Pakistan bombing toll rises above 50

LA Times:

ISLAMABAD, PAKISTAN -- As U.S. officials warned of a renewed focus by Islamic miliants on attacks in Pakistan, the death toll climbed above 50 on Friday in a suicide bombing that could herald a perilous election campaign and a harsh new confrontation between extremists and government forces.

Even at the close of a year that has seen dozens of suicide attacks across the country, Pakistanis were horrified by the circumstances of this one in Charsadda, in North-West Frontier Province. The attacker blew himself up in a mosque, killing and maiming worshipers as they gathered to mark one of the holiest days of the Muslim calendar.

"There are no claims of responsibility, but U.S. Defense chief Gates says Al Qaeda fighters are shifting their focus from Afghanistan."

Could this be Al Qaeda's last hurrah? After being removed from power in Afghanistan, and now failing in Iraq, could this be their last big attempt to take over a country? Pakistan certainly is the most attractive of the three countries since they have, undeniably, nuclear weapons. They would love to get their hands on them.