Qaeda Network Expands Base in Pakistan

More than six years after the US declared a global war on terror, terrorism – in the form of the Al Qaeda network – continues to take root in Pakistan. The Pakistan government accuses the terrorist organization of assassinating Benazir Bhutto, former prime minister of Pakistan and a courageous voice on the dangers of religious extremism. “The expansion of Pakistan’s own militants and their increasing links with Al Qaeda is a shift deeply troubling to the United States, which has been trying to help stabilize this volatile nuclear-armed country on the front line of the Bush administration’s fight against global terrorism,” writes Carlotta Gall for the New York Times. Bhutto, other opposition leaders, along with the Pakistani media and legal community all pushed for fair and democratic elections to proceed in January. Even as Pakistan mourns the death of the 54-year-old stateswoman, extremists take advantage of the chaos. For now, Pakistan desperately needs political leaders, like Bhutto, who do not fear threats or attacks from terrorists and are willing to work tirelessly to convince every Pakistani that stability is in the country’s best interest. – YaleGlobal