Blademaster

If Pakistan breaks up, then the Kashmir issue is fully and totally resolved!

Samudra

For now - What does all this mean for Musharaf ?

Agnostic Muslim

There was no "interpretation" required when Zia-ul Haq (Punjabi) killed an immensely more popular ZA Bhutto (Sindhi). Didn't happen then, and not likely to happen now. You are free to keep hoping though. Also Musharraf is a "Muhajir".

It will more likely be twisted into another anti-Musharraf/anti Army tirade. The army is already stepping back from politics under Kiyani. Some commentators and analysts are suggesting a longterm postponement of the elections, I disagree. That would be interpreted as "Musharrafs rule" being extended. The elections should still be held as soon as possible.

__________________
Pakistan is not going to be a theocratic state to be ruled by priests with a divine mission - Jinnah

Samudra

AM,

Somebody from Bhutto family will step into her shoes. We just don't know who!

Perhaps. But she just captured all the support with her death. PPP is going to win big time if the elections are held in the near future.

Ray

AM

How can elections be held.

The politicians are going to run scared to address any rally.

I believe NS' rally had also been attacked!

Even Musharraf will think twice before stepping out. He has missed many an attempt.

The terrorists seem to have taken over.

__________________


"Some have learnt many Tricks of sly Evasion, Instead of Truth they use Equivocation, And eke it out with mental Reservation, Which is to good Men an Abomination."

I don't have to attend every argument I'm invited to.

HAKUNA MATATA

Ray

AM,

It is time for Islamic countries to take stock.

Instead of being lukewarm to these country destroying terrorists, they should along with the rest of the world, kick this scourge out of this world.

Let us sink our differences, before they sink us!

Agnostic Muslim

Salim,

There is no easy or quick fix for this problem. Elections cannot be postponed until the problem comes under control. While I anticipate the elections being postponed for a short duration, I believe they can still be held.

It must also be noted that BB is the only politician who has been attacked.

PS: Couldn't agree more with your last post. Public opinion must be directed against this scourge though, and I am not certain that can be accomplished with Musharraf still at the helm. Whether he does anything or not he will be blamed. If his presence prevents public opinion from solidifying against terrorism, then perhaps it is time for him to step down.

Samudra

Nawaz and Bhutto are now out of the race. I believe Nawaz was disqualified from contesting. Who will the current political vacuum benefit ? Musharaf?

Four Sharif Aides Killed, 12 Hurt in Pakistan Gunfire

Agnostic Muslim

Too early to say. Possible boycott by the PPP? Joined by NS? Who knows.

BB was a polarizing individual. The people who adored her are out rioting, those who detested her are saying "good riddance" or expressing condolences, but ambivalent. The rest are probably ambivalent, "Pakistani politics - sub chalta hai" (everything goes).

The opposition to Musharraf may intensify, but BB's popularity is not going to rise.


Typical election violence - has always happened, and in India as well.

I am not suggesting that AQ will not take it up a notch and start bombing all political gatherings, they might, but so far their target has only been BB.

Officer of Engineers

That's the one thing that I cannot grasp. Is there no passion in Pakistan?

__________________
Chimo

Blademaster

Errrr.... I would think that the manner of the assassination would answer your question.

Officer of Engineers

Perhaps but the question was directed to the voting public.

Agnostic Muslim

The rioting would also answer that question - but years of lackluster political governments and corrupt politicians have dulled the "passion for democracy". Remember that a "dictator" has given to Pakistan 8 years of progress, development and "freedom", after successive "democratic" failures - what are Pakistanis to make of this contradiction?

A sustained and continuous political process is the only thing that might alleviate this "dispassion" - that is why elections, however shambolic they may be, should be held.

WhamBam

Shocking and sad.

Pakistan could be in trouble.

__________________
There are 10 kinds of people in the world, those who understand binary and those who don’t..

TopHatter

So very sad...very sad.

I just saw the headlines on Yahoo and my first thought was "Oh sh-t"

Indeed. Talk about a ongoing death sentence. I just can't believe it took this long.

Whatever else she was, she had courage the likes of which you usually don't see in your lifetime.