Home > Thinking Right > Archives > 2007 > December > 27 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USThe courage of a martyr
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
From the moment she returned to Pakistan in October from an eight-year exile, the danger to Benazir Bhutto was evident. She narrowly escaped injury when her homecoming parade was targeted by a suicide bomber, killing more than 140 people in Karachi.
Bhutto and at least 20 others were killed Thursday by a gunman who later blew himself up as she was leaving a campaign rally in Rawalpindi near the capital of Islamabad. She was shot in the neck and chest as she entered a vehicle to leave the rally.
Supporters at the hospital where she was pronounced dead reacted angrily, chanting “Dog, Musharraf, dog.” Bhutto, who served twice as prime minister between 1988 and 1996, was campaigning for the Pakistan People’s Party in opposition to President Pervez Musharraf in Jan. 8 parliamentary elections.
Musharraf would have been a fool to sanction in any way whatsoever any attempt to cause harm to Bhutto. More likely the assassination will be traced to extremists, probably connected to al-Qaida, determined to topple Musharraf. It is possible, too, that it is the work of crazies who couldn’t abide the prospect that Bhutto might return to power.
It is, in any event, a tragic day for Pakistan, for democracy and for the region.
Occasionally we stand in awe at the courage of leaders in other lands. Bhutto knew full well that this day could very well come, and probably would. And yet she came. That is the courage of a martyr.
Comments
By Aquagirl
December 27, 2007 10:09 AM | Link to this
Absolutely right, Jim, this is a tragic day for everyone. Bhutto knew she would be a martyr. Returning home while Musharraf controlled the country was suicide, plain and simple. Even if he wasn’t directly involved, he’s managed to keep himself from being assassinated, he could have done the same in her case—-but had no motivation to do so. Those crowds had it right.
By Glenn
December 27, 2007 10:37 AM | Link to this
How do you like that? Wooten’s still a newsman at heart, just as his Christmas columns suggested. Here he brings us breaking news with extraordinary succinctness and almost instantaneous analysis. Reportage, commentary, obit in one. Today the online AJC outdid the Print Edition, and under Jim’s byline.
Bhutto’s incumbencies were spotty and as corrupt as they were prudent, her commitment to democracy fitful, her wealth and that of her family, mysterious. She may have returned to the Batter’s Box from the Bench out of a democratic duty to her country. Then again she may have done it out of a mixture of power lust and financial opportunism.
Does it matter now?
By jbmlaw
December 27, 2007 10:40 AM | Link to this
Good morning all. Benazir Bhutto spoke regularly against the terrorist crazies of the middle east. Prior to the US actions in Afghanistan and Iraq, she was perhaps the only Middle East Muslim leader who publicly acknowledged the virtues of freedom. I am comfortable asserting that Musharraf had no role in the death of Bhutto – she was the best bet for Musharraf to hold onto whatever power he still has. I think now Musharraf may be compelled to push the fundamentalist Muslims whose neutrality (between the Islamists and his presidency) had been a significant source of his support. The Pakistan military is infiltrated by the Islamists, so he may not rely blindly on the military. I do not forecast Pakistan’s future, although I think both the US and India have an interest in ensuring nuclear weapons do not fall into the hands of the Islamists. 2008 will be interesting, and the American public will choose a president against a backdrop of international instability; who will protect you?
By jbmlaw
December 27, 2007 10:45 AM | Link to this
Odd late thought, this is all a little surreal, the similarity to the Lambrakis death chronicled in Costa-Gavras’s “Z.”
By Will Jones
December 27, 2007 11:02 AM | Link to this
In 1985, a Federal Dist. Court Jury, deliberated the Defamation suit brought by E. Howard Hunt against the publisher Liberty Lobby, determining that the CIA committed the assassination of John Kennedy. We know from evidence developed since, that George H.W. Bush and Richard Nixon were principals in the treason which restored the Fed to control of our money supply and sent 58,000 of us to die for Roman Catholic interests in S.E. Asia.
