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Breaking news: webcam your reaction to Bhutto's killing
- What do you think will happen now, what does this mean for the Pakistani people, what's been your reaction?
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- ENDS: 01/03/2008 10:59 AM
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Islamist protests after mass death-row amnesty on Bhutto birthday
Pakistan has pardoned 7,000 death row inmates and changed their sentences to life imprisonment to celebrate the late Benazir Bhutto's birthday.
The gesture, which constitutes one of the biggest amnesties in modern history, was approved by the Cabinet this week. According to Amnesty International, the reprieve will affect almost one third of the world's death row population, which is estimated to be around 24,000. The prisoners sentences will be changed to imprisonment for life. According to a Pakistani official, prisoners sentenced for drug offenses and terrorism charges might not be offered a pardon.
However, radical Mullahs are encouraging Muslims to protest against the amnesty, arguing that it is against Sharia law and, as such, "un-Islamic." Furthermore, Mullahs draw attention to Islamic laws according to which only relatives of murder victims can pardon the murderer. Islamic leaders have announced that a meeting of religious groups is to be held at the radical Red Mosque in Islamabad on July 6 to make a plan to protest. Pakistan has pardoned 7,000 death row inmates and changed their sentences to life imprisonment to celebrate the late Benazir Bhutto's ... more -
Bhutto dealt nuclear secrets to N. Korea, book says
Former Pakistani prime minister Benazir Bhutto, on a state visit to North Korea in 1993, smuggled in critical data on uranium enrichment — a route to making a nuclear weapon — to help facilitate a missile deal with Pyongyang, according to a new book by a journalist who knew the slain politician well.
The assertion is based on conversations that the author, Shyam Bhatia, had with Bhutto in 2003, in which she said she would tell him a secret “so significant that I had to promise never to reveal it, at least not during her lifetime,” Bhatia writes in “Goodbye, Shahzadi,” which was published in India last month. Former Pakistani prime minister Benazir Bhutto, on a state visit to North Korea in 1993, smuggled in critical data on uranium enrichme... more -
Podcast: The World Today: An Authoritative perspective
Zimbabwe's climate of fear grows as Mugabe thugs engage in an orgy of violence
Pakistan peace talks stall between the new government in Islamabad
and the leader of the local Taliban militants, Baitullah Mehsud
Washington and NATO allies trying to impose security in Afghanistan
feared the deal would make it easier for Taliban fighters to cross the
border into Kandahar
Zimbabwe's climate of fear grows as Mugabe thugs engage in an orgy of violence ... more -
The battle is on — political forces are on the offensive
Here is the story I have seen developing over the last 59 days since 18th February. The story is purely based on news reports, current affairs programs and personal sources in Islamabad.
1. Just after the elections when it was confirmed that somehow the mad dictator and his cronies have lost the elections. Establishment embarked on a strategy to damage control. It was agreed amongst the establishment key stackholders that the battle is lost, however they may control the damage not to complete destroy them.
2. The strategy was highly dependant upon the actions of other people (i.e opposition) than their own actions. It became also apparent in the later stages that US and other Western European powers will not involve themselves in any aspect of this strategy.
3. The key issues that they faced were in order of their severity:
- The murder of Benazir Bhutto and investigations by United Nations.
- Charter of Democracy and its consequences.
- The issue of Balochistan and murder of Akbar Bugti , Mengal.
- The huge income of dollars in terms of US investment in Army and control of those funds.
- Missing persons
- Restoration of judiciary
4. As I said their was more dependant on the actions of PPP and PML(N), the first goal was to have a rift between PPP and PML(N), than create a rift amongst PPP ranks. Most important action they were waiting from PPP was the selection of PM candidate. The hoped to have Makhdoom Amin Fahim in that position and if not, they expected to create a rift in PPP ranks on that issue. Somehow Asif Zardari turned out to be more shrewd politician than they expected. Even Makhdoom Amin Fahim disappointed the establishment a lot. For the rift between PPP and PML(N) , PML(Q) successful candidates were used, who joined PML(N) in throngs to create the impression that PML(N) may be using them as to blackmail PPP in Punjab.
