BREAKING: Fmr Pakistani PM Assasinated
Benazir Bhutto, the former Prime Minister of Pakistan, was assasinated this morning. She’d been in the news a great deal lately, and my impression of her is that she genuinly cared about the people of her country. Although my knowledge of her is admittadly limited, I am sad to see this happen. Reports indicate there was a suicide bombing, but there are conflicting reports indicating she was killed by gunfire.
We try to stick with local stories, but this deserves everyone’s attention.
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Apparently, she was killed by gunfire, then the gunman blew himself up. This is a huge story…likely to be the event that triggers the powderkeg that is Pakistan into civil unrest/war. I think this could play out in a way that effects the US presidential election. The US is perceived as having sided with Musharaf. The huge and violent response to this will likely include new waves of anti-American sentiment - the possibility of renewed terrorist attacks around the world almost sure to follow. Will the US find a way to lead the world with intelligence and vision, or will this be a vehicle for renewed fear and military action to which the American people rush to embrace - and make it, once again, unpatriotic to challenge the war mongers. I suspect the fallout from this event is going to be brutal.
I’m afraid you’re right on. We need to get out in front of this story in a big way. Obviously, the first thing the administration has to do is condemn the attack. After that, the choices seem to get much more difficult. I would say we need to call for an independent investigation, possibly conducted by the UN or a special commission solely for this assassination. Pakistan should not be able to control this investigation, I think the only way we can avert disaster is to have legitimate (in the eyes of hardliners) Muslim leaders intimately involved in the investigation. Perhaps someone from the Saudi or Egyptian Governments, along with someone from the West (Tony Blair?). At least that’s my thought.
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I would humbly suggest that the attack should be investigated by the Arab League. We do not know who killed her. It could have been supporters of Musharaf or other groups just wanting to cause chaos and discord. Outside of expressing outrage about the attack it may be best for the West to sit back, watch and only give support where asked.
I feel deep sympathy for the people of Pakistan. Bhutto represented change, and represented a smaller voice of people who “dared” to speak out not only in support of her, but in support of change. I my heart, that takes courage. Assassinations are never justifiable.
In the same breath, the steps that Perez Mushariff has taken to hold on to a country located and surrounded by war and fear and to promote democracy within has also been admirable.
I disagree with some who say that Mushariff was the pawn of Bush. He’s just a man, in an incredibly volatile situation trying hard to hold his country together, and make progressive strides towards democracy in a country where the actions of the West and “forced democracy” are not looked upon in a positive fashion.
This is going to have huge ramifications on the stability of the area, area defined as not only Pakistan, but the countries that surround it. The actions of Mushariff now are more critical than any he has taken.
It is my sincere hope that an investigation is done swiftly, a proper national period of mourning is observed, and the country allowed to heal - if it can heal - from this horrible tragedy. A civil uprising could have consequences felt in many nations for many years to come.
Remember as well that we have an Embassy there. We should all say a prayer for their safety and well being.
I agree we shouldn’t jump to conclusions about who did this.
Former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto might have been Pakistan’s last chance to restore democracy. She returned to the nation planting the seeds of optimism and hope to her legions of supporters. As the leader of the nation’s largest political party - People’s Party - there will now be token opposition to General Musharraf in the January elections.
Can not help but wonder if Musharraf turned a deaf ear to her concerns for more adequate security or if President Bush could have applied more diplomatic pressure to ensure Bhutto have a safe return.
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