By Glenn
December 27, 2007 11:02 AM | Link to this
Yes, jbm, by Jove it does resemble “Z”. Also the killings of Sadat and Aquino and the previous attempt on Bhutto. Those assassins may have been imitating art, or they may have been imitating us or each other. I appreciate your ref. to Mr. Costa-Gavras, as he obviously was intent on warning international audiences of the new face of Fascism, which the American Left yet again makes the mistake of thinking we’re perpetrating rather than combatting.
I humbly predict a Pakistani future different from your prediction: an even better democrat than Bhutto, probably a humble man, will rise to take her place, and will succeed.
By Will Jones
December 27, 2007 11:07 AM | Link to this
In 1985, a Federal Dist. Court Jury, deliberated the Defamation suit brought by E. Howard Hunt against the publisher Liberty Lobby, determining that the CIA committed the assassination of John Kennedy. We know from evidence developed since, that George H.W. Bush and Richard Nixon were principals in the treason which restored the Fed to control of our money supply and sent 58,000 of us to die for Roman Catholic interests in S.E. Asia.
By ron
December 27, 2007 11:09 AM | Link to this
Bhutto’s death is one I’ve been watching for.It was inevitable.The world now awaits the aftermath.It may not be good.
By jbmlaw
December 27, 2007 11:37 AM | Link to this
Dear Glenn @ 11:02, I hope you are right.
By getalife
December 27, 2007 11:54 AM | Link to this
There goes the last chance for democracy in Pakistan.
mushroomhead will declare martial law again and the gop will scaremonger on this calling it al qaeda again but it was mushroomhead.
w will tour the ME to promote peace (sic) to try to get a legacy.
Geez.
By Glenn
December 27, 2007 12:12 PM | Link to this
Will, take a tip from an old angler. When trolling, avoid the neon colors in favor of more imitative lures in natural hues, and begin in the shallows before casting off the deep end.
By Jackie
December 27, 2007 12:15 PM | Link to this
Bhutto’s assisination was a message being sent to the foreign policy of the USA. This country has nuclear weapons and tacitly supports the Taliban. An adjoining province in India has 137 million Muslims. Our economy is failing and the dollar is losing it’s luster. One has to wonder if this will lead to oil being consistently above $100 per barrel leading to a Recession? Geo-politics are having a major negative impact upon our country.
By BS Aplenty
December 27, 2007 12:15 PM | Link to this
Jim, the five who influenced my life the most -
.the lunch-lady at Thunderbolt Elementary School, Savannah, GA. She always gave me a little more pizza than normal and an extra peanut butter cookie to boot! All other cooks in my life have had to best this culinary goddess,
.Miss Hawthorne my fifth grade teacher at Randolph AFB Elementary School, San Antonio, TX. There wasn’t any teacher-student “involvement” in those days & she was was as close as I ever got - she let me kiss her cheek on the last day of school. I’ve measured all subsequent women in my life against her soft, pale, perfumed skin.
…uh, oh, wrong day…
By HIDT
December 27, 2007 12:16 PM | Link to this
I hope you are right, Glenn. You are obviously more intelligent and well read than I. Do you have a name of that humble man?
When Anwar Sadat was killed, I was a freshman at South Georgia College. It was an eye-opener to watch the coverage in the student union and notice the UAE students snickering about the whole thing.
By Curious Observer
December 27, 2007 12:20 PM | Link to this
Even more frightening than the prospect of another period of martial law is the possibility that Musharraf will prove incapable of quelling the inevitable riots to follow the assassination, with the army having to step in and stage yet another coup. The only counter-balance to such an action is the potential loss of massive US military aid. If the Islamist-infiltrated army does believe it necessary to stage a coup, however, it would be forced to align itself more closely with the Islamist extremists in order to govern. That, in turn, would put terrorists one step closer to acquiring nuclear materials.