5. However the action that failed the first strategy of establishment was Murree declaration. Which somehow included the restoration of judges (in parenthesis it meant decalaration of 3rd November PCO as illegal), They did however succeeded in getting the CoD not mentioned in the six point declaration.
6. After the first defeat however establishment reworked their strategy , and came on the discussion table to have the negotiations. As true sons of Tiger Niazi (Dhaka fame) , their first approach was to have the cake and eat it too. The Qayum bill was product of that thinking. The most important aspect of Qayum bill was that it brought up reference of CoD in it (so remember never make monkey as your friend). It however said that the actions of PCO will indemnified in return of Judges restoration. However it brought the CoD clause in it to appoint the judges, their wishful thinking was that they may get CJ or any other judges blocked by it. Again this backfired as this bill turned the attention of AZ and NS towards CoD instead of restoration of Judiciary. Here is the story I have seen developing over the last 59 days since 18th February. The story is purely based on news reports, current... more -
Bhutto and the future of Islam
She was such a brilliant woman. Her book contains a great modern interpretation of Islam.
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New Pakistani PM signed in by Musharraf
Yousaf Raza Gilani, a loyalist to the assassinated Benazir Bhutto, will front a new government vowing to cut back the U.S.-backed president's powers. He was sworn in at a fairly stiff ceremony in Islamabad by Pervez Musharraf.
The new government will include the party of former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, who was ousted when Musharraf first seized power in a military coup in 1999, so this is not exactly one big happy family. Quarrels aside, there were progressive words from Musharraf who said,
"I congratulate Yousaf Raza Gilani and my cooperation will always remain with him,"
As they say, the proof is in the pudding. Yousaf Raza Gilani, a loyalist to the assassinated Benazir Bhutto, will front a new government vowing to cut back the U.S.-backed pres... more -
Pakistan Finally Votes
The long awaited elections in Pakistan have taken place. The results seem to indicate the peoples displeasure with President Pervez Musharraf's ruling party. The long awaited elections in Pakistan have taken place. The results seem to indicate the peoples displeasure with President Pervez Mu... more
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Bhutto detainees admit they were involved
Following their arrest last week in connection with the assassination of Benazir Bhutto, the two detainees have admitted their parts in the plans that led up to the death of the ex-Pakistan prime minister according to an Interior Ministry spokesman that spoke to CNN.
The two men, who have now been identified as Hasnain Gul and Rafaqat are believed to be part of a five-man team behind the former prime minister's assassination, with two of those suspects still at large. Following their arrest last week in connection with the assassination of Benazir Bhutto, the two detainees have admitted their parts i... more -
At least 25 killed as suicide bomber targets political rally in Pakistan
The suicide bomber struck a meeting in the northwest part of the country, while thousands of supporters of Benazir Bhutto gathered in the south, and hundreds were met with strong reaction from riot police as they protested the detention of a supreme court justice in the capital city of Islamabad.
Is Pakistan falling apart? The suicide bomber struck a meeting in the northwest part of the country, while thousands of supporters of Benazir Bhutto gathered in ... more -
Pakistani militants 'call truce'
The leading militant group in the Pakistani region of South Waziristan has reportedly called a truce and is willing to enter into peace talks. However, not many details have been released regarding the terms of the truce.
The government has not confirmed the truce but interior Minister Hamid Nawaz said the national leadership was ready for a dialogue with the militants. Unofficial talks are underway.
The groups leader, Baitullah Mehsud, has been accused by the government of being behind the murder of Benazir Bhutto. The leading militant group in the Pakistani region of South Waziristan has reportedly called a truce and is willing to enter into peac... more -
Pakistan authorities arrest two in Bhutto murder case
Pakistan investigators have arrested two "very important alleged terrorists" in connection with the murder of former Pakistan Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto. The suspects are now being interrogated.
