Bhutto assassination attempt

[Falcon]

she is safe and has been taken to a safe house......
missed the blast by seconds......
about 34, from initial reports, dead....
2 explosions right after her truck (with jamming equipment) passed....
she was warned about this before she arrived out of exile today.....

every major station going LIVE, except the weasels at FOX, them talking 'eCANermee' :roll:

[rivers]

It could be anybody, musharuf, or the excessive religious nuts, or the taliban sympathizers

[Mr Majik]

Maybe Taliban, or the same extremists who kill her father and threaten her before. But I don't think is Musharraf. From what I read last week she returned at his invitation to form some kind of power sharing arrangement. Remember, them Taliban eh like him either.

[Falcon]

Is she a threat to Musharraf leading the country, and therefore it is not in the best interest of the US that she runs on this public support? After all, even though
(1)the general is a military dictator who
(2)siezed power in a coup and
(3) and considering the fact that over 70% of all terror attacks and plots can be tied to Pakistan under his reign,
he remains a firm ally of the US.....

[JPersad]

Is she a threat to Musharraf leading the country, and therefore it is not in the best interest of the US that she runs on this public support? After all, even though
(1)the general is a military dictator who
(2)siezed power in a coup and
(3) and considering the fact that over 70% of all terror attacks and plots can be tied to Pakistan under his reign,
he remains a firm ally of the US.....
Maybe so , but the US also needs a Plan B , in the event that Musharraf is assassinated .
The last thing the US wants is a religious zealot seizing power and having control of nuclear weapons .

[littleone]

i thought Bhutto was in support of the "US was on terrorism"?
I think i also read somewhere that Musharraf and Bhutto had discussed her returning to Palestine but asked that it not happen until he was guaranteed another term in office?

[raider]

returning to palestine????

[deeva]

i thought Bhutto was in support of the "US was on terrorism"?
I think i also read somewhere that Musharraf and Bhutto had discussed her returning to Palestine but asked that it not happen until he was guaranteed another term in office?

U sure u read that ? Looks like u don't know what they are talking about .

[Falcon]

Bhutto was killed....

[vaio]

:o :o :o :shock: :shock:

[rivers]

Bhutto was killed....
the latest new I heard was that she was injured, and that was around 8:30 NY time

[bunta]

she's dead

[deathwinger]

Like cats, they never leave the target til it is DEAD.

Now the terror can continue in the middle east as usual.

[brag]

May her soul rest in peace, and may peace come to Pakistan as soon as possible.

[deathwinger]

Peace? Please, did you see the reports a few hours earlier, they caught youngsters with explosives at the rally. Somebody probably promise them a box lunch if they blow themselves up. They probably didn't think about how they would receive the reward after though :lol:

But still, she has a threat to the way things stay in the country, so it was in the 'most powerful' best interests to put her down. That other opposition guy, if people think he has a chance, is next. He just got away.


May she rest in peace. She was probably expecting it. She is braver than I cause after that slim escape in October, my ass would have fled to another country.

[vaio]

No peace in Pakistan anytime soon....

RIP.

[sapodila]

She's gone....shot in the neck and chest just as she got into her car.. :cry: :cry: :cry: ........ at least 20 other suffered the same fate. The shooter blew himself up too. Wonder what Musharraf has to say.....he did insist that she cancelled her rally at this venue in the past "because of security concerns" as he put.

[littleone]

this is so sad. may she rest in peace.

[sapodila]

Inna illaihi waa inna illaihi raagioon! R.I.P.

[deathwinger]

Wait I'm confused, she was shot with a gun in the neck and chest and then the assailant blew himself up?

[vaio]

he blew himself together with 20 other ppl..

[sapodila]

Bhutto's assasination leaves Pakistan in turmoil
EDITED BY MODERATOR....COPYRIGHT VIOLATION

[deathwinger]

In an event where someone blows themselves up, its obvious its done so they don't talk if captured, a mass effect version of shooting yourself, but, who collects the reward, the family? Maybe the party should monitor the increased expenditure of certain individuals within the party (as it could be an inside job).

[lexbarker]

It was just a matter of time. It is part of the political process when there is strong oppsoition.

[sapodila]

Don't believe it's an "inside job" afterall the taliban have been planning and plotting for a while.....it had to happen

[Scorpio]

Brave woman, she always knew the risks she was taking, she died for democracy. :|

[deathwinger]

Who shall direct the movie?

