I was reading few days ago the excellent portrait written by Tariq Ali in the LRB of Benazir in particular and the Bhuttos and Pakistani politics in general. I was struck by the level of resemblance between Pakistani and Lebanese politics, and by the similarities of the trajectories of politicians from both countries.
I thought that this is the fate of countries who are still very much under disguised and sometimes not so much disguised colonial rule. Well, today, learning of the assassination of Benazir, I thought that the resemblance with Lebanese politics was taken to its extreme. Let's then meditate this citation from Benazir's father which figured in Ali's article:
I entirely agree that the people of Pakistan will not tolerate foreign hegemony. On the basis of the self-same logic, the people of Pakistan would never agree to an internal hegemony. The two hegemonies complement each other. If our people meekly submit to internal hegemony, a priori, they will have to submit to external hegemony. This is so because the strength and power of external hegemony is far greater than that of internal hegemony. If the people are too terrified to resist the weaker force, it is not possible for them to resist the stronger force. The acceptance of or acquiescence in internal hegemony means submission to external hegemony.
Also:
William Dalrymple on Pakistan's flawed and feudal princess
Bhutto's son, 19, to take over his mother's role as Pakistan opposition leader. The game of internal nad external hegemony continues in Pakistan.
Jason Burke: his journey with Benazir.
The day I spent on the campaign trail with her this month was vintage Benazir.At first I interviewed her in a relatively formal fashion. Then I put my notebook away and we simply talked - about her ambitions, Pakistan, the coming elections and, of course, the various threats against her. As ever, I was impressed by her intelligence and courage and depressed by her delusions and ego
Since March 29th 2006