« Paradise for the Hero SaddamOnce Upon A Time … »
It’s the coverup, stupid. Conspiracy theorized. NYT:
LAHORE, Pakistan — New details of Benazir Bhutto’s final moments, including indications that her doctors felt pressured to conform to government accounts of her death, fueled the arguments over her assassination on Sunday and added to the pressure on Pakistan’s leaders to accept an international inquiry.
Athar Minallah, a board member of the hospital where Ms. Bhutto was treated, released her medical report along with an open letter showing that her doctors wanted to distance themselves from the government theory that Ms. Bhutto had died by hitting her head on a lever of her car’s sunroof during the attack.
In his letter, Mr. Minallah, who is also a prominent lawyer, said the doctors believed that an autopsy was needed to provide the answers to how she actually died. Their request for one last Thursday was denied by the local police chief.
Pakistani and Western security experts said the government’s insistence that Ms. Bhutto, a former prime minister, was not killed by a bullet was intended to deflect attention from the lack of government security around her. On Sunday, Pakistani newspapers covered their front pages with photographs showing a man apparently pointing a gun at her from just yards away.
Her vehicle came under attack by a gunman and suicide bomber as she left a political rally in Rawalpindi, where the Pakistani Army keeps its headquarters, and where the powerful Inter-Services Intelligence agency has a strong presence.
The government’s explanation, that Ms. Bhutto died after hitting her head as she ducked from the gunfire or was tossed by the force of the suicide blast, has been greeted with disbelief by her supporters, ordinary Pakistanis and medical experts. While some of the mystery could be cleared up by exhuming the body, it is not clear whether Ms. Bhutto’s family would give permission, such is their distrust of the government.
If all they want to do is make themselves look slightly better on the adequate-security-for-Bhutto issue, that train left the station last week.
The article notes a doctor’s claim she was killed by a bullet, a top government spokesman’s report she was killed by a bullet, and a medical report suggesting bullet damage, and witness accounts of buckets of blood. So why would the government want to tell such a contradictory story?
An account of her death that did not involve a gunshot wound was the optimal explanation for the government, said Bruce Riedel, an expert on Pakistan at the Brookings Institution in Washington, and a former member of the National Security Council in the Clinton administration. “If there is a gunshot wound, the security was abysmal,” Mr. Riedel said. The government did not want to be exposed on its careless approach to security, he said.
Oddly, this story makes no mention of suspicions that the government was not simply careless but complicit in Bhutto’s death, but perhaps one thing leads to the other.
There were also provisions under Pakistani law for the exhumation of a body and a delayed post-mortem, Mr. Latif, the former senior Pakistani police official, said. In those cases, the state or a family can ask a magistrate for exhumation. The magistrate then forms a board of doctors to carry out the procedures, he said.
An international inquiry on Ms. Bhutto’s death could not be carried out without an exhumation, a difficult decision in a Muslim country, Mr. Latif said.
In response to a question at a heated news conference Saturday, Brigadier Cheema, the Interior Ministry spokesman, said the government was ready to exhume the body if the family asked.
But Ms. Bhutto’s supporters noted that the family and the party were so furious at President Musharraf, whom many of them blame for her death, that it was unlikely the Bhuttos would trust an exhumation that involved the government.
…
On Sunday a conference of Ms. Bhutto’s party, the Pakistan Peoples Party, called for an inquiry led by the United Nations.
…
Brigadier Cheema made clear, however, that an international inquiry was not in the cards. “At this point in time we are quite confident with the kind of progress that is going on with our inquiries,” he said Sunday.
Foreign experts did not have the expertise, he said, to deal with the peculiarities of tribal areas that are the base of the nation’s terrorist activities. “This is not just an ordinary criminal case where you only need forensic expert,” he said. “We understand the dynamics better.”
UK Telegraph: Bhutto was not allowed to bring in foreign security. US shared threat intel with Bhutto directly, but while pinning hopes on her, failed to push Mush hard enough.
Prior:
Whither Pakistan
Ghoulish Test
Pak Press
Bhutto Assassinated
Pak It Up, prior election/emergency background and context re Bhutto, Musharraf etal.
