"

Pakistan's embattled Zardari vows to defend democracy

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan (Reuters) - A suicide bomber blew himself up outside a Shi'ite Muslim hall in the Pakistani part of disputed Kashmir on Sunday, killing at least 5 people, police said.

World

The blast in Muzaffarabad city demonstrated the challenges facing U.S. ally Pakistan, which is struggling against al Qaeda-linked militants and is under pressure from Washington to help stabilize Afghanistan, where a Taliban insurgency is raging.

The explosion went off at the end of a procession for Ashura, the Shi'ite calendar's biggest event. A witness said he saw body parts of the bomber on the street. At least 30 people were wounded, police said.

Security has been increased across the country for Ashura, a flashpoint for attacks by Sunni militants in recent years.

Earlier on Sunday, President Asif Ali Zardari said he would defend democracy in Pakistan. He also dismissed speculation he might not survive politically.

Speaking on the second anniversary of the assassination of his wife, former premier Benazir Bhutto, Zardari suggested he had no intention of resigning after the possibility of corruption charges against his close aides weakened him.

"If anyone casts an evil eye on democracy, we will gouge out their eyes," he told supporters in Bhutto's hometown of Naudero.

Violence has intensified since July 2007, when the army cleared out militants from a radical mosque in Islamabad.

More . . .

"

==========================

It is not a good situation.  Zardari and several ministers are facing legal proceedings now that an amnesty period has expired.. besides, Zardari's popularity rating is on the decline, with popular musician groups speaking up against his teaming with the US in the matter of Taliban... and that makes Zardari's situation quite precarious.

SOS Clinton will have to walk some treacherous waters with Pakistan in the coming months.


-- Edited by Sanders on Sunday 27th of December 2009 02:31:09 PM