December 27, 2007
Bhutto React
Candidates issued statements this morning about the assassination of Benazir Bhutto, the former prime minister of Pakistan. CNN is reporting that 22 other people were also killed in the suicide attack in Rawalpindi.
President Bush spoke as well from Crawford, Texas. His comments first. A wrap-up of the candidates' statements after the jump.
"The United States strongly condems this cowardly act by murderous extremists," Bush said. "... Those who have committed this crime must be brought to justice."
He added: "We stand with the people of Pakistan in their struggle against the forces of terrorism and extremism."
(JENNIFER SKALKA)
Hillary Clinton, per NBC/NJ's Athena Jones (exact remarks to follow, these paraphrased comments were reported from an event in Iowa):
"With the assassintation of Benazir Bhutto today, the world once again is reminded of the dangers facing democracy and free elections in Pakistan and elsewhere in areas that are rife with conflict and violence and extremisim and anti-democratic forces at work..... I have known Benazir Bhutto for a dozen years, and I knew her as a leader....as a woman who was ready to take risks…She wrote a moving autobiography that begins with the assassination of her father who was also a leader of Pakistan....I grieve for her family and her two children and I greive forthe people of Pakistan who deserve to have democracy take root in a country that has tremendous potential…..The government has suppressed and undermined the talents of Pakistanis…I hope if there is any opportunity for the people and government of Pakistan to respond to this tragedy appropriately it would be to move more steadfastly and determinately toward democracy....She has given her life in that hope."
Statement from Barack Obama issued by the campaign:
“I am shocked and saddened by the death of Benazir Bhutto in this terrorist atrocity. She was a respected and resilient advocate for the democratic aspirations of the Pakistani people. We join with them in mourning her loss, and stand with them in their quest for democracy and against the terrorists who threaten the common security of the world,” Obama said.
Joe Biden, also in a campaign statement:
“This is a terrible day. My heart goes out to Benazir Bhutto’s family, friends and followers.
“Like her father before her, Benazir Bhutto worked her whole life – and gave her life – to help Pakistan become a democratic, secular and modern Muslim country. She was a woman of extraordinary courage who returned to Pakistan in the face of death threats and even after an assassination attempt the day of her return, she did not flinch. It was a privilege to know her these many years and to call her a friend.
“I am convinced Ms. Bhutto would have won free and fair elections next week. The fact that she was by far Pakistan’s most popular leader underscores the fact that there is a vast, moderate majority in Pakistan that must have a clear voice in the system. Her assassination makes it all the more urgent that Pakistan return to a democratic path.
“This fall, I twice urged President Musharraf to provide better security for Ms. Bhutto and other political leaders – I wrote him before her return and after the first assassination attempt in October. The failure to protect Ms. Bhutto raises a lot of hard questions for the government and security services that must be answered.
“I know that Benazir’s followers will be tempted to lash out in anger and violence. I urge them to remain calm – and not play into the hands of the forces of destruction. I urge Pakistan’s leaders to open a fully accountable and transparent investigation. We must find out who was behind this and bring those responsible to justice. And the United States should offer any assistance necessary, including investigative teams, to get to the bottom of this horror.
“The way to honor Benazir Bhutto is to uphold the values for which she gave her life: democracy, moderation and social justice. I join with the Pakistani people in mourning the loss of a dear friend.”
John McCain, in a statement issued by his Senate office, per NJ Contributing Editor Linda Douglass:
“I was deeply saddened today to learn about the death of Pakistani opposition leader Benazir Bhutto. My deepest condolences go out to the family and supporters of this remarkable woman, an individual who paid the ultimate price for her embrace of moderation and rejection of extremism.
“The death of Benazir Bhutto underscores yet again the grave dangers we face in the world today and particularly in countries like Pakistan, where the forces of moderation are arrayed in a fierce battle against those who embrace violent Islamic extremism.
“Given Pakistan's strategic location, the international terrorist groups that operate from its soil, and its nuclear arsenal, the future of that country has deep implications for the security of the United States and its allies. America must stand on the right side of this ongoing struggle.
