Land of Lime

I don’t know if Benazir Bhutto (1953-2007) would have succeeded in establishing an enduring democracy in Pakistan. Perhaps not, if history is any guide. It is hard to trust the instincts, and indeed the judgment of someone who compares Asif Zardari (and his eight years of incarceration) to Nelson Mandela’s ordeals.

Yet, we must recognize that Benazir Bhutto was immensely courageous. In an increasingly radicalized society, Bhutto held on to her moderate views and pursued her quest to restore political process in Pakistan. Her tragic death is a set back even to a country that has them all - public hangings, assassinations and coups.

Questions are being asked: “How can somebody who can shoot her get so close to her with all the so-called security?” Blamegame has begun, holding Musharraf responsible.

But for me Bhutto’s killing raises very serious questions on the use of political violence in South Asia. If political futures of nations are determined by means of assassinations, if political differences are settled through violent means alone, then only thugs and ruffians will remain in public life. This is not Pakistan’s challenge alone: regardless of the political system in place, all the countries in the region - Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Burma, Afghanistan and indeed, India too - face the same dilemma to differing degrees.