Peter Bergen: The idea that Musharraf was

[Subdivisions]

involved (in the assassination of Bhutto) is just ludicrous.

If it wasn't, then judging how this event is already shaping up with violence said to be aimed squarely at Pervez in cities all over Pakistan, then it was done by someone who wanted him to suffer the consequences.

But, then again, it could simply have been Islamic extremists.

[Delphinus]

1. No one has taken credit for this yet, have they? n/t

[babylonsister]

2. Not that I've heard, but Bhutto Friend/Adviser Blames Musharraf for Assassination

Bhutto Friend/Adviser Blames Musharraf for Assassination

http://www.tpmmuckraker.com/archives/004985.php

Bhutto Adviser: Musharraf Is To Blame
By Spencer Ackerman - December 27, 2007, 10:32AM



A longtime adviser and close friend of assassinated Pakistani ex-prime minister Benazir Bhutto places blame for Bhutto's death squarely on the shoulders of U.S.-supported dictator Pervez Musharraf.

After an October attack on Bhutto's life in Karachi, the ex-prime minister warned "certain individuals in the security establishment and nothing was done," says Husain Haqqani, a confidante of Bhutto's for decades. "There is only one possibility: the security establishment and Musharraf are complicit, either by negligence or design. That is the most important thing. She's not the first political leader killed, since Musharraf took power, by the security forces."

Haqqani notes that Bhutto died of a gunshot wound to the neck. "It's like a hit, not a regular suicide bombing," he says. "It's quite clear that someone who considers himself Pakistan's Godfather has a very different attitude toward human life than you and I do."

As for what comes next: Haqqani doubts that Musharraf will go forward with scheduled elections. "The greatest likelihood is that this was aimed not just aimed at Benazir Bhutto but at weakening Pakistan's push for democracy," he says. "But the U.S. has to think long and hard. Musharraf's position is untenable in Pakistan. More and more people are going to blame him for bringing Pakistan to this point, intentionally or unintentionally. It's very clear that terrorism has increased in Pakistan. It's quite clear that poverty has increased in Pakistan. ... anti-Americanism might come in, as people say, 'You know what, why should we support this regime that has not delivered anything to us?'"

Growing emotional, Haqqani says people should know that "Benazir Bhutto was a very warm person. She was a very strong and courageous person, a very forgiving person. To have gone what she went through -- her father assassinated by one military dictator , her two brothers assassinated, no one in the elite fully loyal to her... The whole Pakistani security establishment thinks Pakistan should be governed as a national-security state. She resisted that completely, and that doesn't get seen enough. She questioned their right to govern."

[Billy Burnett]

3. Earlier, Bergen said that marshal law would be a good idea for Musharrif now.

Al Queda Al Queda Al Queda Al Queda Al Queda

[C_U_L8R]

4. Who benefits most?

It's not so ludicrous to conclude that Mushie benefits the most
by eliminating his political rival (no matter what the repercussions).

[IDemo]

5. No more ludicrous than automatically dismissing the possibility

But until (unless?) more facts are known, it's ludicrous to make statements of blame or innocence either way.

[Subdivisions]

6. Oops, there for a moment I thought you were talking about

the fire in the Veep's office last week.

[bemildred]

7. It is a risky situation for Mushhead.

But then things weren't looking too good for him before this either.

[Javaman]

8. All a perfectly crafted plan by the mush man...

He slaps the cuffs on the nation be declaring marshal law.

then he lifts it in an act of good will.

He gives up his army leadership post.

before all of this, he allows his political rival to enter the country.

Bhutto gives a speech in the historic military center of the nation. Same area were her dad got assassinated.

She gets offed.

mush man now will declare marshal law yet again. only this time, it's going to be permanent.

Bhutto's gone, he can now play two bit dictator for all it's worth, while continuing to squeeze the balls of the population.

more violence, more mass murders, etc

wash, rinse, repeat.