Dozens killed in blasts near Bhutto's convoy

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  • Thread starter Thread starter Greg Bernhardt
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the tragic blasts near Benazir Bhutto's convoy, focusing on the implications for her safety, political context, and the broader situation in Pakistan. Participants express their views on Bhutto's political career, her return from exile, and the potential threats she faces, as well as the historical relationship between her and various political factions.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Meta-discussion

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants express concern for Bhutto's safety and hope for her well-being, linking it to the need for unity against Al Qaeda.
  • Others argue that Bhutto should have remained in exile, citing prior threats and questioning the purpose of her return.
  • One participant reflects on Bhutto's intelligence and youthfulness, highlighting her significance as a female leader in a post-colonial Muslim state.
  • There are comments on the historical support for military leaders over democratically elected ones in Pakistan, suggesting a skepticism towards Bhutto's political viability.
  • Some participants raise concerns about allegations of corruption against Bhutto, referencing international legal actions related to her past tenure.
  • A participant suggests that while returning from exile may not have been a poor decision, the choice to drive in a slow motorcade was ill-advised, while also labeling her as a progressive leader.
  • Another participant questions the relationship between Bhutto and the Taliban, noting past political alliances and the complexity of her stance on terrorism.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a range of opinions regarding Bhutto's safety, political decisions, and her historical role, indicating that multiple competing views remain without consensus on her effectiveness or the implications of her return.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference various allegations and historical contexts that may influence their views, but these points remain unresolved and are subject to differing interpretations.

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It is truly a tragedy. She should have stayed in exile; that would have been the smart thing to do. I remember watching the news and it was mentioned that they were very real treats of such attacks on her return. It was definitely not worth the 100+ lives. Then again nothing is worth it...

Someone please remind me what's the purpose of her return.
 
I saw her speak on C-Span a few weeks ago, she looked pretty young for being a Prime Minister...TWICE! A very intelligent and well spoken person.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Benazir_Bhutto
Benazir Bhutto (English IPA: [bɛnɜziɽ botɔ] Urdu: بینظیر بھٹو) (born 21 June 1953 in Karachi) is a Pakistani politician who became the first woman to lead a post-colonial Muslim state. Benazir was twice elected Prime Minister of Pakistan. She was sworn in for the first time in 1988, but she was deposed 20 months later under the controversial orders of then-president Ghulam Ishaq Khan, on grounds of alleged corruption. Benazir was re-elected in 1993, but was again sacked by the President in 1996 on similar charges.
 
Traditionally we haven't been in favour of democratically elected leaders in Pakistan - I think so far we have imposed sanctions on every democratic leader and supported every military leader.
My advice would be to for her to buy some green suits and a false mustache.
 
I'm not convinced she is the best person to bring peace and harmony to Pakistan.

The allegations of corruption are more than just trumped up charges to discredit her as Switzerland too has issued a warrant for her arrest on money laundering charges relating to millions rec'd in kickbacks in return for handing out a contract to a Swiss firm during Bhutto's second term in office between 1993 and 1996.
 
Returning from exile wasn't the bad idea, driving in a slow motorcade was a bad idea. In any case, she is a progressive, democratic female.
 
Greg Bernhardt said:
How sickening. I hope PM Bhutto is ok! Pakistan needs to unite against Al Qaeda.
http://www.cnn.com/2007/WORLD/asiapcf/10/18/pakistan.explosions/index.html
Has al Qaeda claimed responsibility for the blast?

Traditionally, Benazir Bhutto and the Taliban (as well as the group of Islamist parties that make up the MMA Partiamentary coalition) have been very close political allies. Heck, without the financial and military support they got from Bhutto in the 90s, the Taliban would probably not have come to power in Afghanistan. Even recently, Bhutto has been congratulating the Taliban on holding out against Musharraf while at the same time condemning them for terrorist acts.

The political rivals to Bhutto's PPP party are Musharraf's party and the MQM party (a minority rights activist group).
 

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