[snowbird]

Just saw this on the news; I can't believe it; this is shocking :shock:

[sapodila]

She said in her e-mail to CNN's Wolfe Blitzer, October 16th, that if she should get killed, Musharraf is to blame for not providing adequate security for her.

[Falcon]

I am no Pervez fan but you must admit a statement like that puts the accused in a no win situation.

If every citizen in TT made that statement and blamed Patos, how complicit would he be in the courts of public opinion and law?

I put no extra suspicion on Musharraf because of what she said. He is complicit enough being affirmed by and in bed with the stars and stripes.

[AirFalcon]

It is a very sad event but not all that shocking. Most people in the world don't believe in allowing the other person to exist if they are different to them.

Very sad though. :(

[sapodila]

Point taken Falcon. On the other hand if Musharraf is harboring the Taliban in Pakistan and they are found to be responsible for her death, would she not be right in her statement?

[KFCSpicy]

damn, i normally avoid the news but i cud not escape this one. another blow for mankind, another assassination for the history books.

what next for Pakistan I wonder?

Musharaff is so blatantly obvious that it eh even worth the effort to say i doubt he innocence. sigh!

[sapodila]

Al-Qaeda has claimed responsibility as reported in NDTV ... India News.

Al-Qaida claims Bhutto attack: FBI

SMS NDTV
For latest headlines SMS NEWS to 56388 (in India) 6388 (in UAE), to 63880(in UK)


Agence France-Presse
Friday, December 28, 2007 (Washington)
In Washington, a national FBI and Homeland Security bulletin to law enforcement agencies cited Islamist Web sites as saying al-Qaida had claimed responsibility for the Benazir Bhutto's assasination attack and that al-Zawahri had planned it.

The bulletin, which cited no specific threats against the United States, was summarised for the AP by a law enforcement official who received it, and asked to remain anonymous.

[sapodila]

Al-Qaida claims to Bhutto attack

Agence France-Presse
Friday, December 28, 2007 (Washington)

An al-Qaida leader based in Afghanistan has claimed responsibility for the assassination of former Pakistan Premier Benazir Bhutto, whom he described as ''the most precious American asset.''

''We terminated the most precious American asset which vowed to defeat (the) 'mujahadeen','' al-Qaida Commander and spokesman Mustafa Abu Al-Yazid told the Italian news agency Adnkronos International (AKI) in a phone call from an unknown location.

Al-Yazid was described by AKI as the ''main al-Qaida commander in Afghanistan''. It reported that the decision to kill Bhutto was made by al-Qaida No. two, Ayman al-Zawahiri in October.

The report said death squads were allegedly constituted for the mission and one cell comprising a ''Punjabi volunteer'' of the Lashkar-i-Jhangvi killed Bhutto.

Bhutto died after being shot by a suicide attacker, who later blew himself up near her armoured vehicles just after she had addressed an election rally at Rawalpindi near here.

The blast killed nearly 30 people.

During her campaign to drum up support for her Pakistan People's Party, Bhutto had repeatedly attacked elements who were fomenting extremism and militancy in northwestern region of the country and vowed to crack down on militant groups.

Bhutto, who returned to Pakistan from exile two months ago, had earlier survived a suicide attack on her homecoming procession in Karachi on October 18 that killed 140 people and injured hundreds more.

Baitullah Mehsud, a militant leader who was recently made head of Tekrik Taliban-e-Pakistan - a coalition of Pakistani Taliban groups, had reportedly issued threats that he would send suicide bombers to target Bhutto.

[Sly1]

Is a Muslim man alowed to harm a female?

[Falcon]

Stewwwwps. Jeez ^^



Anyhow, sapodilla, you are right IF he is proven to be directly involved. About harbouring the Taliban- I don't think there is much doubt here.

[citizen]

To determine the culprit when an act is perpetrated, one should carefully consider who has the most to gain from the consequences of this act. Asking this question can often identify the guilty party.

In this case, there are many people who would want, for different reasons, Benazir Bhutto assassinated. To name a few -

1. Musharraf
2. Taliban
3. Al Qaida
4. Sharif
5. Bush
6. Other oppostion forces

I do not believe we will ever know the truth behind this heinous act.

[brag]

And what about just a "mad man" or a "fanatic" who believes that a woman's place is in the home?

[vaio]

she died for what she believed in.....

[halo]

Is a Muslim man alowed to harm a female?

No. No true muslim did this...

[snowbird]

Al-Qaeda has claimed responsibility as reported in NDTV ... India News.

