Thursday, December 27

Benazir Bhutto


Benazir Bhutto was the first female Pakistani politician who chaired the Pakistan Peoples Party, a political party in Pakistan affiliated to the Socialist Internationale. Bhutto was the first woman elected to lead a Muslim state. She was assinated this morning after a moving speech at an election rally. She was shot by a man in the crowd who then proceeded to blow himself up. Her death stoked new chaos across the nuclear-armed nation which was an important U.S. ally in the "War on Terrorism". At least 20 others were also killed in the attack on the rally for January 8th's parliamentary elections. Her supporters erupted in anger and grief after her killing, attacking police and burning tires and election campaign posters in several cities. At the hospital where she died, some smashed glass and wailed, chanting slogans against President Pervez Musharraf. One person was killed in the violent aftermath of the assassination.
It is very sad day for democracy. I encourage you to keep her family and her people in your prayers and your ears open for news from Pakistan.
-CD

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