Bhutto’s Tumultuous Return

During the return of self-exiled Pakistani ex-Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto’s homecoming parade in Karachi, Pakistan two explosions ripped through the crowded street, killing over 130 people. The attack is thought to have been carried out by Taliban militants, who reside in the western region of Pakistan, the area largely void of any control by the central government. Miss Bhutto has returned from her 9-year exile in hopes of returning to power (possibly as Prime Minister) and reinstating the Pakistani People’s Party (PPP) as a legitimate political party.

Miss Bhutto has done much to agitate the Islamists in Pakistan. During her tenure as Prime Minister she championed moves for women’s rights and greater citizen participation in government. The animosity between fundamental Islamists and Bhutto had a very real and lucid clash with her return. This clash proves two salient points concerning Pakistani politics.

One, it proves the inefficiency of the Musharraf government. The incumbent President and Chief of Army has proven time and time again his inability to quell the volatile Islamists groups within the borders of Pakistan. The western “badlands” of Pakistan are infested with terrorist groups, Al-Queda cells, and remnants of the dismantled Afghani Taliban.

The U.S. has pumped millions of dollars with no specific earmark to Musharraf in hopes of Musharraf building Pakistan’s infrastructure to modern specifications and also to foster political stability and a regional cleanup of “terrorist” groups. Quite the contrary has occured. Instead of building a more modern democractic nation, Musharraf has managed to agitate demostic politics, so much that the latest International Republican Institute (IRI) poll show’s Musharraf’s approval rating at a dismal 21%. Furthermore, Musharraf has done anything but quell the volatile western “badlands.” This region has been shown to be a safe haven for terrorists groups. Musharraf’s lack of central authority is partly to blame for the breakdown in domestic security with Bhutto’s return. Hopefully, the alleged cooperation between Bhutto and Musharraf can help co-op sides and make for a more efficient central government.

Two, this incident shows the volatility of the region. Pakistan is not ready for “free elections” and democratic norms. Pakistan needs a competent leader who can effectively play the power politics political game. Bhutto’s stand on women’s rights and democratic participation is something that needs attention and momentum, however, the country’s political and social discrepancies need to be dealt with, top priority. Without a relatively peaceful and harmonious country you cannot push through democratic altruisms. First order needs to be to deal with the militant groups working within the country. Musharraf has proven himself too fickle and appeasing on the issue of harsher treatment for violent groups.

If Bhutto can drop the iron fist on these issues, she may gain the support from her people and more support from the U.S. If she cannot, Pakistan needs someone who can.