Al-Qaida claims Bhutto attack: FBI

SMS NDTV
For latest headlines SMS NEWS to 56388 (in India) 6388 (in UAE), to 63880(in UK)


Agence France-Presse
Friday, December 28, 2007 (Washington)
In Washington, a national FBI and Homeland Security bulletin to law enforcement agencies cited Islamist Web sites as saying al-Qaida had claimed responsibility for the Benazir Bhutto's assasination attack and that al-Zawahri had planned it.

The bulletin, which cited no specific threats against the United States, was summarised for the AP by a law enforcement official who received it, and asked to remain anonymous.

Keep in mind that the FBI (as well the CIA)and the US as a whole has a vested interest in blaming al-Qaida for as many incidents of terrorism as they can; take what they say with a grain of salt.
As to al-Qaida actually making the claim that they did it; think about it, if you were the leader of a terrorist organization whose existence was being threatened by this woman; even if your organization wasn't responsible for the assassination, wouldn't you step up to the plate and take 'credit' for her demise?

We will never really know for sure because everyone and their brother will put their own spin on it to further their own agenda. My feeling is that this was a random act by a fanatic follower of one of her detractors (be it al-Qaida, the other party running in the election, or the sitting government), I don't think it was organized or sanctioned by any group, but we'll never know.

[sapodila]

Now there's another 'spin' this time coming from the government and the doctor who appears to be contradicting himself. They are saying that she died from a skull fracture......'ducking' to get away from the firing hitting her head on a latch connected to the sun roof :roll: . What's next.

You're rite! I was looking to see when Al-Qaeda would show the face of the bomber / shooter this is what they usually do. Haven't seen that yet. Saw a video on NDTV showing the gun man very close to the car, but hey........ I guess we will never really know exactly what happened.

[lou_uk]

Is a Muslim man alowed to harm a female?

No. No true muslim did this...

How common is it for a man to change his culture?

Her security was as good as Michael Jackson's advisors. Why was she even allowed to get up through the sun roof? .. is one that will always baffle me.

[sam48]

I am saddened by this vile act of senseless murder, but it was not unexpected.
There are many who are of the opinion that Benazir was another one of Bush's foot-soldiers in his war on "terrorism" ( what ever he defines it as) and she was well primed by the Bushies for the job required of her, much like the suicide bombers are preparedfor their tasks. She probably felt invincible as a result of the US " training" she had.
Either that or she had a death wish to be considered a martyr.
A new leader was needed by Bush because Musharraf was playing both sides and Bush recognised this.
The people of Pakistan must be given the opportunity to decide where they wish to go without ouside interference in their decisions.And if they want the taliban then so be it.

[sapodila]

The same way JFK was riding in a 'roof less' car..........

[KFCSpicy]

^^^ saps back then he had no know threats on his life, he had that one conversation with a psychic who claimed (rightfully) that he should not go to Dallas as he will be killed. He still went. His father was in cahoots with the mafia and they put him in power hoping to get some control over the senate hearings at the time and for many obvious reasons they wanted a hand in the presidency.

he was gonna die either way it just happened to be that day.

They martyred the woman and that in itself is going to be more powerful than maybe her being in power. who knows? not me!

[sapodila]

I am saddened by this vile act of senseless murder, but it was not unexpected.
There are many who are of the opinion that Benazir was another one of Bush's foot-soldiers in his war on "terrorism" ( what ever he defines it as) and she was well primed by the Bushies for the job required of her, much like the suicide bombers are preparedfor their tasks. She probably felt invincible as a result of the US " training" she had.
Either that or she had a death wish to be considered a martyr.
A new leader was needed by Bush because Musharraf was playing both sides and Bush recognised this.
The people of Pakistan must be given the opportunity to decide where they wish to go without ouside interference in their decisions.And if they want the taliban then so be it.

Memsahib Benazir was not fighting Bush's war on terror. She got into politics only after her father was hanged by Zia-ul-Haq's regime. She was fighting for her people, the people of Pakistan and their democracy. She was an intelligent, passionate woman who believed in herself, her people and her cause. President Bush just happened to be too involved in Pakistan, the Musharraf Government and his own interest for the past six years since 9/11/2001...........she was never "a Bush foot soldier."

[guyguy]

Wasn't her government overthrown by Musharraf in a coup d'état?

[snowbird]

There are so many conflicting reports coming out now; I did see one where the cause of death is said to be as a result of her hitting her head on the sunroof opening not from a bullet :roll:

I also saw another report where apparently she was warned of an assassination threat and that she shouldn't go to the rally :roll:

It is sad to say but in that part of the world I guess assassination is part and parcel of Politics and with her it was not a matter of if, but when.

