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Letter to the editor

Q&A: Void left by Bhutto assassination increases political anxiety

By the St. Petersburg Times staff
Published December 28, 2007

Why was Benazir Bhutto important?

Bhutto was the dominant figure among Pakistan's various secular and religious political parties. Her death adds to the uncertainty about an important U.S. ally in the war on terrorism and leaves a void at the top of her party, the largest in the country.

Her assassination comes ahead of national and provincial assembly elections Jan. 8 -- the first since President Pervez Musharraf resigned as head of the army and became a civilian leader -- and after a period that saw violent clashes with Islamic militants, disputes over the legitimacy of Musharraf's presidency and a six-week state of emergency.

What does this do to U.S. policy?

With frustration in Washington growing over Musharraf's shortcomings, Bhutto had become an appealing solution.

She was openly critical of Musharraf's ineffectiveness at dealing with Islamic militants and welcomed American involvement, unlike fellow opposition leader Nawaz Sharif.

Is Pakistani democracy the main U.S. concern?

The restoration of democracy is part of U.S. strategy in its "war on terror" -- an alternative path for disaffected Muslims, away from militancy and extremism. Of immediate concern is the rising threat from al-Qaida and Taliban extremists, particularly in Pakistan's largely ungoverned tribal areas bordering Afghanistan, where Osama bin Laden may be hiding. Militants fighting Western forces and the government in Afghanistan have been able to operate from within Pakistan. This despite nearly $10-billion in aid from Washington since Musharraf became an indispensable counterterrorism ally after Sept. 11, 2001.

So, Bhutto was seen as the panacea for Pakistan's woes?

Bhutto was a deeply controversial figure. Western-educated, she was one of the first democratically elected female prime ministers in an Islamic country. She presented herself as a moderate, democratic force. As such she was widely courted in the West. But she was regarded by some as a domineering figure who misused her two terms as prime minister between 1988 and 1996 for financial gain.

Who are the likely suspects?

Pro-Taliban militants will head the list. Al-Qaida No. 2 Ayman al-Zawahri decried Bhutto's return and called for attacks on all the candidates in the parliamentary elections. Islamist militants hated her for her pro-American views and as a female leader.

What's next?

President Musharraf, who announced three days of mourning for Bhutto, has urged calm. If he and the Pakistan army decide that the democratic approach is no longer possible, they might abandon it and impose military rule. Nawaz Sharif, an opposition leader, said his party would boycott the elections and called for Musharraf to resign. If Bhutto's party also boycotts, it would rob the vote of legitimacy.

Times wires, BBC News

[Last modified December 28, 2007, 00:48:38]