December 27, 2007: Statement on the Assassination of Benazir Bhutto

Herassassination reminds us that political succession in the Islamic Republic ofPakistan has been undermined again by a growing power struggle,with escalating violence between military, religious, and constitutionalistfactions. This has been the case since Pakistan's attempts tooperationalize constitutional government that began in 1973.

As did herfather before her, Benazir Bhutto has joined in martyrdom untold thousandsof her countrymen who have died in the collision between military control andreligious extremism.

Prime MinisterBhutto knew her death by political opponents was a great likelihood. Herextraordinary courage in returning to Pakistan to try to piece together acoalition government is worthy of deep respect. Let us hope that herexample will serve to light the way for Pakistan to join the community ofnations in adopting the rule of law.

As we mournthe loss of her life by such dastardly perpetrators, Americans shouldremind ourselves how fragile and precious are the ideals of our own form ofgovernment by self rule. Let all Americans rededicate ourselves to civilsociety with secular rule in which our military remains under civiliancontrol and in which no religion is the dominant factor in public affairs.