The "Gods of the Copybook Headings" strike again

As it will be in the future, it was at the birth of Man
There are only four things certain since Social Progress began.
That the Dog returns to his Vomit and the Sow returns to her Mire,
And the burnt Fool's bandaged finger goes wabbling back to the Fire;

And that after this is accomplished, and the brave new world begins
When all men are paid for existing and no man must pay for his sins,
As surely as Water will wet us, as surely as Fire will burn,
The Gods of the Copybook Headings with terror and slaughter return.

I thought of those lines from Kipling's poem this morning after hearing the shocking news of Benazir Bhutto's assassination. Coming as it does during this semi-holiday week when most of us are enjoying the blessings of peace and prosperity, it's an abrupt reminder of the darker realities that reign in other parts of the world. It's hard to say whether these events will have major ramifications for us -- but considering that Pakistan has been somewhat of a U.S. ally, possesses nuclear weapons and is the true frontline in the West's struggle against Islamic terrorism -- I'd say it's a good bet.

UPDATE: Ahmed Rashid on the Benazir Bhutto Assassination