Thursday, December 27, 2007

Benazir Assassination...



Benazir Bhutto, 54, Lived in Eye of Pakistan Storm
By JANE PERLEZ and VICTORIA BURNETT; New York times, December 27, 2007

Charismatic, striking and a canny political operator, Benazir Bhutto, 54, was reared in the violent and turbulent world of Pakistani politics and became the country’s and the Muslim world’s first female prime leader.

A deeply polarizing figure, the “daughter of Pakistan” was twice elected prime minister and twice expelled from office in a swirl of corruption charges that propelled her into self-imposed exile in London for much of the past decade. She returned home this fall, billing herself as a bulwark against Islamic extremism and a tribune of democracy.

For Complete Story, click here

Bhutto's death heightens democracy concerns
Story Highlights - CNN - December 27, 2007
NEW: Musharraf blames terrorists; appeals for solidarity, cooperation
Karzai says Bhutto "sacrificed her life for the sake of Pakistan"
Bush calls on Pakistan to honor Bhutto by continuing democratic process
Defying death threats, ex-PM Benazir Bhutto killed after bombing at rally


(CNN) -- World leaders reacted with shock and condemnation Thursday to the assassination of former Pakistan Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto, some expressing concern about the nation's democratic process.

The opposition leader died after a suicide bombing at a political rally in the Pakistani city of Rawalpindi ahead of parliamentary elections set for January 8.

President Bush, vacationing at his Texas ranch, condemned the assassination as a "cowardly act by murderous extremists." See Bhutto shortly before her death »

Bush urged Pakistan to "honor Benazir Bhutto's memory by continuing with the democratic process for which she so bravely gave her life." Watch Bush condemn the killing »

In Washington, the State Department also condemned the attack. "It shows people are still intent on undermining democracy in Pakistan," said deputy spokesman Tom Casey.

Pakistan -- which maintains nuclear weapons -- has been a key ally of the United States during its war against al Qaeda and Taliban terrorists in neighboring Afghanistan. Watch assassination aftermath »

Afghan President Hamid Karzai had met with Bhutto just hours before her death.

Karzai said Bhutto "sacrificed her life for the sake of Pakistan, and for the sake of this region." She had "love and desire for peace in Afghanistan, for prosperity in Afghanistan, and for Afghanistan and Pakistan that would be happy, prosperous and have good relations with each other," said the Afghan president.

For Complete Story, click here

Also See:
Benazir - Life History: Time, December 27, 2007
An assassin strikes - Economist

1 comment:

The Lost Pakistani Dream said...

This should not have happend, Now why they burning business,car, houses and other public property. I think the madressaa and other Taliban and thier sympathizers including the Hous of Saud which is the Force behind the extereemism should be held responsible and be punished accordingly.