Video: President Bush reacts to Benazir Bhutto’s assassination Updated
posted at 11:43 am on December 27, 2007 by Bryan
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The President is on holiday in Crawford, TX. He condemned Bhutto’s assassination, and vowed that the attackers must “be brought to justice.”
THE PRESIDENT: Laura and I extend our deepest condolences to the family of Benazir Bhutto, to her friends, to her supporters. We send our condolences to the families of the others who were killed in today’s violence. And we send our condolences to all the people of Pakistan on this tragic occasion.
The United States strongly condemns this cowardly act by murderous extremists who are trying to undermine Pakistan’s democracy. Those who committed this crime must be brought to justice. Mrs. Bhutto served her nation twice as Prime Minister and she knew that her return to Pakistan earlier this year put her life at risk. Yet she refused to allow assassins to dictate the course of her country.
We stand with the people of Pakistan in their struggle against the forces of terror and extremism. We urge them to honor Benazir Bhutto’s memory by continuing with the democratic process for which she so bravely gave her life.
What does “justice” mean in the context of jihad, if jihadists perpetrated this attack? When they’re caught, tried and imprisoned in some countries, they remain unapologetic enemies of the rest of the world and they tend to get early parole. If they’re not allowed to escape by allies in strategic government positions. When we capture them and hold them at Guantanamo, “human rights” groups agitate for them and the ACLU goes to bat for them while the MSM reports their fabricated accusations against our personnel as truth, all while the political opposition works to grant them full habeas corpus rights. So what does “justice” mean when these assassins, whoever they may turn out to be, could well have touched off a civil war in a nuclear country?
Update: A blast from justice past.
An obscure Italian Web site said Mustafa Abu al-Yazid, al Qaeda’s commander in Afghanistan, told its reporter in a phone call, “We terminated the most precious American asset which vowed to defeat [the] mujahedeen.”
It said the decision to assassinate Bhutto was made by al Qaeda’s No. 2 leader, Ayman al Zawahri in October. Before joining Osama bin Laden in Afghanistan, Zawahri was imprisoned in Egypt for his role in the assassination of then-Egyptian President Anwar Sadat.
Sadat’s assassination, like Bhutto’s today, occurred at a rally and involved both explosives and guns. Most assassinations involve one or the other. This similarity doesn’t prove anything; Egypt was never even able to link Zawahiri directly to the Sadat assassination (he was convicted on weapons charges and rose through the Islamist ranks while in prison). But it’s interesting.
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If justice means something less than waterboarding because it’s too extreme, then it’s not justice.
MadisonConservative on December 27, 2007 at 11:47 AM
They’re going to reap a whirlwind.
Apeking on December 27, 2007 at 11:49 AM
Justice=Death.
I hope we have learned by now that if captured, the jihadis need to be agressively interrogated on the field of battle (this is a war, not a crime spree) and then dispatched immediately.
AZCON on December 27, 2007 at 11:50 AM
I was surprised by my strong reaction to the awful headline on Drudge this morning. Before today, I wouldn’t have said I thought anything at all about Ms. Bhutto other than a vague hope that she could keep Pakistan as a nominal ally of the West.
However, my stomach literally lurched and my heart skipped a beat or two as I stared at the headline. Perhaps it is just instinct or reflexive chivalry to feel such strong revulsion when such a brave and beautiful woman is killed by barbarians.
What does “justice” mean? You’re right to ask. My own version this morning would look like “shock and awe, the sequel,” although that reaction would probably just make things worse over there.
If there’s a silver lining to this tragedy, perhaps it will be to awaken people once more to the dangers of radical jihadis. After all, Prime Minister Bhutto bears more than a little resemblance to Senator Clinton and Speaker Pelosi. That has to wake up more than a few people on the anti-war left (or so I would hope).