A security official hailed the arrests as a "major breakthrough" and echoed the CIA and the Pakistani government's accusations that Baitullah Mehsud, an Al-Qaeda-link militant commander had masterminded the attack, saying:
"It is a major breakthrough. These two men were involved in the assassination and they are from a militant group which is relatively new. Their tentacles are from the tribal region and Baitullah Mehsud."
Mehsud has denied any involvement. Pakistan investigators have arrested two "very important alleged terrorists" in connection with the murder of former Pakistan Prime Mi... more -
"Baitullah is not involved in Benazir's assassination in any way"
A Pakistani senator says pro-Taleban rebel leader Baitullah Mehsud was not involved in the murder of former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto. Saleh Shah, an Islamist senator who represents Waziristan, said
"Baitullah is not involved in Benazir's assassination in any way...The army continues to fire at civilian targets, although the militants positions are quite distinct and removed...Baitullah has said himself several times he has no quarrel with the Pakistan army"
The US and Pakistani intelligence remain convinced that Baitullah Mehsud is responsible for Bhutto's assassination, something which has led to more conflict with the Taleban in the north of Pakistan.
In a strange twist you can see the story from both sides of the gun on the BBC website, who are reporting that Baitullah Mehsud is the problem causer leading to the United States and Pakistani's increase of violence or "action" as they prefer to call it, in the region.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/south_asia/7206785.stm
A Pakistani senator says pro-Taleban rebel leader Baitullah Mehsud was not involved in the murder of former Prime Minister Benazir Bhu... more -
The Assassination of Benazir Bhutto- audio and photos
A photographers account of the scene as well as his pictures. I still feel awful about her, such a shame.
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CIA: Baitullah Mehsud Was Mastermind Behind Bhutto Assassination
Baitullah Mehud, a Pakistani militant leader currently in hiding with direct ties to Al Qaeda was behind the the assassination of Benazir Bhutto last month, according to the CIA.
"There are powerful reasons to believe that terror networks around Baitullah Mehsud were responsible," said one American intelligence official, speaking on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak publicly on the matter.
The official said that "different pieces of information" had pointed toward Mr. Mehsud's responsibility, but he would not provide any details.
The conclusion of the CIA is also in agreement with the assertion from the Pakistani government, which claimed shortly after the assassination that Mehsud was responsible. Baitullah Mehud, a Pakistani militant leader currently in hiding with direct ties to Al Qaeda was behind the the assassination of Bena... more -
CIA chief places blame for Bhutto assassination
The CIA has concluded that members of al-Qaeda and allies of Pakistani tribal leader Baitullah Mehsud were responsible for last month's assassination of former Pakistani prime minister Benazir Bhutto, and that they also stand behind a new wave of violence threatening that country's stability, the agency's director, Michael V. Hayden, said in an interview.
Offering the most definitive public assessment by a U.S. intelligence official, Hayden said Bhutto was killed by fighters allied with Mehsud, a tribal leader in northwestern Pakistan, with support from al-Qaeda's terrorist network. That view mirrors the Pakistani government's assertions.
The same alliance between local and international terrorists poses a grave risk to the government of President Pervez Musharraf, a close U.S. ally in the fight against terrorism, Hayden said in 45-minute interview with The Washington Post. "What you see is, I think, a change in the character of what's going on there," he said. "You've got this nexus now that probably was always there in latency but is now active: a nexus between al-Qaeda and various extremist and separatist groups."
Hayden added, "It is clear that their intention is to continue to try to do harm to the Pakistani state as it currently exists."
Days after Bhutto's Dec. 27 assassination in the city of Rawalpindi, Pakistani officials released intercepted communications between Mehsud and his supporters in which the tribal leader praised the killing and, according to the officials, appeared to take credit for it. Pakistani and U.S. officials have declined to comment on the origin of that intercept, but the administration has until now been cautious about publicly embracing the Pakistani assessment.
