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

 

Her assassination reminds us that political succession in the Islamic Republic of Pakistan has been undermined again by a growing power struggle, with escalating violence between military, religious, and constitutionalist factions. This has been the case since Pakistan's attempts to operationalize constitutional government that began in 1973.

As did her father before her, Benazir Bhutto has joined in martyrdom untold thousands of her countrymen who have died in the collision between military control and religious extremism.

Prime Minister Bhutto knew her death by political opponents was a great likelihood. Her extraordinary courage in returning to Pakistan to try to piece together a coalition government is worthy of deep respect.  Let us hope that her example will serve to light the way for Pakistan to join the community of nations in adopting the rule of law. 

As we mourn the loss of her life by such dastardly perpetrators, Americans should remind ourselves how fragile and precious are the ideals of our own form of government by self rule. Let all Americans rededicate ourselves to civil society with secular rule in which our military remains under civilian control and in which no religion is the dominant factor in public affairs.