I disregard the claim that Bhutto’s slaying obviated the last chance for democracy in Pakistan. I don’t think that even a temporary alliance among Bhutto, Musharraf, and Sharif would have lasted long. Sooner or later, one party would have gained dominance and proceeded to destroy the others. We need to remember that we are not dealing with a US-style government here. After all, Bhutto’s father, once removed from power, was hanged by his opponents, not left to cool his heels until the next election. We can dream all we want about a peaceful, democratic Pakistan, but it wouldn’t have happened, even if the current assassination had never occurred.
By jbmlaw
December 27, 2007 12:35 PM | Link to this
Ms. Bhutto’s October 23, 2007 essay on those who were trying to kill her: http://www.opinionjournal.com/extra/?id=110011046
By Craig
December 27, 2007 12:46 PM | Link to this
Well said, Glenn - your 12:12 - although, based on reading other AJC blogs, I fear it will fall on deaf ears.
By Glenn
December 27, 2007 12:48 PM | Link to this
HIDT,
Hi. Hope your holidays have been festive.
It isn’t likely that I’m any more prescient than you, but it just stands to reason that the democracy movement, which continued apace in Bhutto’s absence, is not such a charismatic phenomenon that it depends upon one person. That being the case, then, the movement can only draw strength from Ms. Bhutto’s martyrdom, and put forth another leader from within in ranks. And no, I don’t know enough of Pakistan to have anyone in particular in mind.
What I think I do know, though, is that the estimable Jackie slightly but significantly errs when she says that the country is in the hands of extremists. It is, rather, in the hands of moderates who spend their energies tamping down the extremists, both within its borders and across them. The best bet remains that they are the holding action awaiting democracy’s takeover.
getalife, you’re flat wrong as usual, but I dig you anyway, and wish you a very good time in 2008, especially in matters more important than politics.
Jackie, a belated Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year.
[Rudy 08]
By jm
December 27, 2007 1:12 PM | Link to this
I seriously wonder how committed the US is to bringing democracy to Pakistan, considering the results in Lebanon and the disputed territories did not turn out as planned. The country to watch right now is India. If the extremists look like they are gaining control, India might act out of self interest.
By getalife
December 27, 2007 1:12 PM | Link to this
Glenn,
You too.
mushroomhead decreased her security and Sharif has been attacked too.
One certain way to win elections is to eliminate the competition. Debate with bombs and bullets, if you will.
A serious blow to w’s democracy in the ME.
A good topic for today Jim.
2008 is going to be another terrible, historic year.
Happy New Year.
By Jack
December 27, 2007 2:03 PM | Link to this
Reminds me of when Sadat was killed. God help us if the radical Muslims take over Pakistan and their nukes. It’s getting messy over there. We need to pray and get those provisions stocked. It may be a long winter.
By getalife
December 27, 2007 2:40 PM | Link to this
Sharif will boycott the elections. Not a good time to hit the campaign trail in Pakistan.
I think mushroomcloud loves the billions w gave him and will retain power at all costs like any military dictator.
By getalife
December 27, 2007 3:27 PM | Link to this
Wooten’s hatred for my sexuality sickens me.
That’s why I mostly post at Lucko’s.
He provides a more tolerant environment for me.
Geez.
By Anonymous
December 27, 2007 4:01 PM | Link to this
A tragic reminder that terrorism is still a significant threat… one Bush has apparently forgotten.
Oh well, maybe when we get somebody COMPETENT elected next year, we can actually do something about terrorism for a change. I only hope the death count until then stays low.
By Cindy Parker
December 27, 2007 4:04 PM | Link to this
We can assume that Bhuto’s presence was not in the plans of the powers that be in Pakistan, and she had to go. So, we can deduce Pakistan’s future, giving advantage to those who are willing to kill themselves to get the power they crave. Pakistan is a puzzle to me. I never understood how Bhutto could have been so casual nor could I fathom how Mushareff write a book and appear on US talk shows acting like a clown when there is so much at stake.
