Democracy takes a serious hit in Pakistan

Xaymaca's picture

I was disturbed by the news of Benazir Bhutto's assassination
this morning. When our major ally in the war on terror can't keep it's presidential candidates safe, you have to wonder about the security of their nukes. This doesn't bode well for Pakistani Democracy.

Pakistan After Bhutto

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Fyt35's picture
Submitted by Fyt35 on Fri, 12/28/2007 - 7:33pm.

What i find even more disturbing is that, according to today's news reports, her return to Pakistan was facilitated by our current administration,to the point that Musharaf was warned that he would be held responsible for her safety.

Upon her return 185 people died, 20 more yesterday including Bhutto. Was it worth it? She would not have made much of a difference, meeting the same fate eventually.

Do we really think Musharaf is much better or just the only thing available?


Submitted by Davids mom on Sun, 12/30/2007 - 3:21pm.

Are we supporting Musharaf or Bhutto’s son? We really need to look carefully at our foreign policy - and what we are supporting. According to Pakistani polls (that may not be anymore accurate than our own) Mrs. Bhutto would have won the office of Prime Minister. Is her party at such odds with Musharaf - that joint leadership would have been impossible? Will the reported investigation of the assassination send Pakistan into even more chaos than already exists? If the people of Pakistan feel that Musharaf had any part of this assassination - what is the 'street' opinion of the US? Is there an alliance between Musharaf and Al Quaeda? Assassination is the 'terrorists' trump card. What is our CEO OF THE WAR ON TERROR (as Kessler has described George W. Bush) doing to get the rest of the world to join us in stamping out this type of 'warfare'?

Submitted by Davids mom on Sat, 12/29/2007 - 2:20pm.

It was reported that the intelligence (Musharaf) in Pakistan has just validated that the Al Quida terrorists are responsible for this assassination - via a telephone tap. Was there no warning of this before the actual bombing? (via 'telephone tap') Why did Bhutto have to ask for additional security? This country (Pakistan) has suffered so much strife - and we have spent so much money (reportedly billions of dollars) to spread (democracy) in Pakistan. Researching both conservative and liberal writings - in search of 'truth' - the reality is hitting me in the face. Our actions and results do not mirror our 'words'.

Cyclist's picture
Submitted by Cyclist on Sat, 12/29/2007 - 2:39pm.

I suspect that anytime she made an appearance in public she was a target. Musharraf is going to have to gather enough momentum from Bhutto's assassination to gain the populace edge or the outcome might be rather grim. I did listen to Clinton's thoughts - god help us. But it's not just her. I honestly don't thing anyone running has a clue.

BTW, I hope you and your family had a wonderful Christmas.
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Submitted by Davids mom on Sat, 12/29/2007 - 3:17pm.

I agree.

We had a great Christmas! Years ago, my daddy said all he wanted for Christmas was 'Peace and quiet'. (I thought that was so 'lame'.) Today - I certainly understand his message. We had a peaceful Christmas. My grandson is in Iraq - supposedly safe in the Green Zone - and all of my other children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren are safe, healthy, and happy. My heart goes out to the citizens of Pakistan and the Bhutto family. We here in the US are so blessed. Peace is a precious gift.

Cyclist's picture
Submitted by Cyclist on Sat, 12/29/2007 - 3:21pm.

for your grandson.
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Cyclist's picture
Submitted by Cyclist on Fri, 12/28/2007 - 8:52pm.

Musharraf is trying to walk a fence and the fence is shaking.

I know one thing, gasoline is back to $3 a gallon in part because of this instability. We, as nation, used to be immune to this. Now, it cutting into our pocket books. If this area of the world ignites along with the rest of the Middle East we'll all be riding bicycles to work. But don't worry, as no one will have a job to ride to.

I for one, will elect a leader that can once-and-for-all tell us the truth about our dependency on middle eastern oil. We need to be treating this oil "thing" as though our nation was at war. We need to exploit all energy resources and create new "energies" as well along with conservation. We need a leader that can tell all the "naysayers" that the next bus stop ahead is theirs.

