Reckless Musharraf

The tragic assassination of Benazir Bhutto was huge setback for Pakistan, as well as for President Bush’s foreign policy. For years, Bush has been backing Pakistan’s military leader, Pervez Musharraf, in the name of the War on Terror. Musharraf doesn’t seem like the kind of man to simply hand over the reins of government with a smile, seeing that he attained his power via military coup. He instituted “emergency rule” in the name of the War on Terror, saying terrorists and Taliban were destabilizing the country. His voiced reason was true, but instead of cracking down on terrorists, Musharraf arrested thousands of his political opponents.

It’s sad. For all her past failings and flaws, Bhutto (who also was supported by the U.S.) was one of Pakistan’s best hopes for setting the country on the path back toward democracy. Meanwhile, terrorists are still plotting and training in the dark recesses of Pakistan. And Musharraf accuses the slain Bhutto of being reckless …