Radicals Kill Pakistani Colonel

(NEWSER) - A "ball of fire" turned a Karachi street from a scene of celebration into one of "absolute horror and carnage" early this morning after two explosions killed at least 136 people gathered to hail the return of former Pakistan Prime Minster Benazir Bhutto, reports the BBC. The Pakistan government has blamed Islamic militants for the grenade attack and suicide bombing that also injured 387 people. More»

Commandos clear compound after 8-day standoff, 35-hour battle

(NEWSER) - Soldiers completed the takeover of the Red Mosque early today, removing the final militants who had occupied the Islamabad compound during an 8-day siege. At least 80 were killed and 33 wounded in the past week, including 50 radicals and 10 soldiers in the climactic 35-hour final assault. "Now it's mopping up," said Pakistan's PM. More»

Islamic students clash with security forces in shootout; 140 wounded

(NEWSER) - A heavy gun battle between Pakistan's government and armed students at a radical mosque has left nine dead, the BBC reports. The melee lasted throughout the day as soldiers traded fire with militant students at Islamabad's controversial Lal Masjid, or Red Mosque. Among the dead were three female students, a soldier, and a journalist. More»

Novelist calls for transition from Musharraf's rule

(NEWSER) - A Pakistani novelist who's seen many benefits from Musharraf's rule concludes that it's time for the embattled leader to go. "By prolonging his rule, the general risks taking Pakistan backward and undermining much of the considerable good that he has been able to achieve," writes Mohsin Hamid. More»

(NEWSER) - The US and Pakistan were this close to catching Osama bin Laden about 5 years ago, says former President Pervez Musharraf. "Then, suddenly, we lost track." In a question-and-answer forum following a speech in South Dakota, Musharraf said intelligence closed in on the al-Qaeda leader in a "broad location" before fizzling, notes USA Today. "I don't know whether he's dead or alive," he added. "It was a failure of Pakistan and a failure of US intelligence also." More»