Friday, December 28, 2007

RIP Benazir Bhutto


Early yesterday, reports from Pakistan alerted the world to the horrific turn of events in Pakistan. Benazir Bhutto, former prime minister of Pakistan and the first woman leader in the Middle East, had returned from exile to run against military head of state Gen. Pervez Musharref. Musharref has been an ally of the United States' in the region and a leader in the War on Terror. But in Pakistan, stability has been "achieved" through trampling of rights. Bhutto's assassination is terrible, terrible news as Bhutto represented a lot in the way of hope and progress in the Islamic world and for us here in the States. I know the Bush administration had a lot invested in making a reconciliation between her and Musharref, but there was just that sinking feeling after her return that she was in incredible danger. Even after the first assassination attempt in October, she showed remarkable courage in pressing on to campaign further. A terrible loss for everyone in Pakistan and in their government, even Musharref who needed Bhutto and her Party to lend credence to elections, our government and the populace.
What the region needs is stability along with respect for human rights and this tragic event flies right in the face of that pursuit. Such a shame.

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