[Billthedrill]

Novak isn't really one of the "America is to blame" crowd, and so we must look elsewhere for the explanation to this strange little piece. I think it might be something like this - people who work inside the Beltway, and I mean nearly all of 'em, tend to develop an overweening sense of institutional importance. The world doesn't really dance to the tune set there, however convenient it is for those who do hate America to pretend so (it makes blame so much easier). But it is a flattering and rather seductive illusion for those who fancy that they have some influence on the affairs within.

The person responsible for the presence of Benazir Bhutto on that street at that time is named Benazir Bhutto. To pretend otherwise is demeaning and disrespectful of her courage. If there is some lever some minion at State could have pulled, some arm that could have been twisted to influence events otherwise, it is irrelevant at this point.

I caution both friend and foe against buying into the fond illusion of America the Omniscient, the Omnipresent, the Omnipotent. It isn't so, and it is a good thing for the world in the long run that it isn't.

[airborne]

If I was repeatedly the target of assassination attempts, I think I would have changed a few things. Not stand up in a large crowd of strangers. Things like that.

[DCPatriot]

Excellent post.

Read recently that she was worth $1 Billion dollars....with a "B".

Evidently that's not enough to placate some people.

[Maynerd]

Novak isn't really one of the "America is to blame" crowd, and so we must look elsewhere for the explanation to this strange little piece.

I agree. Novak is not a blame America First type. That's why I found his piece rather odd. He's fanning the flames of Pakistani a conspiracy as well as Bush compacency/incompetency or depending on the mood of the lefties "a diabolical evil Bush conspiracy."