Widespread suspicion of Musharraf
Many Pakistanis have voiced suspicions that Musharraf's government played a role in Bhutto's assassination, and Bhutto's family has alleged a wide conspiracy involving government officials. Hayden declined to discuss the intelligence behind the CIA's assessment, which is at odds with that view and supports Musharraf's assertions.
"This was done by that network around Baitullah Mehsud. We have no reason to question that," Hayden said. He described the killing as "part of an organized campaign" that has included suicide bombings and other attacks on Pakistani leaders.
Some administration officials outside the agency who deal with Pakistani issues were less conclusive, with one calling the assertion "a very good assumption."
One of the officials said there was no "incontrovertible" evidence to prove or rebut the assessment.
The CIA has concluded that members of al-Qaeda and allies of Pakistani tribal leader Baitullah Mehsud were responsible for last month'... more -
Pakistan After Bhutto
An on-the-ground look at Karachi, Pakistan in the aftermath of Benazir Bhutto's assassination.
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Musharraf Rules Out UN Investigation Into Bhutto Assassination
Pervez Musharraf has told a French newspaper that he will not consider allowing a UN investigation into Benazir Bhutto's assassination. He made it clear that Pakistan had its own systems in place to investigate the murder and that they were receiving assistance from the UK.
Bilawal Bhutto has said that the Pakistani intelligence lacks the "necessary transparency" to be conducted in a proper fashion and has repeatedly called for a full UN investigation. Pervez Musharraf has told a French newspaper that he will not consider allowing a UN investigation into Benazir Bhutto's assassination... more -
Bhutto's Son Addresses the World
"This is a new experience for me, and I'm a bit nervous."
The political career of Bilawal Bhutto Zardari the 19-year-old chairman of the Pakistan People's Party has begun with a press conference in London where he laid out his plan to finish his degree at Oxford and then enter politics. He faced questions about his ability to lead the PPI with such little experience and was pushed about the legitimacy of being named head of the party. According to this report, "what was clear, both in Bhutto Zardari's words and unsure delivery, is that this would-be savior of a Muslim nuclear state on the verge of disintegration is exactly what he appears to be: a teenager nowhere near ready to lead a student union, let alone a country."
He certainly has some big shoes to fill. Do you think he's the right man for the job? "This is a new experience for me, and I'm a bit nervous." ... more -
British Detectives Meet With Musharraf
Pakistan's President Musharraf reportedly told British forensic experts on Tuesday they'll have a free hand in investigating the circumstances surrounding the assassination of opposition leader Benazir Bhutto.
The pledge contrasts with the government's position last week, when Musharraf told reporters the detectives wouldn't be allowed to go on a 'wild goose chase' and investigate claims that his government was behind the attack.
"The president assured (the investigators) of his full support and said that they were totally free to conduct their probe, and no one will interfere in their affairs," Interior Ministry spokesman Javed Iqbal Cheema said.
However, Bhutto's son, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, told reporters in London that only a U.N. investigation into her death would satisfy him and referred to the fact that just hours after the attack, firefighters with high-pressure hoses washed down the scene, a move that Musharraf has since called a mistake - (See below for the footage).
"We do not believe that an investigation under the authority of the Pakistani government has the necessary transparency," said the 19-year-old, who was chosen chairman of his mother's party after her death. "Already so much forensic evidence has been destroyed."
Pakistan's President Musharraf reportedly told British forensic experts on Tuesday they'll have a free hand in investigating the circu... more -
Will We Ever Know The Truth About Who Killed Bhutto?
The police seem no closer to finding her killer, and like any good mystery, there is no shortage of conspiracy theories to fill the void of factual information. Here's a good article that sums up what is known for certain, what is conspiracy, and why her assassination will end up alongside other A-list mystery assassinations like John F. Kennedy. The two main reasons? "One is that, as with JFK, there are many groups or individuals who may have benefited from Ms Bhutto's removal from the political scene... and the number of changing statements by the government and witnesses, and the resultant belief that someone is involved in a cover-up." The police seem no closer to finding her killer, and like any good mystery, there is no shortage of conspiracy theories to fill the vo... more
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Benazir Bhutto