Anton on December 27, 2007 at 11:58 AM
How will Musharraf handle those captured, if captured, who are responsible for this? Is he up to the task? I don’t think so.
bopbottle on December 27, 2007 at 11:59 AM
ABSOLUTELY
TheSitRep on December 27, 2007 at 12:00 PM
Thats why I dont understand why the right doesnt lambast the dems for their hypocracy.
They decry “Torture” and want Gitmo closed and screm bloody murder about Haditha. Yet fall silent on far more brutal actions by Jihadist in fact they call the WOT a “bumper sticker”
I swear I just want to find John Edward SUV and out a bumper sticker on it that says “Bhutto died so I could say the WOT is only a bumper sticker”
The left holds nothing back to smear our troops and does nothing but defend Jihadists with all their might to give them full rights.
And we on the right turn a blind eye and let them do that.
William Amos on December 27, 2007 at 12:01 PM
The fact that you have to ask, Bryan, is a staunch indicator that the left have no concept of what justice is.
As for Bush’s announcement, his anger and disappointment are palpable.
I like that.
I’m sure he’ll get grief over how he turned and walked out; but, I think it was perfect.
I’m glad I voted for him.
yo on December 27, 2007 at 12:01 PM
It means, as it usually does coming from a politician’s piehole, little or nothing.
Mike H on December 27, 2007 at 12:02 PM
I think the more appropriate question is when we discover that Musharraf has this blood on his hands, will Bush require justice for his ‘buddy’?
ThackerAgency on December 27, 2007 at 12:15 PM
How do you bring a suicide bomber to justice?
Seriously.
wccawa on December 27, 2007 at 12:17 PM
If you actually know something, please share the facts with the rest of us so we can all learn from you. If you’re just wildly speculating and attacking everyone who disagrees with you as you have been doing in the other thread, please kindly keep it to yourself.
Bryan on December 27, 2007 at 12:18 PM
We have no control over events in that asylum, as it exists at present. To some extent, Ron Paul has a point,..our diplomatic meddling usually leads to bad things done with our tax dollars. Think Carter and the Shah of Iran.
I’m beginning to think our whole state Dept, and intelligence apparatus needs to be scrapped and rebuilt with competent people.
a capella on December 27, 2007 at 12:20 PM
No surprise with Bhutto’s familiar Mohammedan ending.
Asma Bint Marwan was her great-godmother.
All mosques are potentially Red Mosques.
“Justice” means bring the killers to a wall and dispatch them.
Before they get a chance to proselytize further.
profitsbeard on December 27, 2007 at 12:29 PM
HEY! The former leader of a major nation was just assasinated. Wake up! If the bad guys can get to Bhutto (security detail and all) they’ll no doubt be able to get to OUR leadership not to mention that of other nations. This was a destabling move & motive, indeed, but I suggest both sides of the aisle in the US take stock in their surroundings. We seem to be in a similar run-up to elections, no? Our candidates are out giving speeches at large gatherings of citizens, no? We’ve yet to build a fence or strictly enforce our immigration laws, no? There’s every chance that some bad guy (home grown or not) might just pull the same stunt somewhere on US soil, no?
Here’s hoping that Musharraf can negotiate the rather uneven road ahead, for the sake of his populace and the rest of us, frankly.
Biffstir on December 27, 2007 at 12:29 PM
Agreed, Brian. Musharaff isn’t the smartest cookie in the jar but I don’t believe he was stupid enough to have Bhutto assassinated. He knew good and well that if anything happened to her, he’d be blamed by her supporters.
Again, whose forte’ is to strap a ton of explosives onto their bodies and blowing themselves and others up? Our radical Islamic enemies, that’s who.
SouthernPride on December 27, 2007 at 12:32 PM
Muslim Male, 18-54, generally unemployed & typically of Middle Eastern origin.
/insert long list of terrorist attacks & bombings here/
Right?
Biffstir on December 27, 2007 at 12:43 PM
Shame on you! You do know you are being racist by profiling!