Pak War
Limits of Usefulness
Pak It In
State of Emergency
Battle for Democracy
Topics: Pakistan
Posted by Jules Crittenden at 7:23 am on Monday, December 31, 2007
Leave a Reply
Trackback URL
You must be logged in to post a comment.
zoloft long distance running G Postmessage Propecia Smiley Post accutane timeline
symptoms of zoloft working! Lipitor Congestion lipitor drug cost
prednisone stopped taking side effects; Prozac And Men difference between lexapro and celexa
accutane timeline Clomid Steroids symptoms of zoloft working!
lipitor drug cost Canine Prednisone Side Effects prednisone stopped taking side effects;
difference between lexapro and celexa Subaction Showcomments Propecia Optional Watch accutane timeline
symptoms of zoloft working! Order Propecia Online lipitor drug cost
prednisone stopped taking side effects; Penis Growth Pills difference between lexapro and celexa
accutane timeline Zoloft Paxil Differences symptoms of zoloft working!
cipro and std treatment,
Female Version Of Viagra prednisone stopped taking side effects;
cough and wheezing with lipitor;
U 3312 Viagra Cialis accutane timeline
clomid dosage lutenizing hormone short G Postmessage Cialis Subject Online lipitor drug cost
lipitor is there a generic; Accutane Before After difference between lexapro and celexa
accutane timeline Subaction Showcomments Cialis Archive Watch symptoms of zoloft working!
lipitor drug cost Alternatives To Zoloft prednisone stopped taking side effects;
difference between lexapro and celexa Adding Prozac To Drinking Water accutane timeline
symptoms of zoloft working! Prozac And Percocet lipitor drug cost
lipitor is there a generic; Propecia Baldness difference between lexapro and celexa
accutane timeline Prednisone And Mania symptoms of zoloft working!
lipitor drug cost Prednisone 10 Mg prednisone stopped taking side effects;
difference between lexapro and celexa
Subaction Showcomments Cialis Smile Newest accutane timeline
clomid dosage lutenizing hormone short Side Effectts Of Cipro lipitor drug cost
prednisone stopped taking side effects; Zoloft And Lorazepam difference between lexapro and celexa
accutane timeline Diuretic Lasix symptoms of zoloft working!
lipitor drug cost Prostatitis And Zithromax prednisone stopped taking side effects;
cough and wheezing with lipitor; Medication And Prednisone accutane timeline
symptoms of zoloft working! Levitra Vs Viagra lipitor drug cost
prednisone stopped taking side effects; Generic Lexapro difference between lexapro and celexa
accutane timeline Query Lowest Cialis Price Online symptoms of zoloft working!
lipitor drug cost Buying Nolvadex prednisone stopped taking side effects;
difference between lexapro and celexa G Postmessage Propecia Subject Remember accutane timeline
symptoms of zoloft working! Get Off Prozac lipitor drug cost
prednisone stopped taking side effects; Cialis Vision difference between lexapro and celexa
accutane timeline Prednisone 20mg symptoms of zoloft working!
lipitor drug cost Prozac Dose Side Effect prednisone stopped taking side effects;
difference between lexapro and celexa Is Ultracet Addictive accutane timeline
symptoms of zoloft working! Nexium Canada lipitor drug cost
prednisone stopped taking side effects; Nexium Side Effects difference between lexapro and celexa
accutane timeline Cheapest Cialis symptoms of zoloft working!
cipro and std treatment,
Prozac Weight Gain prednisone stopped taking side effects;
cough and wheezing with lipitor; Cheap Cialis accutane timeline
symptoms of zoloft working! Clomid Side Effects lipitor drug cost
prednisone stopped taking side effects; Treatment Of Ocd With Zoloft difference between lexapro and celexa
accutane timeline Levitra Side Effects symptoms of zoloft working!
cipro and std treatment, What Is Prednisone Used For prednisone stopped taking side effects;
difference between lexapro and celexa
Accutane And Results accutane timeline
clomid dosage lutenizing hormone short Mexican Rx Cialis Low Price lipitor drug cost
lipitor is there a generic; G Postmessage Propecia Smiley Reply difference between lexapro and celexa
accutane timeline Purepac Prednisone symptoms of zoloft working!
