World leaders saluted the sacrifice of former Pakistan prime minister Benazir Bhutto, who was assassinated on Thursday in Rawalpindi, near the capital city, Islamabad. The suicide attack at a campaign rally apparently killed at least 22 others.
"She sacrificed her life for the people of Pakistan and the people of this region," said Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai, who had met with Bhutto earlier Thursday afternoon.
Pakistan's president, Pervez Musharraf,called for three days of mourning in Pakistan, which has elections scheduled for Jan. 8. Returning from exile just two months ago, Bhutto was running for a third term.
From his ranch in Crawford, Texas, President George W. Bush said, "The United States strongly condemns this cowardly act by murderous extremists who are trying to undermine Pakistan's democracy. Those who committed this crime must be brought to justice."
British Foreign Secretary David Miliband said Bhutto "showed in her words and actions a deep commitment to her country. She knew the risks of her return to campaign but was convinced that her country needed her. This is a time for restraint but also unity. All those committed to a stable future for Pakistan will condemn without qualification all violence perpetrated against innocent people. In targeting Benazir Bhutto extremist groups have in their sights all those committed to democratic processes in Pakistan. They cannot and must not succeed."
In neighboring India, which has a long rivalry with Pakistan and its own history of assassinations, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said, "I was deeply shocked and horrified to hear of the heinous assassination. In her death, the subcontinent has lost an outstanding leader who worked for democracy and reconciliation in her country."
French Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner issued a statement condemning what he called "this odious act" and reaffirming "France's commitment to the stability of Pakistan and its democracy."
Italian Premier Romano Prodi said Bhutto was "a woman who chose to fight her battle until the end with a single weapon—the one of dialogue and political debate. The difficult path toward peace and democracy in that region must not be stopped, and Bhutto's sacrifice will serve as the strongest example for those who do not surrender to terrorism."
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Mohammad Ali Hosseini said, "We hope the Pakistani government will identify and bring to justice those behind such a criminal act and restore tranquility to the country."
Russian Foreign Ministry spokesman Mikhail Kamynin added, "We strongly condemn this terrorist act, present our condolences to the family and friends of Benazir Bhutto and hope that Pakistani authorities will provide for national stability."
On the busy campaign trail in the United States, the presidential candidates weighed in on the situation. Former New York City mayor Rudolph Giuliani called the killing "a tragic event for Pakistan and for democracy in Pakistan. Her murderers must be brought to justice, and Pakistan must continue on the path back to democracy and the rule of law. Her death is a reminder that terrorism anywhere—whether in New York, London, Tel Aviv or Rawalpindi—is an enemy of freedom."
Sen. Hillary Clinton added, "I have known Benazir Bhutto for a dozen years, and I knew her as a leader. I knew her as someone willing to take risks. I hope that if there is any opportunity for the government and people of Pakistan to respond to this tragedy appropriately, it would be to move more steadfastly and determinately toward democracy. She has given her life for that hope, and I know that the people of our country stand in solidarity with those who believe as we do in the rights of people to be heard at the ballot box."
Sen. Barack Obama said, "I am shocked and saddened by the death of Benazir Bhutto in this terrorist atrocity. She was a respected and resilient advocate for the democratic aspirations of the Pakistani people. We join with them in mourning her loss, and stand with them in their quest for democracy and against the terrorists who threaten the common security of the world."
Former Arkansas governor Mike Huckabee said, "This is devastating news for the people of Pakistan, and my prayers go out to them as we follow developments regarding this dire situation. The terrible violence surrounding Pakistan's upcoming election stands in stark contrast to the peaceful transition of power that we embrace in our country through our Constitution."
Sen. John McCain said Bhutto's death "underscores yet again the grave dangers we face in the world today and particularly in countries like Pakistan, where the forces of moderation are arrayed in a fierce battle against those who embrace violent Islamic extremism. Given Pakistan's strategic location, the international terrorist groups that operate from its soil, and its nuclear arsenal, the future of that country has deep implications for the security of the United States and its allies. America must stand on the right side of this ongoing struggle."
"This type of loss of life points out again the need for our nation and other civilized nations of the West and Muslim world to come together to support moderate Islamic leaders and moderate Islamic people to help them in their effort to reject the violence and the extreme," said former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney.