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119 Comments
- andrewcsayer, on 12/30/2007, -9/+74***** Pakistani dictators...
- ashnbell, on 12/30/2007, -13/+52I find myself wondering why the assassin would blow his cover by firing at her when he was that close, and risk the security that she had overpowering him or blowing him away before he could set of his bomb, when he looked to have gotten within a couple of paces of the vehicle his targets head and upper body were protruding from.
Personally, I've always thought of suicide bombings as being the last resort of broken people, who see it as a way of ending their own pain as well as a last desperate attempt to affect the forces that they see as having caused their plight.
If someone were to send an assassin, and they wanted to ensure that there was no chance of the assassin divulging the identity of those who had employed them, then blowing them up a few seconds after the event would certainly ensure their silence. I reckon I'll be watching with interest for any details about the assassin that should surface.
something stinks about this for sure... al-CIA-da helping to keep their 9/11 co-conspirator in power is still my bet. - inactive, on 12/30/2007, -9/+40she did nothing at all for the country, she stole millions of dollars and hoarded the money for herself her husband was nicknamed "Mr. 10 percent" as he got 10% of deals she made. Ive even once seen her in person in dubai as she was surrounded by an entourage of people when she came to pick her daughter up from the same private school I coincedently went to. Ive seen the poverty in Pakistan and it was terrible, I don't know how she could be so addicted to power and come back again to run for prime minister she already had enough money as it is.
- adamkhel, on 12/30/2007, -2/+29What a bunch of B.S. I've had relatives die in Pakistan (i.e., not natural deaths), and we never did an autopsy. The family has the choice not to do it, and most Muslim families will not have autopsies done. In this case, her husband (aka 'Mr. 10%' [1]) chose not to have an autopsy performed.
BTW, I find it interesting that the anti-Musharraf crowd was claiming the Musharraf could easily fix the elections and force a win, but the same folks now claim that he had Benazir killed because he was worried about the elections. Heck, the military government could have easily (and legally) just stopped Benazir from coming back into the country, much like they did with Nawaz Sharif.
Musharraf has much more to lose, an immense amount to lose, with Benazir being assassinated vs. her being alive. The current mood in Pakistan right now is downright eerie, just a dead silence in Islamabad and even folks who are anti-Benazir are shocked, dismayed, and disgusted by the assassination.
Everyone (specially the American public, it seems) is anti-Musharraf right now, but please, can someone tell me a ruler we've ever had before in Pakistan who allowed such a massive freedom of speech and criticism publicly? It's never happened. Folks have been allowed to call out Musharraf publicly on TV shows, in speeches, and heck, even directly in front of him [2], yet they are all free and *safe*. Name one "democratically" elected PM/President in Pakistans history that allowed this before? (I put quotes around democratically because most folks have no clue how the democratic elections in a largely feudal society like Pakistan [hint: it ain't that democratic].
[1] Benazirs husband is also commonly known as 'Mr Ten-Percent' in Pakistan for alleged commonplace extortion of 10% revenue from various businesses and industrial estates during the PPP's reign.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asif_Ali_Zardari#_not ...
http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=stor ...
[2] http://youtube.com/watch?v=4VTXMmld2jc&feature=rel ...
http://youtube.com/watch?v=dAPII9ogaNM&feature=rel ...
(breakdown: a conservative Muslim party member blasts Musharraf claiming he has taken away freedoms, and is not ruling the country Islamicly)
Musharrafs response, loosely and quickly translated (from second youtube video):
"[Your criticism] was allowed by the same military official, it has never been allowed before." If before this day someone were to talk in this manner, what his future would be, you yourself should know. So, it is this same uniformed official who has allowed you to speak freely, and express your thoughts. But, you must also allow yourself to listen to the thoughts of other people. The problem occurs when, when you people [religious right], you don't have the ability to listen to the views of someone else, and then you go and burn the business recorders office, etc. The people who did that were from your same madrassah, and they did all that, this, you should not do.
Now, let's get to the issues, you spoke of Islam, Islam is a tolerant religion, most everyone here is quite familiar with Islam, the majority of people sitting here are Muslims. There is no doubt in this. We already know that Islam is a religion of peace and tolerance..., but, it is not enough to just SAY this. If you look at our society, what is happening? Exactly 180 degrees different, is what is happening. So, the world who is looking at us, they think we say one thing, but do another. [They say] In talking alone, Islam is great. And this is why Islam is getting a bad name. We are giving Islam a bad name because our own religious education institutions are teaching intolerance, hatred, sectarian hatred, violence. Not in all institutions, but in some of them, this is taught, and this is spoken. So what is the listener supposed to think? That this is the same Islam that these people speak of, or is it the Islam that you've spoken good words about? This brings doubt (to the outsider). The world is looking at actions, they say 'Actions speak louder than words." You can say what you want about Islam a thousand times, but the world sees is what you are *doing*, how you are acting out. And your actions are totally opposite to what Islam teaches, unfortunately." - hiphoc, on 12/30/2007, -4/+31... and how quickly a Bin Laden tape came out. Its amazing how this was blamed on terrorism within hours and no investigation. I told this guy at work... Qui Bono, who benefits? Be careful about who comes out the first and fastest putting a spin on what happened, to set the plate of deception for the stupid americans to believe. Anyone with a brain can figure out that the military dictator who has already been forced to postpone elections would take out his biggest opponent.
- overtoke, on 12/30/2007, -6/+33They could not have gotten away with it, nor planned it in the first place, without the support and blessing of the Bush admin. Notice how 'quickly' the theme was prepared, how quickly blame was tossed, how quickly her death was used as an evil tool by the people promoting this fake 'war on terror.'
- inactive, on 12/30/2007, -3/+29Ironic since the US media is hosing away evidence that Benazir Bhutto was a corrupt, unpopular elitist who accomplished nothing worthwhile during her two terms as Pakistani PM and was just as unlikely to accomplish anything during her third -- assuming that her paltry 28% following was sufficient to get her re-elected in the first place.
When the Swiss government produces documents showing that you bilked your countrymen for $billions, you know you've got problems. - wilf_brim, on 12/30/2007, -5/+27This whole thing stinks, badly. Pakistan really makes me very, very nervous.
- wergerver, on 12/30/2007, -7/+27sounds like the pentagon lawn debacle....
- inactive, on 12/30/2007, -0/+18So if Mr Bush was shot and blown up, you'd expect the area to be cleaned up within an hour?
- Gav0510, on 12/30/2007, -1/+18Damn, even watching an episode of CSI will show you that you don't go off and blast a crime scene with a fire hose.
- notque, on 12/30/2007, -1/+17Hillary wouldn't be a corpse. They want Hillary, you jackass. If Ron Paul actually starts building momentum, then it would be he who would be a corpse. Same with Kucinich.
Although I think they'd just make the economy scream so you run back to the corporate candidates. They save the killings for Jackels like what happened when we killed Salvador Allende in Chile. - inactive, on 12/30/2007, -5/+20She took a lot more than 10%. The ***** swiss dropped the dime on her ass, which is why pakistanis said 'no thank you' the last time she tried to pull the same stunt.
Oh, but don't tell that to that to the dumb leftists who are ready to jump in bed with matt drudge and declare her a martyr for feminism and justice. Funny how people who claim to "know better" suddenly fall in line behind Bush's proclamation that Benazir Bhutto was a crusader for democracy or some *****. - steveoco, on 12/30/2007, -3/+16Exchange Pakistani with American and I would not be surprised. The American government is just as corrupt.
- thepeacemaker, on 12/30/2007, -3/+15Her husband requested to not conduct the autopsy. The decision was not made by the Pakistan govt. Bottom line is that she knew her life was under threat. Yet she didn't even bother to observe the most basic security measures. Knowing full well the effect her death would have on the country, she insisted in open public speeches which even the Pope does from behind bullet proof glass. Developing countries need strong institutions not celebrity politicians.
- holzp, on 12/30/2007, -3/+14This is not "revealed" anyone watching CNN on the day of saw the fireman washing down the street.
- hayzeus, on 12/30/2007, -0/+11... you'd STILL be a moron.
- twisterrust, on 12/30/2007, -0/+11I am ready to get dugg down, sorry for the rant
I was brought up in Pakistan and lived most of my life there, so I kinda know a little bit about Pakistan Mentality and Pakistan Politics
Benazir was living on self imposed exile because of corruption charges
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Benazir_Bhutto#Charge ...
now why would Mushuraf cut a deal with her and bring her back and even agree to amend the constitution, so that she can be PM the third time( constitution says one can be PM only 2 times). The obvious answer is that due to immense pressure on Bush and Mushuruf to restore Democracy and yet be able to fight the extremist (like in Waziristan/Swat etc.)They figured that if they can get Benazir back and have her fight for the same cause, so every one would be happy, Benazir gets to be the PM, Musuruf gets to be President and USA can still have its way, fight the extremist in Pak.
This brings me to my next point that why Mushuruf would have her executed? That does not add up? Why would he go thru the hassle of pardoning her from corruption charges and then have her executed?
It is unfortunate that this happened, for Pak and for USA
For Pak coz now Mushuruf will be pushed to the limits again for fighting against extremist and would be asked to restore democracy and there is no able person left to be elected ( //getting a little carried away here)
For USA coz now they have to find a new way to back Musuruf and figure it out all over again how to pin down Pak extremist - mhassan85, on 12/30/2007, -0/+8not really virgins that notions is always overplayed, it is usually money for their starving/poor family.
- MikeFallopian, on 12/30/2007, -5/+13I'm not a Musharraf fan, but give the man some credit: he's not so stupid as to intentionally create a martyr out of a political opponent who already had a ton of opposition. Bhutto has always been anti-terrorist and has made rooting out terrorists a major part of her platform, plus she's a female attempting to lead a largely Muslim country. The motive, means, and MO all point to Islamic terrorists.
- carpespasm, on 12/30/2007, -4/+11well they're taking directions from our american dictator wanna-be playbook.
- antigravit42, on 06/14/2009, -0/+6My grandparents, who were neighbors of the Bhutto family, celebrated when her father was executed by hanging. (on charges of "conspiracy to murder" Ahmed Kasuri) However on an interview with Wolf Blitzer a couple of months ago, she would claim his death was an assassination. (an obvious and blatant lie)
It's unfortunate her death came the way it did. However it is more unfortunate that the whole country has to be a victim. I don't know why Pakistan has been cursed with awful political leaders who can only run corrupted campaigns. It's time for a change already. - inactive, on 12/30/2007, -3/+9That didn't stop her from stealing billions of dollars from her own people!
- crapbag, on 12/30/2007, -0/+6for once, a sane comment!
- Herostratus, on 12/30/2007, -2/+7Because you know me...
- erasmocbc, on 12/30/2007, -5/+10It has black ops written all over it
- inactive, on 12/30/2007, -3/+8Pakistan's stock market has grown FIFTEEN-fold since 9/11. You should be nervous about the dow's pathetic growth rate over the same period.
- inactive, on 12/30/2007, -10/+15The US lured Bhutto back into Paki to have her killed, that was the price of Musharraf's cooperation.
- inactive, on 12/30/2007, -2/+7They also seem to underappreciate the fact that no one has consistently called B.S. on bush's phony war on terror with more frequently than musharraf.
- inactive, on 12/30/2007, -0/+5What the United States Government KNOWS her for is what she stated...she was going to let the United States go into Pakistan to look for any and all Al Qeada members. That is why she was popular with the United States. Musharref does NOT want the US inside Pakistan but she said it would be perfectly fine for the US to go in and take em on. The Pakistan military is full of holes, they cannot keep any secrets and every time the US drops a dime on someone they "escape." The United States having information wants to go and take out the bad guys.
She did take billions as you have said. Yet the war effort is more important and they were willing to overlook it all. - inactive, on 12/30/2007, -7/+12Funny how leftists have whined so much about America historically supporting corrupt leaders like Batista or Chang Kai-Shek yet shower praises on Bhutto who was a crook herself.
- xadhominemx, on 12/30/2007, -2/+7http://news.yahoo.com/nphotos/PAKISTAN-Rawalpindi- ...
