Benazir Bhutto Assassinated

**Banquo's Ghost** · 12-28-2007, 11:49

"I know that there is a school of thought which claims that extremism can better be confronted by a military-backed regime. As such, some see a controlled dictatorship as a stable and reliable ally, rather than a truly elected government that has the support of the people.

"It will not surprise you to know that I disagree with this view quite vigorously. I think it is a strategic miscalculation that can have a dysfunctional impact in the battle against violent fanaticism, bigotry and hate which today pose the most serious threat to Pakistan's internal security."

Benazir Bhutto, October 2007

RIP

**Adrian II** · 12-28-2007, 12:36

Originally Posted by Banquo's Ghost

"I know that there is a school of thought which claims that extremism can better be confronted by a military-backed regime. As such, some see a controlled dictatorship as a stable and reliable ally, rather than a truly elected government that has the support of the people.

"It will not surprise you to know that I disagree with this view quite vigorously. I think it is a strategic miscalculation that can have a dysfunctional impact in the battle against violent fanaticism, bigotry and hate which today pose the most serious threat to Pakistan's internal security."

Benazir Bhutto, October 2007

RIP

**KukriKhan** · 12-28-2007, 14:18

Most of the coverage here is about the implications her death has/might have for the US. I wonder about her nuke-armed neighbor; by web reports, everything is SOP so far. Good.

**Shahed** · 12-28-2007, 15:17

Yesterday was a bad day for Pakistan and the world at large. My sincere condolences to her family, and the people of Pakistan.

**Geoffrey S** · 12-28-2007, 15:31

Unfortunately I can't say it was much of a surprise; it was more 'when' than 'if'. I'm not convinced she'd have been good as leader of Pakistan, but in no way did she deserve this.

Worrying. I'd be surprised if it was actually Musharraf behind this, and think this is yet another sign of him gradually losing power. Despite his track record as a survivor I wonder how much longer he'll last. A full-scale civil war in a nuclear-armed country isn't a good thing.

**Fisherking** · 12-28-2007, 15:43

Who knows where it is going?

Likely it will get worse before it gets better...

**Shahed** · 12-28-2007, 15:56

BBC has posted a few views: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/7162478.stm

Last night I was stuck in traffic on the streets of Karachi for hours witnessing a stampede as life on the streets became insecure.

I was shocked as I witnessed women running for help, without their shoes, without their headscarves, just running and begging cars to help them and give them a lift to safety.

I felt as if I was living in a civil war. The city was being set on fire. The country had become paralysed.

I think that's a symbol of where Pakistan is going after this assassination. I believe most damage was done by the followers of her party, done in rage, I'm sure. But what has the common man done to deserve this?

We used to feel secure here. Foreign companies were investing in Pakistan, people could go out at night and feel safe. During Musharraf's rule we had an economic boom. After last night, I believe this country is being handed over to militants.

I hate to say it, I might be condemned or killed, but we need to take extreme security measures to curb whatever the militants are doing. I had high hopes for Benazir Bhutto. It was one of her main agendas to control the militants.

Now we have been asked to stay at home for three days. It is literally like a curfew. The main road is empty. I have been trying to trace my patients and some are missing. That makes me wonder what has happened to this country.

The only single reassuring fact is that Pakistan has been through heaven and hell, quite literally, so there is some hope it will survive.

**Boyar Son** · 12-28-2007, 18:42

Originally Posted by Banquo's Ghost

"I know that there is a school of thought which claims that extremism can better be confronted by a military-backed regime. As such, some see a controlled dictatorship as a stable and reliable ally, rather than a truly elected government that has the support of the people.

"It will not surprise you to know that I disagree with this view quite vigorously. I think it is a strategic miscalculation that can have a dysfunctional impact in the battle against violent fanaticism, bigotry and hate which today pose the most serious threat to Pakistan's internal security."

Benazir Bhutto, October 2007

RIP

ARGhhh...You tried it your way and now look where you ended up. She says objections BUT NO pluasible plan of action.