The Assassination of Benazir Bhutto

(Korea Times, Dec 30, 2007)

The assassination of former Pakistani Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto last December 27 has plunged the Muslim nation into extreme chaos. The nation faces its worst crisis since it was founded in 1947. What is more serious is the current situation shows no sign of abating in the foreseeable future with possibly a far-flung impact upon the entire global community. The ``blitzkrieg'' suicide terrorist attack has darkened the future direction of Pakistan's path toward democracy.Concern is rising over the possible nuclear instability given the geopolitical location of Pakistan as the only Muslim nation to possess nuclear weapons. It would be a nightmare of ``nuclear terror'' if Islamic extremists take the nuclear weapons, dealing a critical blow to the global anti-terrorism efforts, led by the United States. Additionally, there have already been signs of fluctuation in the prices of crude oil, gold and bonds.

The killing of Bhutto occurred during stumping for the Pakistan People's Party (PPP) ahead of the general elections slated for Jan. 8. Her death is all the more tragic as it comes in the wake of the killings of her father Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto in 1979 by the then military regime, and her two younger brothers ― one in a foreign land and the other by police. Pre-election surveys had shown that her PPP was looking to win a majority in the upcoming elections.

The real attacker has yet to be identified as there are too many of the usual suspects ― pro-government activists, Islamic extremists, informants and members of the military. Further confusion will also intensify terrorists' activities and weaken anti-terrorism efforts. The United States faces a dilemma since it has supported the current Musharaff regime in the fight against terrorism. Musharaff has been the target of growing public criticism for attempting to extend his stay in power in a seemingly inappropriate manner. The U.S. deserves a fair part of the blame for having excessively pushed for its anti-terrorism war in coalition with a Pakistani regime that lacks legitimacy.