Pakistan is in deep trouble after yesterday's assassination of Benazir Bhutto.  We left Rawalpindi, where she was assassinated, two days ago.  We are in Lahore.  From the safety of the rooftop of our hotel I have been looking down on the election headquarters of her party camera in hand...  To experience history this way is quite something. 

I just wanted you all to know that I am safe and will continue to be safe.  Violence is very localized.  We did drive out today - the roads were deserted with police battalions at every corner determined to keep calm.  Stores are closed, public transportation is at a standstill and vandalism occurs here and there.  But not as the news might suggest everywhere.  Right now tires are burning in front of our hotel and some demonstrators are shouting, but even now we could go out.  We are not the target and we are not in danger. 

Please don't worry.  I am not taking any chances.  But we are in the middle of events that will have a huge impact for the future of not only Pakistan.  To see the impact on people here very much reminds me of 9/11.  People huddled in front of the TV screens yesterday in utter disbelief.  Everyone we talked to today is confused, worried about Pakistan's future and angry at the Taliban/Al Quaida who claimed responsibility for this act. The attack on Bhutto was an attack on the nation.  We have been traveling with people who considered Bhutto a hero and who had placed all their hopes on her.  To see their personal devastation is deeply moving.

Internet is sporadic, electricity goes on and off, so please don't count on regular updates.  Just this one, as the news was a bit more disconcerting than usual.