We, as a nation, undertook a major task before called WWII. We provided war material, and our precious sons to destroy countries that wished us and our allies ill. After that, we bankrolled the rebuilding of these war torn nations including those of our former enemies. This was no small feat. I would like to think we have the "right stuff" to make this happen again.

Sorry about the rambling. I'm just fed up and I'm worried what my sons might inherent as a nation if something is not done. Feel free to disagree.
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AF A-10's picture
Submitted by AF A-10 on Sat, 12/29/2007 - 9:17am.

It is a dose of reality that so many of us don't want to face. I don't get it. No one is being asked to sacrifice in this fight. Let me reword that: Everyone is not being asked to sacrifice in this fight for energy independence. This should be viewed as a major building project that requires each one of us, as Americans, to do some lifting. Unfortunately we seem a bit lazy and complacent. It will have to get much, much worse before you see us driving Smart Cars.

Cheers,

Kevin "Hack" King


Cyclist's picture
Submitted by Cyclist on Sat, 12/29/2007 - 9:36am.

You hit the nail on the head - sacrifice. We have not had real leadership in this issue as special interest groups are vying to protect "their" turf. We as a nation have to face this reality. I was not surprised that special interests needs compromise the recently passed energy bill.

This whole energy problem has been gaining momentum for the last 37 years. It was 1970, when the Texas Railroad Commission lost oil pricing control because our consumption finally reached a level that our domestic oil fields (mainly in Texas) could no longer support. Imported oil started to flow to the US and with it came OPEC's ability to control prices. Action should have occurred back then.
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Mike King's picture
Submitted by Mike King on Thu, 12/27/2007 - 4:41pm.

was Pakistan considered a democracy? At best, perhaps a representative form of government that is beholden to Islamic tenets. I would suggest to you, sir that our own "democracy" has taken the same hits and flourished (remember 1968), and it will as well.
This is primarily because civilized nations are indeed Republics based upon the rule of law. Perhaps you have travelled throughout the region and could enlighten us on just how much a democracy that country really is.


River's picture
Submitted by River on Fri, 12/28/2007 - 10:00pm.

I think the point is that Benazir Bhutto was the best chance for democracy to return to Pakistan. Her death jeopardizes the future of Pakistan as well as the U.S.'s stake in the region. Musharraf may be a dictator, but he is one of very few leaders in the region who is on our side. Like Cyclist said, Musharraf is teetering on the edge of an abyss. If he goes down, Pakistan will likely become an Islamic republic like Iran. Just what we need--another Iran, only this one already has nukes.

Mike, you are correct in that Pakistan is not much of a democracy at present, but the way I see it, the choices are now between "bad" and "far worse".


AF A-10's picture
Submitted by AF A-10 on Sat, 12/29/2007 - 9:25am.

President Bush eloquently said this, "

We urge Pakistanis to honor Benazir Bhutto's memory by continuing with the democratic process for which she so bravely gave her life."

It is the process of democracy that was damaged, not the literal democracy in Pakistan. This family, the Bhuttos, have sacrificed more for their country than any other family I can think of off of the top of my head. her father Zulfikar, the first PM, was victim of a military coup and hanged. Her youngest brother poisoned. Her oldest brother shot. She, now, martyred. This is such a sad assassination of a nation's bravest voices. I honestly have no idea what we or any other external force can do. I suspect India doesn't have to worry about Cashmere for a while. Pakistan has its hands absolutely full.

Kevin "Hack" King


Xaymaca's picture
Submitted by Xaymaca on Fri, 12/28/2007 - 2:05am.

Pakistan did have a fragile period of democracy in the 90s until it was
suspended in 1999 by our friend and ally, Pervez Musharraf.

I have not had the pleasure of visiting the region but I'm sure we'll
be deployed there before the end of the decade.
-reserved for something more clever to say


Cyclist's picture
Submitted by Cyclist on Thu, 12/27/2007 - 5:32pm.

to the problems our nation faced during 1861-1865. I suspect a civil war will occur in Pakistan. India better be on guard.
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