SouthernPride on December 27, 2007 at 12:47 PM
[a capella on December 27, 2007 at 12:20 PM]
Every point is accurate to some extent, little though it may be. Paul’s point is a bland generality and, as such, will always be right. So too is the point that doing nothing — the “for want of a shoe the horse was lost” — can be the cause of bad things and the blame placed on Paulian types who advocated such.
It’s not the meddling as much as the approach that should be faulted and considering that we have important interests involving Pakistan, the meddling, if not the approach, is both necessary and appropriate.
I do agree that State ought to be rebuilt.
Dusty on December 27, 2007 at 12:47 PM
Why bother taking them to a wall to dispatch them? Dispatch them where we find them and then file it under DSAF – Did Society A Favor.
Brass Pair on December 27, 2007 at 1:05 PM
Mush is a genius; he would love to have Bhutto out of the way, but no way would he do this. He is already getting the blame, and the 2-3 serious attempts on his life per year will increase dramatically. This is a nightmare for him; pressure will be on Bush domestically to play hardball with Mush now. He doesn’t have many friends left. This is gonna end badly, indeed.
RW Wacko on December 27, 2007 at 1:07 PM
Naw, I’m not being racist. I just spent Christmas weekend outside of Memphis. Now THERE’S a bunch of racists for you. I’ve decided there are two classes down there: Black & White. Even the po’ white trash holds themselves in higher esteem than the wealthiest ‘negroes’ moving in down the block. Just amazing.
Naw, I was just stating facts, not profiling. For the life of me I can’t seem to find any record of an 18-54 Mormon male blowing himself up to further the interests of one Brigham Young, for example ;)
Biffstir on December 27, 2007 at 1:08 PM
Hellfire missiles bring swift and final justice. Having said that, Pakistan is a morass of madrassas, violent jihadis, and nukes that is awash with Saudi money. . . God help us all.
MCPO Airdale on December 27, 2007 at 1:09 PM
I know that this sounds terrible, but she returned to Pakistan to unseat Musharraf, put herself forward as a viable alternative. Obviously she intended to do so through democratic means. She would have won in a fair election, but now, nobody wins.
President Bush says all the right political stuff in his condemnation of her murder; President Musharraf will probably be deposed before the new year.
Rather than bemoaning in hindsight, we should demand that right now, before Pakistan falls to the Muslim extremists, the United Nations (don’t laugh) take control of their nuclear armament.
If Jerusalem can be designated an “International City” in the eyes of the United Nations to maintain peace, to maintain world peace the UN should hold the Pakistani nuclear armament until order is restored, if ever.
Doug on December 27, 2007 at 1:12 PM
What does “justice” mean?
Answer: A-10 warthog.
locomotivebreath1901 on December 27, 2007 at 1:17 PM
Fixed
broker1 on December 27, 2007 at 1:41 PM
My idea of justice for those freaks?
Let them experience the business end of a M-249.
Ryan Gandy on December 27, 2007 at 1:54 PM
Thanks broker1! :)
Biffstir on December 27, 2007 at 2:33 PM
Sorry. I laughed. IIRC, the U.N. turned tail and ran in Iraq because it was too dangerous. And, Pakistan doesn’t even have any wealth to be exploited. Where’s the incentive? There are plenty of children for U.N. peacekeepers to molest in other, safer countries.
a capella on December 27, 2007 at 2:40 PM
How much do you want to bet that both Bush, and his Press Secretary, had to consult each other – in order to figure out who Bhutto was and where Pakistan is?
OhEssYouCowboys on December 27, 2007 at 3:17 PM
John McCain hasn’t been too helpful in this regard either.
Buy Danish on December 27, 2007 at 3:21 PM
Bush missed an opportunity to declare that Islam is a great religion of peace.
BL@KBIRD on December 27, 2007 at 3:24 PM
Musharraf was caught between the Devil and the deep blue sea before, if he hasn’t embraced America’s needs and assets already he should think seriously about running in our general direction like, yesterday.
