On Bhutto’s Murder
Too much commentary for me to add anything useful, except for one thing. If someone knows what they’re doing will result in their certain death, why not plan so that the death is spent usefully?
If so, what was Bhutto’s plan?
5 Responses to “On Bhutto’s Murder”
Trackback URL for On Bhutto’s Murder: http://gmapalumni.org/chapomatic/wp-trackback.php?p=2772
December 28th, 2007 at 2:56 pm
What of the value of martyrdom?
I think it might be a tad early to determine this, but likely she must have made plans for her successor and the call to action that may be forthcoming. The difficulty will be getting that call out when the Pres. is controlling the media.
-Tu
December 28th, 2007 at 5:17 pm
I spent nearly the entire day yesterday watching the talking heads ask the same question, Chap. And, best as I can tell, none of them had an answer.
Tu: the speculation I saw indicated Bhutto has no successor, as she wouldn’t allow the development of subordinate leadership cadres within the PPP. The pundits I saw last evening were hard-pressed to even name a potential successor.
December 28th, 2007 at 11:57 pm
I don’t think you can understate the importance of clan or tribal loyalty in this situation. If you want to look for Bhutto’s successor, you must first understand the source of her own considerable power. She was the daughter of a former clan chieftan who also became a prime minister (and was martyred or hung as a criminal depending upon what narrative you follow). Her own sense of style and glamorous lifestyle added to her luster and the luster of her clan. If you are looking for her successor, look no further than her sons who are of adult age. A grand depth of experience is not necessary to take ‘party leadership’ in this situation, only a dna strain. Bhutto herself was only 34 when she first ascended to the premiership the first time.
December 30th, 2007 at 9:58 pm
I should know better than to doubt your hunches on this one, Jer. I heard one of the party’s close advisors going into the negotiations saying that Bhutto’s will directed half the party to the husband and half to the eldest son–who IIRC is 17 and a freshman at Oxford.
Oh that’s going to go well.
December 31st, 2007 at 4:38 am
19. The kid’s 19.
Not that that’s much better.