Well, you don't have to wonder any longer. The assassin, firing a gun, was caught on tape. - Waiting2awake, on 12/30/2007, -0/+4 NO, what he is saying - which is common knowledge, is that Musharraf's reign "is at the pleasure" of the US Admin. But to answer your question - yes and no. Yes others have been assassinated without American involvement - No, never in a country controlled by America.
- MacEnvy, on 12/30/2007, -4/+8Why would he thrust his country into chaos? The same reason he did it several years ago - to needlessly extend a military coup that would supersede any democratic process that would remove him from power. And of course, he'd be backed by the current US Administration, who have already (fruitlessly) poured $10 billion into his coffers. You seem catastrophically ignorant of history, especially for someone claiming to know more than others.
I don't know if Musharraf was involved, but I can certainly see that he had motive. - Herostratus, on 12/30/2007, -8/+12Smells like an inside job. Or maybe a CIA coup. Bet she was about to expose something big.
- Francky, on 12/30/2007, -1/+4uhm... too late ?!
- tattertech, on 12/30/2007, -3/+6While it's not say he doesn't benefit, I'm surprised you ignore the massive threat she represented philosophically to Islamic extremists...
- valkyries, on 12/30/2007, -0/+3How is this a coup again? she was the Former President, and running for prime minister to work with the current president.
- inactive, on 12/30/2007, -2/+5"Bhutto has always been anti-terrorist"
Wrong. - ambushxx, on 12/30/2007, -3/+6The claims by the government seems really stupid. Why does the government want to deny there was bullet injury?
What are they trying to cover up? - mhassan85, on 12/30/2007, -2/+5She wasnt removed on "trumped up charges" she truly stole millions of dollars from the Pakistanis. Beside Musharraf is not stupid enough to cause more "nuisance" by assassinating a well known figure in PK political who wasnt likely to win since she only had 28% in the polls.
- ZenMojo, on 12/30/2007, -1/+3Of course you'll have Republicans and Hillary saying, "It's more important to establish stability first, then we'll establish democracy." But this brings us to the ultimate question: "When does that stability come?"
If you can't trust the people in a country to aid you in fighting extremism right now, then how long will it be before you can? A generation? Two generations? And if you occupy a country for two generations and suppress the common will, does that not make you a dictator yourself who has rightfully incurred their anger?
Is it possible to be a benevolent dictator, or is there something in the human spirit that yearns to be free from the shackles of any oppression, no matter how benign, an emotion that can only be quenched by acknowledging civil rights and common good?
This is the first flaw, and this is the last flaw in the neoconservative movement. It seeks first control over the world, then second sympathy from the world, and then third liberty for the world. But what will it take for those first two steps but the absolute subjugation of free will and elimination of cultural identity? - SuperMoses, on 12/30/2007, -1/+3There's no way the Bush admin wanted Bhutto killed. Bhutto was their tool. Bhutto went back to Pakistan because Washington sent her back. They wanted to install her as the "democratically elected leader" so that they can legitimize their support for Pakistan.
- ChileanGoD, on 12/30/2007, -0/+2:,-(
- wunderdog, on 12/30/2007, -1/+3ISLAMABAD, Pakistan (CNN) -- Benazir Bhutto died from a fractured skull caused by hitting her head on part of her car's sunroof as a bomb ripped through a crowd of her supporters, a spokesman for Pakistan's Interior Ministry said Friday.
- holzp, on 12/30/2007, -0/+2Mostly because people were walking all over it, parts of the vehicle were being washed away, and it was the evening of the event (hours after). Even a moron like me can figure that a proper forensic analysis was never performed.
- inactive, on 12/30/2007, -0/+2"he knew that she would kick his butt in an election."
Link? - cheesehead, on 12/30/2007, -2/+4 All the more reason to closely examine the simultaneous
Official story and instant proof evidence pointing to Taliban... - cheesehead, on 12/30/2007, -3/+4That tape is completel crap. I look forward to the detailed analyses of how the gunmans arm grew at least a foot out of his suit.!!
- Myonosken, on 12/30/2007, -0/+1Lesser of multiple evils.
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