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Bhutto:
Democracy fights terrorism Democracy
and social equality are the strongest tools to cut the roots of
terrorism and eliminate the ignorance that flourishes under dictatorships,
said former Pakistan prime minister Benazir Bhutto in a lecture
Thursday.
In her address to hundreds of students, faculty and members of the Fort Worth community in Ed Landreth Hall Auditorium, Bhutto discussed the importance of democracy in the world today. She also expressed her condolences for terrorist attacks against the United States and urged Americans not to characterize all Muslims by the actions of extremist groups. “We wish you to be strong, for so many of you are the beacon of democracy for people living under tyranny in the world,” Bhutto said. While she denounced Pakistan’s current military regime under President Gen. Pervez Musharraf, Bhutto emphasized the advances that can be made in a democratic nation. She cited developments from the United States and her own two terms as prime minister of Pakistan. “America is the worst nightmare for fanatics and terrorists who thrive on intolerance, ignorance and hate,” Bhutto said. Bhutto offered her regrets for the events of Sept. 11 and the death of Wall Street Journal reporter Daniel Pearl, whose death at the hands of a radical Islamic group was confirmed Feb. 21. But she asked the American people and American leaders to distinguish between those who choose violence and terror in the name of Islam and the vast majority of Muslims. “Be strong, but do not be bitter,” Bhutto said. “Time, justice and the forces of history are on your side.” The aim of the radical Islamic groups is to make people all over the world believe that this is a holy war between America and Islam, Bhutto said. “They were fighting for themselves,” Bhutto said. “Those in the west who respond to (fanatics) by beating Muslims are simply swallowing (the fanatics’) bait.” Bhutto said none of the terrorist attacks against the United States took place during her terms. She said she is proud of her record in containing terrorism, but regrets that her government was unable to completely unravel them. “I know how they operate,” Bhutto said. “As prime minister of Pakistan, I stood up to them. I was their threat and I was eliminated.” Bhutto openly discussed two assassination attempts against her by al Qaeda members, being removed from office twice by military coups and the forced separation from her husband since he was imprisoned six years ago. “We took them on with our eyes open,” Bhutto said. “I knew they would strike back. One must not let fear stand in the way of justice.” While the answers in the fight against terrorism will not be quick or simple, the solutions will be found if the nations of the world remain committed, Bhutto said. “How many Sept. 11s, how many Daniel Pearls must happen before we all come to realize that the greatest protection of freedom is replacing dictatorship with democracy?” Bhutto asked. Laura
McFarland |
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TCU Daily Skiff © 2002 |
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