User:Aude/Benazir Bhutto

I found this in my gmail drafts folder, dated from last September (2007). I had the opportunity to hear Benazir Bhutto speak on Capitol Hill in Washington at the Russell Senate Office Building, shortly before she returned to Pakistan. When I went, I was unsure if I could bring my camera into the building, so I did not bring it. Turns out, cameras were definitely permitted and others had them. I have been kicking myself since then for not bringing mine, so I could get a good photo for Wikipedia. While there, I took notes on what she said, which are below. Audio of her talk is available online. During her talk, she alluded to the danger and uncertainty for her going back to Pakistan, well-aware I think that there might be attempts on her life.

Bhutto in Washington
On September 25, Bhutto spoke on Capitol Hill to a packed room in the Russell Senate Building. She spoke about the current military dictatorship in Pakistan, under Musharraf, and expressed disappointment with U.S. support of the regime. She explained how the military dictatorship is fueling extremism in Pakistan.


 * Terrorism has flourished under the military dictatorship, but was minimal during her time in office.
 * Actions on the ground do not match rhetoric coming from Musharraf.
 * Pakistan has recognized and provided support for Afghan rebels, who have attacked NATO forces in Afghanistan and caused other problems.
 * Al Qaeda has "declared war" on the Pakistani Army

Democracy in Pakistan would bring the rule of law to Pakistan. It would also help take the Taliban off the radar screen. An effective democratic government would also be able to deal with drug cartels, which have reasserted and help support Al Qaeda financially. The military dictatorship regimes in the 1980s supported the mujahadeen, and now are supporting extremists. The religion card is often played by the military dictatorship to hold on to power. The military dictatorship is the cause of the anarchic situation and extremism thrives under dictatorship.

The military dictatorship causes harm to the civil society, dismantling and blocking NGOs, undermining the judiciary, removing judges, and other such actions. Mosques become the only outlet for people.

The security agencies in the government are allowed to flourish under the military dictatorship. Officers from the 1980s are now running the intelligence agencies. These are the same ones that supported the mujahadeen in the 1980s. Religious extremism has expanded over the Musharraf regime, and the dismantling of democratic infrastructure.

The government has a role in appointing clerics to mosques. The government has been appointing many extremists to run mosques. During Friday prayers, people hear long lectures by radical clerics who were appointed by the "Ministry of Religious Affairs."

People want change.

There are fears in the U.S. and elsewhere that the extremists will win the election in Pakistan. Bhutto explains that the extremists never get more than 11 percent of the vote, and would get less than that this time. They will not be elected. Most people in Pakistan are moderate.

On October 18, Benazir Bhutto is returning to Pakistan (to Karachi) to coalesce forces against extremism -- the "moderate middle". She will work to mobilize the moderate middle. The goal is free and fair elections, with a civilian president who recognizes the supremacy of the parliament which is elected by and represents the people.

The dialogue between Bhutto and Musharraf has been stalled because of extremist elements in his party.

The PPP has yet to decide whether it will resign from parliament or not run at all. In order for it to stay, the PPP has some demands for Musharraf:
 * He must retire from the post of Army chief
 * Must apologize
 * Eliminate ban of two-time elected prime ministers from running for elections

Questions
After her speech, Bhutto took questions from the audience.

Free and fair elections
In regards to corruption, she says that corruption under the Musharraf regime has been far greater than under past leaders. People do not have habeas corpus and other legal protections against the government.

Bhutto is cynical. She says the current party will do anything to disrupt democracy. Her husband has been held "hostage" to the regime. He has been in prison, without any convictions, for the past eight years. The Musharraf government has offered to release him, in exchange for conditions that Bhutto finds unacceptable.

It is essential that there be free and fair elections, though she is deeply concerned by actions taken by the government and the potential for corruption. 30 million people are now missing from the voting rolls. Issues are being taken up by the Supreme Court in Pakistan. She suggests that the National Identity Data Department has 70 million on its list, and suggests the lists be merged to come up with a more credible list. If that does not happen, the elections will be flawed.

What can the U.S. do to help? She suggests the U.S. could fund international monitoring teams for the election, as well as provide funds so that there is exit polling during the elections, to have independent numbers. Also, the election commission of Pakistan needs monitoring. It has happened in Pakistan that voting stations get moved at the last minute, and many people show up at the "wrong" location and do not get to vote. Such tactics to disrupt and corrupt the process may happen, and international monitoring can help.

Tribal areas
The tribal areas have traditionally been recruiting grounds for soldiers. Now, those areas are havens for militant extremists. The government needs to go to these areas and provide for the people, secure them, and help them. There is a great need for the military to reclaim the tribal areas.

The role of the military? The military has dominated politics, with 19 of the past 30 years under direct military rule. These military dictatorship regimes have taken their toll on the people, as well as on the army. The army is now being targeted by militants, with numerous suicide bombings and other attacks. There is a sense within the military that they should withdraw from politics.

The military needs reform. Bhutto suggests that no one in the military be promoted if they have religious or political involvement.

A.Q. Khan
Asked about A.Q. Khan, she says he is in violation of Pakistan's policies. She is strongly committed to not allowing Pakistan to export nuclear technology. She doesn't think he could have done it without some official support or at least some officials turning a "blind eye". There needs to be an investigation. She suggests the IAEA be invited in and allowed to investigate, question him, and ensure that export of technology will not happen now.

Iran
As for Iran, she hopes that Pakistan can help mediate the dispute between the U.S. and Iran.

If elected
If she is elected, the issues that need to take priority:

Provide basic needs for Pakistanis.
 * Give people hope about economic recovery
 * Education - currently not enough and where institutions exist, they are of insufficient quality
 * Environment - clean up the cities; they are filthy and demeaning to the quality of life
 * Energy

By addressing these needs, a democratic government can begin to undermine extremism and the militants, and reclaim the tribal areas.