Benazir Bhutto Assassinated Following Musharraf's Ending State of Emergency

The exact culprits are both at large and unidentified by 12:46pm Central Standard time on December 27, 2007, but there are few on the globe who are able to avoid the imagery of the former Pakistani Prime Minister's assassination. The two-time Prime Minister of Pakistan was marred in controversy, raging from corruption accusations, to the bare, simply dogmatic intolerance of a woman in such a position of authority.

Her return ten weeks ago to the nation of her birth was seen as both a triumph and the dramatic rocking of the proverbial boat, turning the Musharraf run nation on its head. Without a doubt, her return ushered in a number of dramatic changes, not the least of which acting as the catalyst for the tearful resignation of Pakistan's leader from the military, a major step in stabilizing the hot Pakistani turmoil.

Assassination attempts followed Bhutto wherever she went, the attackers ranging from the political opponents, to the hard line Islamic extremists who plague the nation, enduring Taliban-style influence, which calls for enhanced persecution of women. Nevertheless, Bhutto stood firm in her opposition to Musharraf, her adherence to calls for democracy, and insistent on Pakistani reform.

Following fears that the volatile situation that plagued the country would turn increasingly violent, and perhaps worried about the prospects of losing his position of leadership, Musharraf declared a state of emergency, which warranted a number of harsh crack downs on the media and enhanced security. This State of Emergency lasted until December 16th, when, under international pressure and condemnation, he ended the restrictions, allowing Pakistan to return to its largely chaotic and volatile state.