Bhutto & Bin Laden

While many fawn over and canonize Benazir Bhutto, remember that she was a politician interested in power and her own self-interests. Though the closest thing to a liberal democrat that Pakistan offers, she thrived more because of her dynastic personality cult than commitment to representative constitutional government. The appointment of her 19-year-old son as chairman of her party underscores this reality.

Another figurehead, Osama bin Laden, is trying to rally his followers. His words create clarity for listeners concerning his dark vision, desiring blood in place of peace."I assure our kin in Palestine especially that we shall expand our jihad ... We will not recognize even one inch for Jews in the land of Palestine as other Muslim leaders have," announced bin Laden in his latest fulmination. Implicit is his criticism of Mahmoud Abbas and other interested in fulfilling the wishes of the Palestinian people. These ramblings are necessary as American successes mount.