Another irony; one of our National Papers devoted a whole section to her today, and sure enough there is a beautiful picture of a very young Benazir, her father and Indira Ghandi...... all dead because of politics.

[vaio]

she knew what she was getting and was willing to die for her cause...i think she was prepared for the consequences...really reminds me of the Ghandi family....

[KFCSpicy]

not because of politics SB but because of the whim of one and the ideals of few. No one should have to be murdered so that another "team" could get ahead...but it does happen. The Jews didn't kill Christ because of his political views but because of the power his being in leadership would have gained him...it's not really political i think it's just greed, jealousy, and the need to be the big boys on the block. :cry:

[sapodila]

Benazir Bhutto: Prospect and Retrospect

Kamal Azfar
June 21, 2003
PLEASE POST A LINK TO SATISFY COPYRIGHT REQUIREMENTS

[sapodila]

Musharraf returned Pakistan to military-rule after removing former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif during a bloodless coup in October 1999.

[KFCSpicy]

it will never end people, never as long as their is a thirst for power in this world men and women will kill to keep it or acquire it.

[vaio]

true talk K....power and greed is a hell of a thing....... :|

[Solachica]

:? i been seeing on news they saying the woman hit her head on the sun roof and died

[guyguy]

:? i been seeing on news they saying the woman hit her head on the sun roof and died
I'm sure ... just after being shot and blown up ... while falling from her wounds, the sunroof killed her.

[Solachica]

1st they said bullet wounds.... then they said no bullet wounds. Just a blow to the head and she died :?

[KFCSpicy]

:? i been seeing on news they saying the woman hit her head on the sun roof and died
I'm sure ... just after being shot and blown up ... while falling from her wounds, the sunroof killed her.


MMwahhahahahhahahahahhahahahahahaha Guy yuh is a marble eh dread. But it only stands to reason that it go get even more creative over time. We go find out years from now it was blood clot and bad dentures or some such rot.

I think the "doth protesteth too mucheth?" :?

[guyguy]

1st they said bullet wounds.... then they said no bullet wounds. Just a blow to the head and she died :?
In matters such as this, the first reports generally prove to be most accurate since no one has yet had the chance to put their "spin" on the event.

[sam48]

Sapodilla,
Like I said before I am deeply saddened by this atrocious act.
However I find that from a peace and justice perspective whatever and whoever is being supported by the US and especially the Bush regime is suspect.
The US record does not reflect any real interest in democracy as long as American suzerainty is assured.
Benazir Bhutto was either very brave, very naive, or unduly pressured into returning to Pakistan at this time. To my mind the timing was way off, the condition on the ground is too chaotic and dangerous and it is only a matter of time before Musharraf is himself assasinated or gives up to military rule once more.
Despite claims to the contrary Islamic fundamentalism is sweeping the Muslim world in response to Bush's war on terror which is interpreted by Muslims everywhere as a war against Islam another Christian Crusade if you will. Even those muslims who oppose fundamentalism do so "tongue in cheek" there is no conviction in their voice or general body language.
Pakistan is first and foremost an Islamic State that was partitioned from mainland India and founded for that purpose,whoever thinks that the majority of the population will choose western style democracy over Islamic fundamentalism is dangerously misled and even if they do, the minority will be so large that govt will be impossible given the present jihadist mindset.

[guyguy]

sam48,
In case you didn't know, the US and President Bush were also directly responsible for the Tsunami that killed thousands of Asians, Indians, Sri Lankans, and even Africans a couple of years ago too.

[sapodila]

Fundamentalist or fanaticism, Muhammad Ali Jinnah fought for freedom for the Muslim South Indians. He, a prominent lawyer, was neither interested in Saharia nor military rule. The Muslims from South India got their sovereignty......Pakistan. The existence of Pakistan came about because of democracy. Mrs. Bhutto upheld the beliefs of the founding fathers that one day Pakistan would celebrate the democracy just like Jawaharlal Nehru did for India.