Speakup on December 27, 2007 at 3:46 PM
Dang. It didn’t take long for the lefty wack jobs to blame the boooshitler-zionist-MI6 kabal for Bhutto’s death.
Oh. And while you’re there, don’t forget to vote for your fave barney miller character.
Where do these guys come from???!
locomotivebreath1901 on December 27, 2007 at 4:01 PM
I remember years ago, seeing a picture of her when she was in charge of Pakistan and thinking how an attractive, intelligent woman was in her position so the country couldn’t really be as screwed up as I thought.
Reality check.
Hening on December 27, 2007 at 4:26 PM
anyone reading the Corner, Derbyshire has completely jumped the shark.
jp on December 27, 2007 at 4:47 PM
Ha! Sadly you are probably right.
Zetterson on December 27, 2007 at 5:11 PM
Geez I just go STFU! You are a true gentleman.
sonnyspats1 on December 27, 2007 at 5:19 PM
The onus rests with whoever has the most to gain.
C.Hitchens recounts Bhutto’s Elektra complex. Her father was an autocratic opportunist who “owned” the PPP, his own political party [--an eery resemblance with a certain Republican presidential wannabe's approach to buying this election]. Bhutto was her father’s daughter, another opportunist who provided the important Pakistan nation with their Taliban/alQuaeda strongholds and nuclear warheads. That she expressed a change of heart against the Taliban is to her credit. But having already loosed that evil Genie upon her people and upon the entire world, had she lived and been re-elected, she was none-the-less impotent to cull their power. Indeed, the Taliban rules the day. So give Musharraf credit when he attempts their demise.
Bhutto was a most exquisite woman with great stamina.
May she rest in peace.
maverick muse on December 27, 2007 at 6:16 PM
Exactly, well stated. This is why we need to put PC aside and do the dirty work that these animals have forced us into doing! As long as we don’t our enemies continue to use our being PC against us while at the same time they don’t even consider for a second being PC when it comes to slaughtering many innocent people as long as it helps their sick and twisted fascist ideology
We need to take the gloves off NOW!!!
Liberty or Death on December 27, 2007 at 8:16 PM
There is going to be another surge in the ‘War on Terror’ if G.W. has any balls left. He’s been a great president but I hope he doesn’t cave in the last year. It does provoke the question… “why weren’t we protecting her if she was this important to their push for democracy?”
Griz on December 27, 2007 at 8:42 PM
What the hell is this the Daily Kos? I think the path this administration is taking with Israel and Palesteine right now is ill advised and doomed to fail, still I don’t go around playing the same stupid game the idiots on the left play.
lowandslow on December 27, 2007 at 9:00 PM
Whether an important factor or not…, Bhutto’s assassination would cause (is causing) chaos and disorder, giving the Taliban and al Quaeda time to plan and cover to maneuver, while shining the spotlight of suspicion on Musharraf, making it ever-harder to back him and keep the nukes out of the hands of Taliban-friendly Pakistani troops and al Quaeda-cheering Pakistani civilians. The vast majority of whom would turn those nukes on the U.S. and her allies if they ever got the ‘democracy’ they must NEVER get. The Pakistan ’street’…, like that of Palestine, is happy to see events such as 9-11-01 unfold and they dance in the streets every time Peace-loving nations suffer at the hands of Mohamedian terrorists.
Rugged Individual on December 28, 2007 at 1:12 AM
Maybe, just maybe, I think that Bush is an imbecile. And, more importantly, maybe, just maybe, I don’t give a damn what you think about my political opinions.
You speak of the Left. It appears that the Republican Party is full of people like you – who, like the Left, revel in being Party apparatchiks.
I’m a Conservative, and I’ll damn well state my opinions. When I care about what you think, I’ll let you know.
OhEssYouCowboys on December 28, 2007 at 1:39 PM
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