This is so very, very bad, you can't imagine how bad it is. It's not that the loss of Benazir Bhutto is not tragic. It's beyond tragic. She was first elected prime minister of Pakistan when she was 35, after her father, the former prime minister, was hanged after a charge of corruption. She was the first woman to lead a Muslim country.
Charges of corruption followed her, as did tragedy. Two of her brothers were murdered mysteriously.
Whether she was corrupt or not, she was intelligent and charismatic. Unfortunately, this assassination will destabilize what little stability there was in Pakistani politics.
Unfortunately, this could have an impact all over the Muslim world. I sincerely hope not.
"This is so very, very bad, you can't imagine how bad it is."
Yup.
Dude, if you weren't on the watchlist from hanging out with the likes of L7 years ago, or from blogging your heart out about New Orleans' ills, or from your travels, with this post you made all of them. Guaranteed.
Posted by: Carmen | 27 December 2007 at 10:58 AM
How did we get into the position where our major ally in that region, upon which we are incredibly dependent, is an unstable powder keg of a military dictatorship? Will there be a civil war? Will we have to send American troops to "secure" their nukes? Will India get involved over Kashmir? Will President Cheney have any idea what to do?Jan. '09 cannot come soon enough.
Posted by: dangerblond | 27 December 2007 at 11:21 AM
A gentleman I work with just returned from Pakistan visiting family a couple weeks ago. He said she was pretty much a solid entry for upcoming re-election. He was quite shaken up this morning by this event, as was everyone at work. So sad...
Posted by: swampwoman | 27 December 2007 at 05:15 PM
Allah yirHamHa.
Posted by: alli | 27 December 2007 at 05:58 PM
I could not believe it. First word was she was OK. I still am in shock.
Posted by: Suzanne Ward | 27 December 2007 at 08:57 PM
You ain't kiddin'. Pakistan is the nation in the most precarious situation in the world. And now this.
Posted by: Cousin Pat | 28 December 2007 at 10:52 PM
it is believed, but not proven, that one of her brothers was murdered on the order of her husband. It's unknown if she had knowledge.
She made 11 billion dollars of the Pakistan people during her second term.
She came back knowing she was in danger. She took the risk and lost. She should not be a martyr
Posted by: karen b | 10 January 2008 at 01:03 PM