[sam48]

No Mr,Guyadeen,
The US and Bush was not responsible for "the tsunami that killed thousands of Asians and even Africans acouple of years ago" as you say, but Bush and the US is responsible for the illegal invasion of the sovereign nation of Iraq, an unprovoked act of naked aggression that isthe cause of hundreds of thousands of deaths of Iraqis,many of whom were innocent men women and yes lots of children and the unnecessary deaths of close to four thousand American soldiers killed by the heroic Iraqi Resistance Fighters resisiting the unprovoked illegal invasion and military occupation of their country.Look up the word "insurgent" in your dictionary it means the same thing as resisting, but it sounds as if it is something bad and wrong that these heroic resistance fighters are doing that is why the Americans choose to use that word. As powerful as the US is the economy will sooner or later in some way feel the effects of this prolonged act of aggression. The invasion and occupation of Afghanistan has also resulted in the deaths of Thousands of Afghans many of whom are innocent human beings termed "co-lateral damage"( another American turn of phrase) The resistance to that invasion ( simply because it seemed to be a cake walk) is ongoing and admit it or not the mighty US military is feeling the strain of the resistance from these "ragheads" and "sand ni++ers" (another Americanism in the same mould as a Bushism) and Bush is appealing for help from anywhere.
There is no force as powerful as nature in full cry Sir, but simultaneously with the seemingly destructive aspects there are also wonderful creative and beneficial aspects occuring naturally without US money.
The unnecessary slaughter of human beings by Bush and the US can bear no comparison with the forces of nature whose toll on human life is because of the failure to observe and obey the laws of nature by these humans for whatever the reason.eg Building houses and cities below sea level and on low lying areas close to river banks.
The next question is what if anything does the events unfolding in Pakistan have to do with resistance to Bush and US foreign policy there.

As the political consciousness of previously subjugated peoples everywhere increases the price of their suzerainty is also onthe rise and invaders and aggressors no matter how powerful must be prepared for that.

And here is a quote for you Quote" Freedom and Democracy becomes unholy when their hands are dyed red with the blood of innocent men women and children"M.K Gandhi- The Mahatma (The Great soul)

[KFCSpicy]

oh lordy lordy lord....guy yuh comment went right over and through the door there. :roll:

Ummm Sam48 Guy was being SARCASTIC hun... :roll:

[AirFalcon]

Just as a note I think Saddam Hussein killed more people during his reign than during this war/act of agression or whatever you want to call it.

I think it was a bit of a stretch to think that after the sucessful attacks on the world trade centre in 2001 that you could make the treats against the US and they would do nothing. But the US had not reacted for the previous 12 years or so e.g. Cole and embassy bombings in Africa so I guess they took a calculated risk and the US called them on it, rightly or wrongly.

Also the Afghanistan situation is not now under the US coalition but the UN and other agencies.

I think it has been documented here that the challenges in Pakistan and elsewhere long predate the present US administration.

And whatever you think of the present US administration as one of their presidential candidates Hillary Clinton recently said - there will be a new, democratically elected, President in office in January 2009. Unfortunately only a minority of countries in this world can make the claim of having such a process.

[guyguy]

oh lordy lordy lord....guy yuh comment went right over and through the door there. :roll:

Ummm Sam48 Guy was being SARCASTIC hun... :roll:
OBVIOUSLY.

[sam48]

Sapodilla,
The British Lord Mountbatten admitted that the partition of India was wrong and that they had fu##ed it up. But the British was engaging in their age old tricks of "divide and rule" in preparation to continue to dominate Indiaeven after Independence.
I am not aware of any great struggle by Jinna to obtain partition and a seperate Islamic state.He was involved in the struggle for independence for India.
Correct me if I am wrong but I believe there are more muslims in India than in Pakistan today and sure there is sometimes violence between muslims and hindus in India, but they are all treated equally before the law and practise their religons freely
How could Jinna demand a state for muslims and then claim it is not an Islamic state.Gandhi begged Jinnna not to demand partitioning of India and offered him the Prime Ministership of India, his response was partition or civil war take your pick Mr Gandhi.
My question to you is what has prevented or is preventing the glorious democratic Pakistani state envisioned by Jinna if not the same muslims he partitioned India to give the freedom they could not get in a unified India. It seems they are still fighting to get freedom and democracy, but from whom? Britain? India?
The formation of Pakistan was not through a democratic process but through a threat of civil war.

[guyguy]

sam48,
You have further confused my already feeble mind with your last post. I can't make heads nor tails of what it is you're getting at. Let me then reply with a quote;

War does not determine who is right, only who is left.
~Bertrand Russell."

Hence, my abhorrence of war. However, you mess with my family and all bets are off.

[sam48]

Mr,Guyadeen,
I apologise. The US isthe most benevolent generous selfless humanitarian harmless loving caring nation in existence now or at any time in the past and will be in the future too forever. Please accept my apology.

