Lucia

de Vernai

Read Lucia's bio and previous columns

January 7, 2008

Bhutto Assassination: Geez, Pervez Musharraf, You Call This a Coverup?

Last month’s death of Benazir Bhutto did not come as a shock to many. The combination of a long-time internal power struggle and recent over-exercise of power by Pakistani president Pervez Musharraf all foreshadowed the untimely death of the popular opposition leader.

Pakistani officials have maintained that Bhutto died from a head wound she suffered when her head hit the sun roof when a bomb exploded near her car as she was rallying supporters. Eyewitnesses, however, hold that Bhutto was killed by a gun shot. When asked in a TV interview on Sunday whether a gunshot wound could have been the cause, Musharraf said “Yes, absolutely, yes. Possibility."

In a span of a week, Musharraf also told the media that Bhutto was aware of the threat and was given extra security, and that if anyone was to blame, it was Bhutto. Then he added that he was not satisfied with the outcome of the investigation. Don’t worry, though. British officials are already in Pakistan waiting to help with the investigation.

The British are back in Southeast Asia. Only good things can come of that.

Still, for all the trouble and defiance Musharraf for which has been taking credit, the Bhutto assassination cover up could have been executed better (no pun intended). Before Benazir, the Musharraf government saw the assassinations of Zulfiqar Ali and Murtaza Bhutto, Benazir’s father and brother. You’d think they’d make the third time a charm and show more cohesion and planning. Now an autopsy is out of the question – Muslim custom requires burial the morning after death and Bhutto’s husband refused an autopsy. The family affair would not be complete without an heir. At 19 years old, Bhutto’s only son, Bilawal, is the next Oxford-educated lamb in line for the slaughter. Maybe Musharraf will perfect his act by then. 

There are plenty of historical examples and styles from which to draw inspiration. Ms. Bhutto could have gone on vacation, gotten the flu or pneumonia and in pure Soviet fashion then died of those simple, yet sad causes. Or she could have done something out of character and followed the American tradition of “security just couldn’t out-do that wily crazy white guy.” A movie theater or a mole is optional.

Musharraf could at least show his nemeses some respect in death and let them go out with a bang (again, pun no intended). Still, even if the assassination and its cover-up have not been world class, players in the international arena are willing to take responsibility. Italian media quoted an Al Qaeda spokesman as admitting guilt, while Pakistani media pointed to the Taliban.

Whether either of the groups is really behind her murder remains an unanswered question. That’s not to say that their involvement and heightened visibility should go unnoticed – now that Musharraf is no longer the head of the army, fighting Taliban and Al Qaeda militants will be more complicated than before. Although Bhutto will not be a contender in next month’s elections, more changes are in store for Pakistan, and in order to retain control, Musharraf should get his story straight.  

Click here to talk to our writers and editors about this column and others in our discussion forum.

To e-mail feedback about this column, click here. If you enjoy this writer's work, please contact your local newspapers editors and ask them to carry it.