The Hindu : Opinion / Letters to the Editor : Tough times ahead

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Saturday, Dec 29, 2007
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Opinion - Letters to the Editor

Tough times ahead

The news of Benazir Bhutto’s assassination in an election rally in Islamabad is shocking for the entire Indian subcontinent. There is no effective political leadership in Pakistan, which has been pushed into turmoil and anarchy. With the PPP leader out of the political scene, Pervez Musharraf will remain an important ally of the U.S. in its fight against terror. It will be difficult for Washington to dump him for a long time to come. India and Afghanistan are in for uncertain and difficult times as the terror network will continue to spread its tentacles across the borders. Pakistan has lost another chance to usher in democracy, development and stability.

Atul Gupta,

New Delhi

* * *

The West and America needed Benazir more than Pakistan did. They wanted a democratic face to an autocratic rule. With militants striking even in Rawalpindi, the army’s control over the situation is doubtful. Therefore, the U.S. should get the nuclear weapons out of Pakistan as soon as possible.

Tony Augustine,

Bangalore

* * *

In the past, ISI-sponsored terror outfits have played a significant role in promoting fundamentalism, both within and across Pakistan’s borders. Benazir Bhutto’s assassination is proof of the extent to which the fundamentalists have taken control of Pakistan. President Musharraf’s claims of restoring democracy are hollow and can at best be believed only by his handlers in the U.S.

Sivaram Srikandath,

Kochi

* * *

The Pakistani generals do not want democracy to be restored after enjoying unlimited power for decades. If the world is to be saved from terrorism, the army needs to be defanged and confined to the barracks. The world must take charge of the nuclear weapons and missiles lest they fall into the hands of fanatics.

Air Cmde Raghubir Singh (retd.),

Pune

* * *

The assassination should serve as an eye-opener to President George Bush. Pampering military dictators like Gen. Musharraf is not in the best interests of international peace and democracy.

C. Dayakar,

Visakhapatnam

* * *

Pakistan has been riding the terrorism tiger for far too long. If this nuclear-armed failed state descends into anarchy, the consequences will be ominous not only for India but also the whole world. The U.S. has promptly condemned Benazir’s killing. But most radical Islamists are inspired by or have links with the Taliban, which it helped create to fight the Russian forces in Afghanistan. Sooner or later, violence boomerangs on those who support it.

V. Vanamali,

Dallas, Texas

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