is viewed with shock and some amount of grief. Over the last few months we have been closely watching the political developments of our neighbour, and as a young Indian, my hope for Pakistan has always been quick restoration of the democratic process. It is strange how close we are as neighbours, and yet how far we stand on the fundamentals of democracy. We happened to catch the news almost as soon as Ms. Bhutto was assasinated....and to say the least, it was heart-breaking. The people of Pakistan deserve free and fair elections along with the restoration of their judiciary.
I thought you might jump to the opportunity of covering this important devlopment. As you travel to the Indian sub-continent, I wish you and your crew a safe journey.

Stay safe. Stay strong.
Sincerely,
Avril Lobo, Mumbai, India

Posted By

Elfin Goddess : 10:49 AM ET

Mr. Anderson Cooper,

The assassination of Former Prime Minister Bhutto is not good for democracy. The extremists have caused her death. The extremists want to destroy democracy in Pakistan and other parts of the region. Western nations and nations of the region must remain focused on the path to democracy in Pakistan. President Musharraf did not provide better security for former Prime Minister Bhutto. Therefore, President Musharraf must be held accountable. Ms. Bhutto was a courageous woman who wanted to help the people of Pakistan in particular its children. Let’s defeat the terrorists. They think that through violence they make a statement. They are 100% wrong. When are the terrorists going to learn that violence doesn’t solve problems?

Falls Churh, VA

Posted By

Jackie. : 2:12 PM ET

The upcoming elections in Pakistan will be called off. Mrs. Bhutto's death and the current chaotic situation in Pakistan have recalled the historic events of 1979. The execution of Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto and afterwards the enforcement of martial law by General Zia in 1979 have revealed the similar situation now after 30 years. There has always been the intrusion of military in the government and politics of Pakistan. The evidence for that is the history of Pakistan - First the military regime of Yahya Khan followed by the military regimes of Ayub Khan, Zia-ul-haq, and finally Pervez Musharaf. However, being a nuclear power the current political unrest in Pakistan is far more fatal with the addition of all time violence and riots based on religious sects, political parties, Islamic extremists and others. One can say that the political unstability in Pakistan is not different than Afghanistan and Iraq. In conclusion, one of the best ways to look into future is to look back into past.

Posted By

Arif, Toronto, Ontario : 3:00 PM ET

I sometimes think Anderson Cooper is the only one working for CNN that read history...I digress.

I'm offended by the notion that Bhutto made herself a target by putting her head through the sunroof to salute the people. A suicide bomber detonated himself next to her vehicle, as reported by CNN; negating this point of opinion. I think its dubious to speculate a self infliction of this beautiful leader's assassination.

boooo cnn you are so conveluded

Posted By

barbara : 3:55 PM ET

I think this is another example of the fact that democracy only works when the social and economic conditions in a country are compatible with it. Obviously terrorists can and do strike whever they please, but they seem to be quite at home in Pakistan.

It is undertandable that Mr. Musharraf would want to hold on to his power and it seems that the only way he can do so is to walk a tightrope while trying to please the U.S. and Al Qaeda and the Taliban. What is terrifying about this is that such an unstable country has nuclear weapons.

Stay safe, Anderson and the 360 team. I appreciate all you do to keep us informed.

Posted By

Barbara in Culver City, CA : 5:16 PM ET

She was daughter of great leader zulfiqar Ali bhutto in Pakistan. Her father scarifies his life for bringing democracy in Pakistan and now after 30 years she sacrificed for democracy. It created a fear now if those involved elements behind Mrs. Bhutto’s death get hands on nuclear weapons will create big security issue for whole world. Pakistan continuously proved failed state even getting billion dollars of Relief funds to get rid of unemployment and poverty where these funds are still unemployment and poverty rate is high in this region. If you don’t provide these basic rights to youth of Pakistan will create more suicide bombers. And this is a main political agenda for both two great leaders to provide basic necessities to common people.

Posted By

faisal : 5:55 PM ET

Dear Anderson,

I come from China-mainland. I think Chinese autarchic government is supporting Pervez Musharraf. Chinese government is behind Burma slaughter. The evilest autarchic regime in the world is Chinese communist party regime.

Mrs. Bhutto's death will defer Pakistan to be democratic. It's a great pity. But slaughter can't stop pakistan people to fight for freedom as well as Chinese civilians.

Thank you for your reading.

Posted By

xixi : 7:29 PM ET

Yo Anderson just saw you on TV in Karachi.

No one has talked about this but based on the video of the shooting that CNN has been showing all day. Is it not possible that the shooter is a security personal trying to shoot at a suicide bomber which he may have spotted only in vein as the bomber was still able to blow himself up. Which obviously means that the shooter and the suicide bomber are two different people. Just another theory to throw around based on what I see from the video.

Posted By

Haider : 9:37 PM ET

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