WASHINGTON, Jan 5: US President George W. Bush once again said on Saturday that he believed “religious extremists” were responsible for the murder of Benazir Bhutto.

“Since Sept 11, 2001, extremists have assassinated democratic leaders from Afghanistan to Lebanon to Pakistan,” Mr Bush said in his weekly radio address.

On Thursday, he had said Ms Bhutto’s assassination had “all the hallmarks” of how Al Qaeda operated.

Mr Bush, who is to travel to the Middle East later this month, said he would discuss the issue of terrorism in Pakistan with his allies in the region.

He said that the 9/11 attacks had proved “dangers that arise on the other side of the world can bring death and destruction to our own streets”.

Mr Bush said that those responsible for killing democratic leaders in Pakistan and other places were “seeking new weapons and new operatives, so they can attack America again, overthrow governments in the Middle East and impose their hateful vision on millions”.

He said that during his forthcoming trip to the Middle East, he would consult America’s partners in the “war against these extremists”.

“I will reaffirm our pledge to use every necessary tool of intelligence, law enforcement, diplomacy, finance, and military power to bring our common enemies to justice,” Mr Bush said. “The terrorists and extremists will not let down their guard, and we must not let down ours.”