He will face pressure from her followers. He will also most likely be pressured by the international community, among them the United States who will be asking that justice be served. But Musharraf will also be pressured by a sense of having failed in providing adequate protection to a major political figure and a candidate for the prime ministership in next January's elections. You might say it's a question of honor where he lost a battle against the Islamists who would like to see him killed as much as they wanted Bhutto dead.

While some may point the finger at the Pakistani president, it is highly unlikely that he would have authorized, let alone ordered, the assassination of Bhutto.

This unexpected development will give Musharraf the opportunity to round up more than just the usual suspects. Do not be surprised if several thousands are arrested in raids by Pakistani security services in the days and weeks to come. An operation such as the one carried out Thursday in Rawalpindi took planning and logistics, as well as the support of a number of people.

Bhutto's enemies were numerous, particularly among the pro al-Qaida sort. She stood for everything the Islamists despised and feared: She was outward going, Western educated, modern in her thoughts, and she was a woman.

Indeed, Musharraf may well use this to crack down on Islamists in the country in a major way. In assassinating Bhutto her enemies may have miscalculated. If it's chaos they were hoping for, they may be in for a nasty surprise. Chances of major civil disturbances are unlikely. Yes, there will be the usual outburst of public anger, the burning of cars and police vehicles, a few scattered clashes with security forces, and in most likelihood this is where it will stop. On the other hand, Musharraf is bound to unleash his security forces, allowing them to go after anyone remotely suspected of having any sort of connection with the Islamists.

For Musharraf it's a matter of survival; the next bullet or the next suicide bomb may be well be for him. If Bhutto was known to take chances with her security, this is a chance Musharraf is not prepared to take.