cipro and std treatment,
Cialis Effect On Women prednisone stopped taking side effects;
cough and wheezing with lipitor; accutane timeline
clomid dosage lutenizing hormone short Accutane Buy Canada Pharmacy lipitor drug cost
lipitor is there a generic; Herbal Meds Compatible With Clomid difference between lexapro and celexa
accutane timeline Prozac Suicide Class Action Lawsuit symptoms of zoloft working!
lipitor drug cost Prednisone Without Prescription prednisone stopped taking side effects;
difference between lexapro and celexa Cipro For Uti accutane timeline
symptoms of zoloft working! Zoloft Dosage lipitor drug cost
lipitor is there a generic; Cipro Rem Sleep difference between lexapro and celexa
accutane timeline Lexapro Weight Gain symptoms of zoloft working!
lipitor drug cost Bad Side Effects Of Prednisone prednisone stopped taking side effects;
difference between lexapro and celexa Esophageal Achalasia Swallowing Difficulties Nexium accutane timeline
symptoms of zoloft working! Prednisone Poison Oak lipitor drug cost
prednisone stopped taking side effects; Cialis Story difference between lexapro and celexa
accutane timeline Nexium Cost symptoms of zoloft working!
lipitor drug cost Cheap Generic Cialis prednisone stopped taking side effects;
difference between lexapro and celexa Canine Prednisone accutane timeline
symptoms of zoloft working! Resting Heart Rate Lipitor lipitor drug cost
prednisone stopped taking side effects; Manufactor Of Prozac difference between lexapro and celexa
accutane timeline Prednisone Titration symptoms of zoloft working!
lipitor drug cost Prozac And Weight Gain prednisone stopped taking side effects;
difference between lexapro and celexa Nexium Rebate accutane timeline
symptoms of zoloft working! Zithromax Cost lipitor drug cost
prednisone stopped taking side effects; Prednisone For Dogs difference between lexapro and celexa
accutane timeline Cipro Dose Cat symptoms of zoloft working!
lipitor drug cost Symptoms Of Zoloft prednisone stopped taking side effects;
difference between lexapro and celexa Alcohol And Zoloft accutane timeline
symptoms of zoloft working! Subaction Showcomments Cialis Thanks Newest lipitor drug cost
prednisone stopped taking side effects; Drug Interaction Prozac Sulfamethoxazol Trimethoprim difference between lexapro and celexa
accutane timeline Simcor Vs Lipitor symptoms of zoloft working!
lipitor drug cost Akathisia Zoloft prednisone stopped taking side effects;
difference between lexapro and celexa Prednisone Homeopathic Replacement accutane timeline
symptoms of zoloft working! Zoloft Negative Side Effects lipitor drug cost
prednisone stopped taking side effects; Prednisone Homopathic Replacement difference between lexapro and celexa
accutane timeline Lasix Online symptoms of zoloft working!
lipitor drug cost Cialis Overnight prednisone stopped taking side effects;
difference between lexapro and celexa Tadalafil Cialis From India accutane timeline
symptoms of zoloft working! Subaction Showcomments Cialis Thanks Watch lipitor drug cost
prednisone stopped taking side effects; Zoloft Generic difference between lexapro and celexa
accutane timeline Accutane Long Term Side Effects symptoms of zoloft working!
get a prescription for propecia Zoloft Thin Blood prednisone stopped taking side effects;
difference between lexapro and celexa Multiple Sclerosis Lipitor Bad Reaction accutane timeline
symptoms of zoloft working! Clomid Pdr lipitor drug cost
prednisone stopped taking side effects; Zoloft Akathisias difference between lexapro and celexa
accutane timeline Cipro Warnings symptoms of zoloft working!
lipitor drug cost Secret Side Effects Of Zoloft prednisone stopped taking side effects;
difference between lexapro and celexa Prednisone And Blood Pressure accutane timeline
symptoms of zoloft working! New Drug Cialis lipitor drug cost
prednisone stopped taking side effects;
Subaction Showcomments Propecia Archive Newest difference between lexapro and celexa
prednisone menstrual cycle! Side Effects Of Cialis symptoms of zoloft working!
