Bhutto was defiant against terror -Amir TaheriBenazir Bhutto believed that dictatorship and terror were political twins that kept each other alive. "Only the fresh air of democracy can kill the monster [of Islamism]," she liked to say.
"When the people are allowed to speak, they will not speak in support of terror."
(Times-UK)
4 comments:
Sadly, we have seen that this is not really always the case, as much as we would like to believe. Some just try to see the best in people, like Bhutto and others are just naive, or feign naivety with more malicious intent, such as W. Bush. But either way, as Iraq,Iran, Russia and the Palestinians have shown us, as well as a sprinkling of elections throughout the world the last 25 years, if the majority is fearful, or, of a particular group suspicious or hateful of another group inside or outside their country, elections can perpetuate the violence and prejudice, not end it. Sad, but true. The world is a more complicated place than even the best intentioned, or worst, ideologue can define.
Nevertheless, let us hope, pray and wish for a happier, healthier and prosperous 2008 for all the freedom loving people in the world. Let our US soldiers know peace, security and a rapid homecoming. And let the evil oppressors and terrorists of the world be brought to judgment either in this world, or the hereafter, before anymore innocent blood may be spilled..
Bhutto may have been talking specifically about Pakistan. Certainly elections have backfired in several cases. i believe that is because elections alone do not make a democracy.
Only when held in the context of a free society can elections be counted upon. Natan Sharansky talks about the "village square" test [if you can shout your opinion in the village square without consequence you are probably living in a free society].
That is a test that the Palestinian Authority fails, Egypt fails, Lebanon [once a beacon of hope] fails...you got the idea.
i join in your prayers for freedom in 2008!
Possibly she was, but it had a broad message and I think it has proven to be more complex and sadly invalid. Also, based on many examples, it is not clear to me that she would be any more on the mark for Pakistan. If you can shout in the village square safely, no doubt you are already living in a democracy. All the best to MidEast Soundbites for a wonderful 2008 as well. Be well.
And from MidEast Soundbites wishes for a fabulous 2008 to LHWrites. Your intelligent and poignant comments are always appreciated!
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