Bhutto

Benazir Bhutto was killed a couple of days ago, and the press is claiming this could "throw the country back into turmoil".

I really hope that they're wrong. If in this day and age, after all of the warfare in the past century, one would think we would be past failed martyrs. I understand the need for leaders, and the shock of having them leave their perch, but if her followers' will to achieve democratic government is broken by this event, then she was alone in this to begin with. In an age where the alleged enemies of democracy and freedom, terrorists, can recuperate from the loss of a leader by appointing a new one and continuing t fight, the "good guys" must do the same. This is not to take away from her accomplishments and her power as a motivator and political figure, but to place the importance on the goals at hand, on what she placed importance on. Long live democracy, equality and freedom! I really hope her death isn't a catalyst for yet another chapter of war.

There are a few other issues at hand here.
One is the continued volatility of the political and living situation in Pakistan. I think if President Musharraf was trying to get rid of Bhutto, this is the worst way in which to do this. I don't think he was explicitly involved, because it would be extremely stupid to make such a public statement of ruthlessness. He recently lifted marshal law in the country, and had begun to make arrangements for a new election. Maybe these strategies would make sense, especially if it gave him time to continue to change his image in the eyes of the Pakistani people (by the way, I'm not sure how the general public there feels about this, of course). While Bhutto was a beloved figure in many circles, symbolic of democracy and better lives for the women of the country, she had her political baggage. Musharraf could bring back memories of corruption and other scandals of the Bhutto family during campaigns, and perhaps even win. But the same strategies that made sense for him politically also gave a perfect platform for Bhutto's assassination. These political protests and rallies that had become the norm in the past few weeks were the perfect forum for political change, but also put Bhutto in the spotlight, in the perfect position to be murdered. How will Pakistan react? Will they blame the current administration? Will they blame terrorists? Will they unite in a pursuit of democracy in Bhutto's memory, or allow the country to delve deeper into lawlessness and military rule? There are riots right now, but this is just the knee-jerk reaction of an emotional people in crisis; we'll find out more soon.

An important thing to remember in this mess is that we may be fed the platform that Bhutto was a savior, but we don't know that. It's funny that the Bush administration backed (and still backs?) the Musharraf regime, but also had no ill feelings towards the Bhutto side of the story (at least, not that I can find so far). In my book, most people the Bush regime is associated with or has some sort of tacit relationship with (in turbulent regions) are suspicious people. Narrow viewpoint, I know, but it's more of a defense mechanism than anything. Bhutto and her family had been charged with corruption many a time, and while corruption is not a cut and dry issue, it does cast a shadow of doubt on Benazir's motivations and methods. The corruption charges may in fact have been fabricated or embellished by opposing politicians (as is most often the case), but they had to have some basis; and judging from her aristocratic background, it wouldn't surprise me if her family saw nothing wrong with these practices of skimming some off the top, and even some bribery. In fact, I'm not sure I see so much wrong with it, at least to make it relevant, if her regime actually caused enough positive change to offset these troubles. Which I think it did, but I have to read up more on. So I'll get back to this point at a later time, after I've gained more knowledge on it. How much of a savior was Bhutto?

The world needs more people like her, some may say. I would say something more like: the world needs more people to lead like her, to take charge of their destiny, and create a better place. This event should not be a lesson (when is death a lesson?), and if it is a catalyst for something, let it be a catalyst for a continued fight for democracy, freedom, and equality.

Here's a heated discussion on the topic.