Wooten could not have any idea about the political undercurrent that caused Bhutto’s death, and calling her a martyr is ridiculous and ignorant. Bush’s eulogy will certainly have some moronic “thoughts and prayers” slant to it, and of course he’ll condemn the terrorists who killed her, like that will somehow get even for her.
About the only thing we can be certain of is that Bush/Cheney wont tell the truth about it, if they do indeed know the truth. “Oh, it’s alqueda in Pakistan, or some global terror network that proves there’s a war on terror, (orange alert today).”
This act of murder portends something larger and could be the turning point of history the way the archduke ferdinand’s murder was.
Bhutto was beautiful, of that there can be no debate.
By ray
December 27, 2007 4:29 PM | Link to this
maybe we should send condi over there to ‘help out’. or, better yet, let’s lone them rudy - he can run around in the streets with his mask and his photogropher, do nothing and once again call himself a hero for it. for doing nothing. oh, that’s right, excuse me, he did put the command center in the towers. real genius, that rudy.
By getalife (not the sick wanker)
December 27, 2007 4:42 PM | Link to this
pf,
I do not like banning but you are ruining these blogs.
If that is your purpose, so be it but I am not going to leave because you are gay wanking my name.
At least, try something new in 2008 loser.
Geez.
By getalife
December 27, 2007 4:47 PM | Link to this
WAAAAAAAAHHH! Sob, gasp, sob, gasp,sob, gasp. WAAAAAAAHH! Gurgle, sob, gurgle, sob.
Geez.
By Randy Randerson
December 27, 2007 4:54 PM | Link to this
Whatever happened to hot Barbara who used to post on here about her adventures with the pool boy?
For that matter whatever happened to plain old Barbara?
By Jackie
December 27, 2007 5:02 PM | Link to this
@Glenn,
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you. I think you are trying to extrapolate. I did not say anything about extremists. Further, I believe that you have made a grevious error in you accesement of the government of Pakistan. Keep in mind this man was a true dictator. As for his trying to promote democracy within his country, his own army CAN NOT go into the Hindu-Kush area of his own country because the tribesmen do not like the tribe that dominates the Army and they are Pasthun. Further, I am a male.
By Dusty
December 27, 2007 5:09 PM | Link to this
This is a very sad day indeed. A strong political leader returns to her country to help continue democracy. Then she is assassinated. That, of course, is Bhutto.
Here in the freedom of America, that seems like such an antiquated, savage way of gaining power or revenge, even though it has happened here. Such savages will call their killer a “martyr” just as we call one who dies for the freedom of others. Whatever will be said about Bhutto, she died in her beneficial efforts for Pakistan and its citizens.
We best keep in mind that those who killed Bhutto would like the same outcome for America and its freedom. Will you fight against them as Bhutto was doing or will you wait for them to come? Will you blame our leaders or will you blame the killers?
Sometimes manufactured negative political speech can undermine our country even though we have the right to say it. The result is still the same. Think about it. Are you a “Bhutto” or an “Osama” in this country of ours?
By jbmlaw
December 27, 2007 5:42 PM | Link to this
Dear Randy @ 4:54, I have guesses on the Barbaras. The “pool boy” Barbara was probably our friend PoFo - he has a wild sense of humor, and those posts always struck me as his style. As to the real Barbara, I perceive her life circumstances changed and she does not have time to play with us any more. Too bad, she was solid.
By Cindy Parker
December 27, 2007 6:02 PM | Link to this
jbm, you couldn’t pick out Lee Harvey Oswald if he had a derringer and was standing behind Lincoln himself. Why dont you ID your own multiple aliases and leave the troll baiting to the professionals?
counselor (and opinionated lout)
By jbmlaw
December 27, 2007 6:15 PM | Link to this
Now Cindy @ 6:02, you know I don’t have enough imagination to post under any other identity - that requires a developed sense of humor.