[guyguy]

Mr,Guyadeen,
I apologise. The US isthe most benevolent generous selfless humanitarian harmless loving caring nation in existence now or at any time in the past and will be in the future too forever. Please accept my apology.
Aye, Caramba !

[KFCSpicy]

lmaoooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

oook then. De ja vu again

Sam48 GuyGuy was being sarcastic in his first statement about blaming the US Government, I assume he did not mean he was totally against anyone who didn't like or respect the US Government...I assume again he was joking about how we as people like to blame the Bush Administration for all mankind's ills and disasters.

He was joking. :roll:

When he is deadly serious u will know as the switch to the very intellectual and often times brilliant man behind the humour comes out. Stick around and see for yourself or go read some of his other posts, don't take my word for it.

The US Government has had it's hands in so many political evil and manipulations time immorial that even if they are innocent here (doubtfully) no one will believe them. There policy is always to eliminate their oppositions no matter who or what country they are in or for.

I don't pretend to have known much about the Pakistan history until this thread but I think if Bush wanted Musharaff in and Bhutto out then out she will be by use of the oldest solution ever...assassination. You don't have to hold the gun or detonate the dynamite or pour the poison to be the reason behind someone's death as we all know...a few well placed words and promises and vague threats will do the job for u. I think Musharaff is easy to manipulate from his comments about it being Al Qaeda and how this just goes to prove that his mission is even more import :roll: b.s. galore. They will constantly blame Al Qaeda for everything, even the things they do themselves to their own. Ask Bush he did it after 11-09.

I am glad that i learning about the politics here through u guys because i would normally think "ain't my problem" and skip certain political topics. My question now is what is going to happen as a result of her death? :(

[lou_uk]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4TeYyHt3 ... re=related (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4TeYyHt3JZ4&feature=related)

Interesting...

[sam48]

KFC Spicy,
I am fully aware of Guy's opinions as far as defending US actions are concerned.
I was not at all surprised by his sarcastic attempt to continue his defence of the super power in decline and the haste in which it was done.
That is quite OK by me though he, like I. is entitled to his opinion and if he thinks the US is responsible for the tsunami it just might be so.
Saddam Hussein was an Iraqi leader who it is claimed killed many Iraqis.
Does that give Bush and the US the right to illegally invade Iraq and kill innocent Iraqis without provocation?
When the lies used to justify the naked act of aggression were exposed, Bush and co spin was tongue in cheek "weell at least we get rid of a dictator who was killing his own people and we are bringing them freedom and democracy.
Hence my quote from The Mahatma to the effect that Freedom and Democracy becomes evil when the hands of Freedom and Democracy are dyed red with the blood of innocent men women and children.
How much killing was done in their civil war before the US was federated?
Who interfered in that war between Americans?
In Pakistan the army generals are given billionsof US dollares by Bush that they have to account to no one for how it is spent. This he is doing to encourage them to wage war on the taliban and Al qaeida.
Will that encourage the generals to support democracy in Pakistan?

[KFCSpicy]

No more comment on my behalf Mr. Sam48 because it seems ur mind is definitely made up. ;)

so anyone have any ideas as to where this will leave Pakistan?

[Sumana]

BBC NEWS
Bhutto's son named as successor
Benazir Bhutto's 19-year-old son Bilawal has been chosen to take over her Pakistan People's Party, after her assassination on Thursday.

Bilawal, who will be a titular head while he finishes his studies at Oxford University said: "My mother always said democracy is the best revenge."

Ms Bhutto's widower, Asif Ali Zardari, who will run the party day-to-day, said it would contest upcoming elections.

But it is unclear whether the vote will go ahead as planned early next month.

Mr Zardari appealed to the former prime minister Nawaz Sharif - a long-time Bhutto rival - to drop his threat to boycott the polls.

Name change

Mr Zardari and his son were speaking at a news conference after a meeting of the PPP leadership in Naudero, near Larkana in southern Pakistan.


PPP TOP LEADERS
Asif Ali Zardari (pictured) Benazir's widower and former political ally, has faced corruption and other charges
Bilawal Bhutto Benazir's son, a 19-year-old Oxford University student, considered too young by some PPP members
Makhdoom Amin Fahim Senior PPP figure and top aide to Benazir

Another senior party official, vice-chairman Makhdoom Amin Fahim, said Ms Bhutto had named Mr Zardari as her successor as party chairman.

But he said Mr Zardari had turned it down in favour of his son - a decision he said the party leadership had endorsed.

Mr Zardari also announced that the couple's children would now change their names and be called Bhutto Zardari.

Sitting between his father and Mr Fahim, Bilawal himself said his father would run the party while he was away at university.