“In my numerous visits to Pakistan - to Islamabad, to Peshawar, even to the tribal areas of Waziristan - I have seen first hand the many challenges that face the political leadership there, challenges so graphically portrayed by today's tragedy. There are, in Pakistan, brave individuals who seek to lead their country away from extremism and instability and into the light of a better day. America, I believe, must do all we can to support them.”
Mike Huckabee's remarks, also reported by Douglass:
“I am deeply troubled by the news accounts this morning of Pakistani opposition leader and former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto’s assassination in a suicide attack. This is devastating news for the people of Pakistan, and my prayers go out to them as we follow developments regarding this dire situation.
”The terrible violence surrounding Pakistan’s upcoming election stands in stark contrast to the peaceful transition of power that we embrace in our country through our Constitution. On this sad day, we are reminded that while our democracy has flaws, it stands as a shining beacon of hope for nations and people around the world who seek peace and opportunity through self-government.”
John Edwards in a statement:
“Benazir Bhutto was a brave and historic leader for Pakistan. Her assassination is a sad and solemn event, and our hearts go out to her family and to the Pakistani people. But we will not let this contemptible, cowardly act delay the march of progress in Pakistan for a single second.
“I have seen firsthand in Pakistan, and in meetings with Prime Minister Bhutto and President Musharraf, the instability of the country and the complexity of the challenges they face. At this critical moment, America must convey both strength and principle. We should do everything in our power to help bring the perpetrators of this heinous act to justice and to ensure that Bhutto's movement toward democracy continues.”
Chris Dodd in a campaign statement:
"Today's news from Pakistan is both shocking and saddening. As a member of the Foreign Relations Committee, I have had the opportunity to travel to Pakistan and come to know Former Prime Minister Bhutto very well over the years. I spoke to her personally several weeks ago and have stayed in close contact with her since. She was a respected leader who played an important part in moving Pakistan toward democracy.
"As we recognize the loss of a leader today, we must also recognize the implication of today's tragedy to the security of the region and to that of the United States.
"At this critical time we must do everything in our power to help Pakistan continue the path toward democracy and full elections. Our first priority must be to ensure stability in this critical nuclear state.
Rudy Giuliani, in Fort Lauderdale today, per NBC/NJ's Matthew Berger:
"I begin on a very sad note because of the assassination that occurred in Pakistan today of Ms. Bhutto and others who were killed in what appears to be a terrorist attack.
"It reminds us of the world that we live in, which is a world in which these attacks have taken place now in so many different parts of the world that we can see that this is an effort that involves all of us.
"America, America feels a strong sense of connection I think connection to something like this because of what's happened to us, the terrorist acts that occurred here, the attacks on Americans overseas. The efforts of our military, your military, our military, in Afghanistan and Pakistan, back in late 2001, 2002, were nothing short of some of the most effective military action in our history, in toppling the Taliban, doing a very effective job of pushing back Al Qaeda right after the attacks of Sept. 11.
"Among other things, this reminds us how we have to redouble our efforts in that area of the world, in Pakistan, Afghanistan, and make sure the successes that they brought about, our military brought about, in 2001, 2002, become permanent, and there isn't a slip back into terrorist control into that region."
Statement from Mitt Romney, per his campaign:
"We are still learning the details of today's tragic events in Pakistan, but this is a stark reminder that America must not only stay on high alert, but remain actively engaged across the globe. Pakistan has long been a key part in the war against extremism and radical jihadists. For those who think Iraq is the sole front in the War on Terror, one must look no further than what has happened today. America must show its commitment to stand with all moderate forces across the Islamic world and together face the defining challenge of our generation – the struggle against violent, radical jihadists.
"At this difficult time, our thoughts and prayers go to the family of Benazir Bhutto, and to all the people of Pakistan who are fighting against extremist forces that would commit such heinous acts as the whole world has witnessed today."
Posted at 11:16 AM
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