Since March 2007, tensions in Pakistan have been rising: the political instability surrounding both the presidential and parliamentary elections is commingling with the increase in militant activity within Pakistan proper, which led to around 60 suicide attacks in Pakistan in 2007. Following Benazir Bhutto's assassination on December 27, the extremists have upped the ante, perhaps hoping to disrupt the February 18 elections. Is Pakistan becoming the world's "most dangerous nation"?

The lack of predictability and transparency through both the presidential and parliamentary elections have compounded the confusion, the instability, and Musharraf's loss of credibility. Is Pakistan becoming "the world's most dangerous nation"?

South Asia is undoubtedly a "most important foreign policy challenge" for the United States. In light of the region's increasing significance to international affairs, the Belfer Center is playing a leading role in research and policy recommendations.

Tensions in Pakistan have been high for months. Not just in terms of the political battles through the presidential and parliamentary election process, but militant attacks too, with more than 40 suicide attacks last year. Approximately 140 were killed during Benazir Bhutto's arrival procession on October 18. And then on December 27, over 20 more were killed, along with Bhutto herself. Approximately 50 died in demonstrations in the weeks following her assassination. Already in 2008, there have been two major suicide attacks within Pakistan, the latest yesterday when 26 were killed in what is believed to have been a suicide attack outside Lahore's high court.

Voice of America interviews Xenia Dormandy on Pakistan's political future following the assassination of Benazir Bhutto. Listen to her interview online: http://www.voanews.com/english/NewsAnalysis/2008-01-03-voa21.cfm

Bhutto leaves three children, the oldest 19, and a husband. She also leaves Pakistan's one truly national party without a leader, a party that throughout its history has only been led by Bhuttos. Typical to Pakistani politics, Bhutto's Pakistan People's Party is personality driven. It is not clear yet whether there is one person who stands above the others in the party who can pick up the pieces, draw in the popular support and lead the party into elections in 10 days. Her children are too young yet to pick up the baton.

Xenia Dormandy, Director of the Belfer Center's Project on India and the Subcontinent, spoke with Boston.com about Benezir Bhutto's legacy and Washington's dependence on current leader Pervez Musharraf. Listen to her interview online.

It is hard to make the argument that despite the state of emergency, the arrests of lawyers, the new Supreme Court, the fact the Sharif can not run and that Bhutto may not be able to lead even if she wins, the media restrictions, the continued militant suicide attacks, not to mention the general assorted political machinations (such as persuading people to change parties etc.), that with all of this, the elections will be free and fair.

Yesterday, the U.S. Congress finally passed the year-end budget; it made a couple of interesting statements about the Congress's views on our policy towards Pakistan.

It is hard to imagine how the January 8 elections can be free or fair. Of the three primary leaders, one (Nawaz Sharif) is not being permitted to run, another (Benzair Bhutto) might not be allowed to become prime minister even if she wins (the constitution only allows for two terms, which she's already had, and President Musharraf has said he'll decide whether to move forward a constitutional amendment after the elections), and the third is President Musharraf. Not exactly an even hand.