lipitor drug cost Info Levitra prednisone stopped taking side effects;
difference between lexapro and celexa Buy Lasix Without Prescription accutane timeline
symptoms of zoloft working! Cialis For Order lipitor drug cost
prednisone stopped taking side effects; Buspar Zoloft difference between lexapro and celexa
accutane timeline Prednisone Information symptoms of zoloft working!
lipitor drug cost prednisone stopped taking side effects;
cough and wheezing with lipitor; Lipitor Instructions Side Effects accutane timeline
symptoms of zoloft working! Cialis Injury Lawyer Ohio lipitor drug cost
prednisone stopped taking side effects; Zoloft Side Effects difference between lexapro and celexa
accutane timeline Weaning Off Prednisone symptoms of zoloft working!
cipro and std treatment,
Prozac Side Affects prednisone stopped taking side effects;
cough and wheezing with lipitor; Cialis Faq accutane timeline
symptoms of zoloft working! Zoloft With Wellbutrin lipitor drug cost
lipitor is there a generic; Lexapro Withdrawal difference between lexapro and celexa
clomid with triplets Cialis 20mg symptoms of zoloft working!
lipitor drug cost Atavan And Prozac prednisone stopped taking side effects;
difference between lexapro and celexa Prozac Long Term Use accutane timeline
symptoms of zoloft working! Prednisone Tremors lipitor drug cost
prednisone stopped taking side effects; Accutane Attorneys California difference between lexapro and celexa
clomid with triplets Levitra Medicine symptoms of zoloft working!
lipitor drug cost Lipitor And Muscle Pain prednisone stopped taking side effects;
difference between lexapro and celexa
How Does Cialis Work accutane timeline
clomid dosage lutenizing hormone short Stopping Zoloft lipitor drug cost
lipitor is there a generic; Side Effects Lexapro difference between lexapro and celexa
accutane timeline Prednisone Dogs Shrink Tumor symptoms of zoloft working!
lipitor drug cost India Viagra Cialis Vicodin prednisone stopped taking side effects;
difference between lexapro and celexa
Buy Cialis In The Uk accutane timeline
clomid dosage lutenizing hormone short Cialis Lawyer Ohio lipitor drug cost
lipitor is there a generic; Average Dose For Zoloft difference between lexapro and celexa
accutane timeline Zoloft Overdose symptoms of zoloft working!
lipitor drug cost Snorting Lexapro prednisone stopped taking side effects;
cough and wheezing with lipitor; Buy Clomid Online accutane timeline
symptoms of zoloft working! Atlanta Accutane Law Suits lipitor drug cost
December 31st, 2007 at 10:43 am
Pressure came from a number of quarters for an inquiry modeled after one carried out by the United Nations after the assassination of Rafik Hariri, a former Lebanese prime minister, in 2005.
A commission was established to investigate Hariri’s death. It was headed by a German guy.
His conclusions, as I recall, implicated Syria.
But now, almost 3 years later, (Hariri assassinated February 2005), “people” are calling for continued and further inquiry into who, exactly, orchestrated that particular massive car bombing in Beirut.
There have been other similar assassinations since in Lebanon.
But, in Hariri’s case at least, a 3 year old trail is a little cold by now.
I can imagine similar endless speculation and permanent inconclusiveness in any formal inquiry into who, exactly, is “behind” B. Bhutto’s death.
December 31st, 2007 at 12:43 pm
Whoever did it, and however she died, the ultimate outcome is not going to be as beneficial as the perpetrators expected. This time next year, Pakistan is likely to be bloodier chaos than it is now.
December 31st, 2007 at 5:27 pm
But Rebecca, a bloody chaos is what the enemy seeks. They cannot survive in a stable environment. This is why they assassinate anyone who might bring stability, no matter the country.
December 31st, 2007 at 6:45 pm
Agree, saltydog.
Sowing chaos (Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan…Lebanon) is the point.