The Associated Press reports the Bush administration scrambled to deal with the assassination of former Pakistani Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto's after having investing significant diplomatic capital in promoting reconciliation between her and President Pervez Musharraf.

President Bush urged that her murder not derail efforts to restore democratic rule ahead of parliamentary elections set for next month. And he demanded that those responsible for the killing be brought to justice.

"The United States strongly condemns this cowardly act by murderous extremists who are trying to undermine Pakistan's democracy," said Bush from his ranch in Crawford, Texas.

Wonkette writes, "We would normally probably snark, but we also recall that Al-Qaeda assassinated Northern Alliance leader Ahmed Shah Massoud as sort of a favor/thank-you gesture to the Taliban on September 9, 2001 to ensure their continued protection, so we’re sorta just going to hide under the covers for a couple of days."

Conversations with Dina is documenting reaction via twitter and her blog. She writes, "... india is resilient & strong. i feel terrible for those in pakistan, having been thru many such assassinations here."

Everyday in Grace says, "She went away from this world unexpectedly, but in the usual way politicians from that part of the world leave the scene. I remember her when she was mourning her father's trial and death, I remember admiring her courage and firm position, her love for her country. I am not much into politics, but this lady meant a lot in my womanhood.
Let me pray for peace and Gospel in Pakistan."

Taylor Marsh writes, "Pakistan has over one hundred nukes, according to Dennis Ross. Their security is in the hands of the Pakistani military.

The first woman to lead a Muslim nation has been assassinated at a time she hoped to rise again to power. Bhutto symbolized the possibility of liberalization of Pakistan. She died of shots to her chest and neck, then the assailant blew himself up. "

Brilliant at Breakfast writes, "Bhutto represented hope for the region, and some sort of idealistic leadership for the world. She was imperfect, and held up to scrutiny for what might have been her mistakes, but she was selfless and courageous in the face of her desire for a progressive Pakistan.

This calls into question the safety of all leaders who represent change in this world. How many more visionary leaders are there left in the world willing to put themselves on the line? Who else wants to face down an army or look sideways at the crowd waiting for someone to pull a gun? The ones who stand up and march towards danger in the interest of greater ideals for humanity deserve the protection of all of us."

CNN has reaction from presidential candidates, while Reauters has a slideshow of photographs from Pakistan.

Contributing Editor Erin Kotecki Vest also blogs at Queen of Spain