"When I return, I promise to lead the party as my mother wanted me to," he said.

But Mr Zardari blocked any further reporters' questions to Bilawal, saying that although party chairman, he was still of "tender age".

"We are all in mourning," he said.

Mr Zardari also said he had refused to allow an autopsy on Ms Bhutto's body.

"I've lived here long enough to know how and where an autopsy would have been conducted," he said.

Instead, he said the party was asking the United Nations and the British government to conduct an investigation similar to the one carried out after the killing of the former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri.

And he appealed for an end to the unrest in Pakistan, which has killed at least 38 people since Ms Bhutto's killing.

New pictures

Earlier, Pakistani television released new pictures it said showed Ms Bhutto's attackers - a gunman and a suicide bomber. They also apparently showed Ms Bhutto was inside her car, and no longer standing through the sun roof, when the explosion happened.

The images added to the dispute over Ms Bhutto's death.

Interior ministry spokesman Brig Javed Iqbal Cheema said on Friday that she was killed when the force of the bomb blast knocked her head against a sun roof fitting, and was not hit by bullets.

The PPP has insisted she was killed by two bullets, one of which pierced her skull and another which hit her in the neck.

The assassination opened the question of whether elections due on 8 January would go ahead as planned.

The ruling party says they are likely to be delayed for several weeks, on the grounds that the vote would "lose credibility" if held under current conditions.

Opposition parties have been calling for a delay, amid widespread unrest and political disarray following the murder of Ms Bhutto.

Tariq Azim of the ruling PML-Q party said a delay would allow the PPP more time to re-organise.

Pakistan's election commission has called an emergency meeting for Monday, to decide whether the poll should be delayed.

But the PPP says it wants the elections to go ahead as planned - even though it is not clear who would be its leading candidates.

At 19, Bilawal is legally too young to stand for parliament.

And his father has been repeatedly accused of corruption - though he denies the charges and has never been convicted in court.

Mr Zardari said party vice-chairman Mr Fahim would probably be its candidate for prime minister.

But the BBC's Owen Bennett-Jones - reporting from Naudero - says filling the political gap left by Benazir Bhutto will be a very big challenge for her party.

Story from BBC NEWS:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/2/hi/s ... 164968.stm (http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/2/hi/south_asia/7164968.stm)

Published: 2007/12/30 16:52:09 GMT

© BBC MMVII





I feel sorry for this guy, @ such a young age, he loses his mother due to a freaking assassination...and then now he's being thrust into the spot light..

[KFCSpicy]

It is what it is hun. Being her son was a death sentence no matter what. I hope they know what they are all doing.

[Sumana]

Yeah that's something else I wanted to say but felt bad to say it...Chances are even his dad and him will be assassinated.
You know what's even worse, in Canada you clearly see the Pakistani community divided, between the pakis that wanted her there and the pakis that are soo friggen extreme and haven't even evolved in their thinkin and say oh it's good for her

[skl]

and the Bhutto Dynasty continues...

[KFCSpicy]

Well at least someone is fighting for the people and they are not sitting around being complacent about their lives like some countries i can name.

Let's face it every nation will have a few for one side and few for the other and the set that are always undecided or not interested that's why it's so fierce everyone thinks their way is the right way and there can only be one way.

[guyguy]

KFC Spicy,
I am fully aware of Guy's opinions as far as defending US actions are concerned.
sam48,
Please tell me/us exactly what are my opinions as far as defending US actions are concerned.

[sapodila]

Sam48.... Not having the stats to consider, I will not agree that there are more Muslims in India than in Pakistan, considering that India's population to be one of OR the largest in the world and predominantly Hindu. Secondly, you tend to class the general South Asian Muslim population with that of the "jidahist" Middle Easterners. Nevertheless, When the British was killing and displacing the general population, and the Hindus and Muslims had their own religious war which still exists, what do you think the leaders of that era would have done?! Oh! Mind you, after the 100 plus odd years of British India, The ENTIRE parcel, India and Pakistan was given back to INDIA as two partitions ...dominions whatever. Separation came as a result of the civil war between the two secs and The Muslim Leagues' efforts going back to 1940 for the freedom of it's South Asian Muslims. Also, I know you are anti- Bush like myself and most of the rest of the world, but why do you have to been so anti- American! ( I tend never to bite the hand that feeds me, I thank The USA for the opportunity That I would not have been given back in T&T or Ca.) Do you believe that the rest of the world still jumps when Bush crack his whip? That would include Musharraf and the late Mrs Bhutto. Where do you get that "she was trained...." by the Americans?! I believed she was way much smarter than to take Bush seriously. She proved that in her very last address to the masses " The foreigners ( meaning Bush / America) want to come to help our country fight terrorism, why can't we do so ourselves.........."

