Bomb Kills Pakistan Medic Staff

New coalition will defy US, open negotiations

(NEWSER) - Pakistan's new coalition government says it will negotiate with the militants thought to be behind a wave of recent suicide bombings, the New York Times reports. The change in strategy will alarm US officials, who have recently stepped up strikes on suspected al-Qaeda strongholds using pilotless Predator drones. Pakistanis blame American strikes for the surge in bombings—17 since the beginning of 2008. More»

Blames corruption charges on political enemies

(NEWSER) - On the anniversary of Benazir Bhutto’s assassination, it is necessary to reflect on “how her legacy must be preserved against those who would return Pakistan to darkness,” writes the husband of the former prime minister, President Asif Ali Zardari. Zardari claims victory over militants in Swat, and now in South Waziristan, and touts “constitutional reforms” that will curb executive powers installed by dictators. As his wife said, “democracy is the greatest revenge.” More»

(AP) - Pakistani commandos freed dozens of hostages held by militants at the army's own headquarters today, ending a bloody, 22-hour drama that embarrassed the nation's military as it plans a new offensive against al-Qaeda and the Taliban. At least 19 people died in the standoff, including three captives and eight of the militants, who wore army fatigues in the audacious assault. The rescue operation began before dawn, ultimately freeing 42 hostages, the military said. More»

NOTE: Images are all total cheats.

(AP) - A suicide bomber rammed an explosives-laden vehicle into a military checkpoint in Pakistan's troubled northwest today, killing at least 20 people, officials said. The explosion wrecked a building that houses troops and police next to the checkpoint. At least 18 members of the security forces as well as two civilians died, a police official said. More than a dozen other people were wounded, including the local police chief. More»

Gilani and others unharmed as leader continues campaigning for Zardari

(NEWSER) - Three days before Pakistan is to elect a new president, PM Yousuf Gilani escaped an assassination attempt on his caravan outside Islamabad, the BBC reports. No injuries were reported, officials said, citing “robust and comprehensive security measures,” but CNN reports it's unclear whether Gilani was present in the motorcade. Gilani was on his way to Rawalpindi, a military town where former PM Benazir Bhutto was assassinated in December. More»