Why Pakistan matters

Slated on Backbone Radio, December 30 Listen every Sunday, 5-8pm on 710 KNUS, Denver.. 1460 KZNT, Colorado Springs... and streaming live at 710knus.com.

The stakes in 2008, for an America at war and choosing new leadership, got bigger on Thursday as Al Qaeda was apparently responsible for assassinating Pakistani opposition leader Benazir Bhutto. Significant US gains in Iraq during 2007 are undercut by the possibility of jihadists gaining control of Pakistan's nuclear arsenal. The world becomes far more dangerous if that happens.

This typically quiet week between Christmas and New Year's was already unusually keyed-up because of the impending Iowa caucuses. With the Bhutto murder it's now even more so.

On our show this Sunday I'll talk about it with Daveed Gartenstein-Ross of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies and with counter-terrorism expert Joe Ruffini of Colorado Springs.

We'll also look at Colorado's upcoming legislative session with Jon Caldara of the Independence Institute, and preview presidential politics with Jim Spencer of SpencerSpeaks.com.

"Don't tread on me," the old spirit of defiance to tyrants and enemies, is good preparation for Americans facing a new year and new challenges. Here at Backbone Radio, that spirit is alive. It's on our banner as we stride into 2008. Want to march with us?

Yours for self-government, JOHN ANDREWS