[guyguy]

Here you go Sap

India
Population: 1,129,866,154 (July 2007 est.)
Religions: Hindu 80.5%, Muslim 13.4%, Christian 2.3%, Sikh 1.9%, other 1.8%, unspecified 0.1% (2001 census)
Muslims = 151,402,065

Pakistan
Population: 164,741,924 (July 2007 est.)
Religion: Muslim 97% (Sunni 77%, Shi'a 20%), other (includes Christian and Hindu) 3%
Muslims = 159,799,667

Source: https://www.cia.gov/library/publication ... tml#People (https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/in.html#People)

[sapodila]

Thank you Guy!

There you have it sam48.

[snowbird]

Lord :roll: ; Just read in today's news paper.... 'National Post - Toronto' that her 19 year old son is being asked to join her political party. He is currently a student at Oxford University and only just completed his first semester but is saying that he will be changing his last name to his mother's (he currently carries his father's surname) and will be joining his mothers party; all of this with his father's blessing; the supporters say the fact that he speaks only English is not an issue.

What do you think this young man's chances are of becoming leader of Pakistan? Memories of Rajiv Gandhi comes to mind; you would think these people would learn from history and know when to simply walk away, this was his mothers destiny, he never even lived in Pakistan :roll:

[guyguy]

KFC Spicy,
I am fully aware of Guy's opinions as far as defending US actions are concerned.
sam48,
Please tell me/us exactly what are my opinions as far as defending US actions are concerned.

Maybe sam48 missed this the first time around so I'll re-post the request;

sam48,
Please tell me/us exactly what are My Opinions as far as defending US actions are concerned.

[sapodila]

Don't think he will ever have a chance.... SB.... unfortunately! It is time to let go. I could see the father leading the PPP and HIS country, if he survive, but never the son...........poor young man!

[JPersad]

IMHO "Dynasties is living in the past , not moving forward in the present ."
Until nations like Pakistan , India and to a lesser extent , Trinidad and Tobago ,rid themselves of dynasties ,they can never achieve their true potential .

[snowbird]

IMHO "Dynasties is living in the past , not moving forward in the present ."
Until nations like Pakistan , India and to a lesser extent , Trinidad and Tobago ,rid themselves of dynasties ,they can never achieve their true potential .


The irony in this story is that she supposedly spent her life fighting for a democratic Pakistan, yet if you are to believe the reports, by her designating a successor to lead the party shows that while she talked the talk, she wasn't prepared to walk the walk. How on earth in a 'democracy' you can simply name your successor? and to make matters worse show that nepotism is the criteria for picking a new leader. Seems like it that part of the world 'dictatorship' is still the order of the day, and like some parties in T&T, the leaders use charisma to get buy-in by their supporters.
These poor people fighting for democracy when it appears they do not even know what true democracy is.

[skl]

heh.

http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/la- ... -rightrail (http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/la-oe-brooks3jan03,0,2489282.column?coll=la-opinion-rightrail)
Dynasty is not democracy.

Bhutto was a courageous and compelling figure, but hardly a martyr to democracy. The daughter of a prime minister, Bhutto took over the leadership of the Pakistan People's Party from her mother, who herself inherited party leadership from Bhutto's father. Bhutto's own two terms as Pakistan's prime minister were marred by corruption scandals and allegations of involvement in still darker activities, including the 1996 murder of her own brother, a party rival.

http://www.despardes.com/articles/2007/ ... bhutto.htm (http://www.despardes.com/articles/2007/20070920-fatima-bhutto.htm)
her brother Murtaza was killed by the police and the investigating tribunal concluded that his assasination could not have occurred without approval from the highest level of govt.

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/w ... 103811.ece (http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/asia/article3103811.ece)
her husband Asif Ali Zardari spent a total of 11 years in prison on charges ranging from corruption to murder and is known as "Mr Ten Per Cent" in Pakistan for his alleged habit of extortion.

[brag]

Perhaps the Bhutto dynasty is not much different from the Nehru/Gandhi dynasty. Corrupt to the core as far I understand. Behazir Bhutto did not help the Kashmir question with her aggressive stand on Kashmir when she was in office. She later said she made a mistake in how she handled it, and said she should have offered more compromise in dealing with it.