The assassination of former Pakistani Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto has plunged the Muslim nation into extreme chaos. The nation faces its worst crisis since it was founded in 1947. What is more serious is the current situation shows no sign of abating in the foreseeable future with possibly a far-flung impact upon the entire global community. The ``blitzkrieg'' suicide terrorist attack has darkened the future direction of Pakistan's path toward democracy.
Concern is rising over the possible nuclear instability given the geopolitical location of Pakistan as the only Muslim nation to possess nuclear weapons. It would be a nightmare of ``nuclear terror'' if Islamic extremists take the nuclear weapons, dealing a critical blow to the global anti-terrorism efforts, led by the United States. Additionally, there have already been signs of fluctuation in the prices of crude oil, gold and bonds.
First, we extend our deepest condolences to Bhutto's bereaved family members and the Pakistani people. The killing of Bhutto occurred during stumping for the Pakistan People's Party (PPP) ahead of the general elections slated for Jan. 8. Her death is all the more tragic as it comes in the wake of the killings of her father Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto in 1979 by the then military regime, and her two younger brothers ― one in a foreign land and the other by police. Pre-election surveys had shown that her PPP was looking to win a majority in the upcoming elections.
What is most urgent now is for the Pakistani people to cooperate in efforts to recover peace and stability in the aftermath of the tragic incident. Many large cities have turned into battlegrounds with angry mobs firing shots at the police and destroying public facilities such as railways. But such a messy situation cannot be the solution in view of the fact that what Bhutto has wanted was democratization of Pakistan. U.S. President George W. Bush also urged the Pakistani people to take proper steps toward democracy by honoring Bhutto's will.
Further instability will only provide President Pervez Musharaff with excuses to declare emergency martial rule while giving up efforts for the planned timetable for democratization. President Musharaff also needs to announce his strong will to push for democracy while arresting the assassins and their backers, and delivering them to the justice system. This is the only way to assuage the people's grief and restore stability.
The real attacker has yet to be identified as there are too many of the usual suspects ― pro-government activists, Islamic extremists, informants and members of the military. Further confusion will also intensify terrorists' activities and weaken anti-terrorism efforts. The United States faces a dilemma since it has supported the current Musharaff regime in the fight against terrorism. Musharaff has been the target of growing public criticism for attempting to extend his stay in power in a seemingly inappropriate manner. The U.S. deserves a fair part of the blame for having excessively pushed for its anti-terrorism war in coalition with a Pakistani regime that lacks legitimacy.