THE echo from the horrific bomb attack on Benazir Bhutto will reverberate around the world.
For make no mistake: this was an attack on democracy and tolerance by hate-filled fanatics who are opposed to such values.
Their contempt for human life is clear in the blood they spilled. More than 120 innocent souls perished. Scores more were injured.
The motivation for this attack, though twisted, is plain.
Benazir Bhutto is a committed moderate with popular appeal and presents a potent threat to those who wish Pakistan to become a fundamentalist state, siding with Islamist fanatics and shunning countries that do not share their perverted world view.
In the turbulent times that undoubtedly lie ahead, the West has a tightrope to walk.
Our governments must offer support to Pakistan without interfering crassly in the country's affairs and thereby providing ammunition to those who paint a distorted picture of Western imperialism.
But today every man and woman of goodwill will pray that yesterday's atrocity does not prevent Pakistan moving forwards towards a democratic, just and prosperous future.
For those values are most powerful weapon in the struggle against extremism.