Did they kill Benazir Bhutto?

Question

Because she dared to be a woman leader in a country where women are viewed as less than cattle?

No, Zucchini, she's dead. CNN is reporting it.

Answer 1

I think Benazir Bhutto's assassination is more complicated than just a political fight. Not only is the government implicated, but so are radical Islamic groups that are violently anti-women and anti-minority, such as radical groups in Iran that are abducting, raping, and murdering women and dumping their dead bodies in the garbage just for going into public without a head covering. If some radical religious groups are willing to rape and murder women for what they wear in their country, what would they do to a woman who dared to try to run a country?

But the government could be involved as well, as these two Pakistani sisters have been under attack for the work they've done for women in Pakistan, as reported by Amnesty International, in their article titled: "Sisters in Struggle":

"In 1981 Hina Jilani co-founded the first all-female law firm in Pakistan and later established a women's legal aid program for Pakistani women, including for those seeking to divorce abusive husbands. As a result Ms. Jilani became the target of violent attacks, including the "honor killing" of a client in her office. In recognition of her work, she was appointed the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General on the situation of human rights defenders, and won a Ginetta Sagan Award from Amnesty International USA in 2000. Amnesty International has worked for many years to ensure that Ms. Jilani and others like her are able to carry out their work freely and safely.

On 3 November 2007, following the crackdown on perceived political opposition in Pakistan, a 90-day order was issued to detain her. She happened to be visiting London at the time, so managed to avoid arrest. Following outcry from Amnesty International and others, the detention order against her was lifted and she was able to return home safely."
http://www.amnestyusa.org/By_Country/Pakistan/page.do?id=1011216&n1=3&n2=30&n3=966

Amnesty International has pointed out that women and religious minorities in Pakistan have been at risk from Islamic extremists for quite some time:

"Women and religious minorities, including Shi'a Muslims, Ahmadis, and Christians, are routinely subject to discrimination. The government has permitted discriminatory laws to remain on the books, failed to enforce laws prohibiting discrimination, allowed individuals to be arbitrarily detained, and failed to ensure that those responsible for abuses are held to account. In addition, Christians, Shi'a Muslims and Ahmadis, who have been the subject of targeted killings by Islamist groups, have been afforded little protection by the government.

What are some of the risks for Women?
Domestic violence, including physical abuse, rape, acid throwing, burning and "honor" killing, is widespread. Forced marriage of young girls continues to be reported despite a legal minimum age of 16. Although slavery is illegal in Pakistan, girls and women continue to be traded to settle debts or conflicts. Physical abuse of women in custody is rife.

What are the effects of the Pakistani Tribal Justice System?
The government has allowed tribal councils, or jirgas, to abuse a wide range of human rights. In rural Pakistan, jirgas are convened to resolve disputes over land, water, breaches of "honor," murder and blood feuds. Jirgas often resolve feuds by ordering an offender to hand over girls and women to the aggrieved party. In cases where a woman is believed to have "dishonored" her family by having a male friend, marrying a man of her choice, or seeking a divorce, jirgas have decided that those involved be killed or otherwise punished. The state does not generally take action when jirga decisions lead to murder, rape or other abuses."
http://www.amnestyusa.org/Pakistan/More_information_on_Pakistan/page.do?id=1011314&n1=3&n2=30&n3=966

Answer 2

I'd like to address two points of your question. First of all, it has been stressed in the western media that the fact that Benazir Bhutto was a woman trying to lead a Muslim nation could be a reason that extremists did not want her to gain power again. In Pakistan, however, her gender had never been an issue. She was extremely popular among the masses. I may point out that neighbouring India and, Bangladesh, formerly known as East Pakistan, have both had female Prime Ministers. Pakistan has more in common with the culture and history of these nations that with the culture of the Middle East. Women have always been highly regarded and treasured on the Indian subcontinent.

This brings me to my second point. With all due respect, what is your evidence that women in Pakistan are viewed as less than cattle? Have you lived there? Do you have any personal accounts or heard any stories of ill-treatment of women that you could not also hear in the US? I have been living in Pakistan for 13 years. I can give you hundreds of accounts of women being shown nothing but honour and respect by men in this country. I lived in the US, was raised in the US, and I can make the comparison. While living in the US, I never felt safe or secure when walking outside after dark. I was ogled and propositioned by numerous unseemly men any number of times. I was made to feel like an object, not as a human being. Living in Pakistan, I have never been made to feel that I am less that a perfect human. I have been given seats on buses when there were none. I have been given respect in the work place only because I am a woman. I have been protected from harm, treated like a precious treasure, and revered for my being a mother, wife, daughter and sister. I have never been forced to wear a veil, to stay at home or to keep my mouth closed. I'm just curious as to where you get your information. I am not accusing. I am only saddened by the influence of the media on the minds of Westerners who cannot see the beauty in such a wonderful and peaceful existence.

Who is treated like cattle, a scantly clad female pop singer selling her body to make money for the record companies or a wife and mother treated like a queen in her own home?

Answer 3

Every country has their paradoxes and Benazir Bhutto was one of them. She was a former prime minister of Pakistan before her exile and return to that country. There were men who voted for her and supported her. It's true that sexism exists in Pakistan, but I believe her assasination had little to do with her being a woman. It was her politics that was the main motivator for her enemies to kill her. She was a threat to their power. Surely the muslim extremists never want to be ruled by a woman, but Benzair was killed because she was a popular opposition leader.

Answer 4

She may have been strong but she was also harsh and had many enemies both men and women. Some think she had a personal agenda as well. One thing is certain, that region is so unstable and dangerous that the world can expect a lot of problems in the near future.

Answer 5

Use your brain. It have a lot more to do with politic.

Bhutto was an incredibly shrewd politician and wide spread corruption and money laundering happened during her rule. Fact is, she never did anything promote any of the ideals on which she claimed to support. Her rule was one of hollow promises and corruption. She was an ardent supporter of the Taliban in Afghanistan. She had no interest in the freedom of the press, or freedom of religion.

The feminist are obviously going to see her as a hero simply because she's a woman

Answer 6

So far Reuters has flipped it twice between her being injured and being killed. I guess we won't know for sure until a little later.

edit: now CNN is saying that she's dead.

Answer 7

It has nothing to do with the fact she was a WOMAN leader, it was more to do with the fact she tried to be a leader in a very corrupt country.

Answer 8

Seriously, it was probably only a matter of time. But she would have succeeded in bringing to the forefront the gaping chasm of the absence of women in world leadership of the region.

Answer 9

Johno said it. Corruption is infested in that country. You wouln't believ it!!!! Catch 22.

Answer 10

SHE WAS SURVIVED ONES BEFORE THE FIRST DAY SHE WAS RETURNED, AND TODAY SHE COULDN'T, I THINK THE GOVERNMENT HAS A HAND IN THIS.

THE CIRCLE OF KILLING WILL CONTINUE AGAIN