Breaking News Update: Bhutto Assassination

The editors at The Glass Hammer have just learned that Benazir Bhutto, Pakistani opposition leader and champion for women’s rights, the rule of law and democracy, has been assassinated by a suicide bomber during a political rally in Rawalpindi, Pakistan on December 27, 2007. At least a dozen others were killed in the attack. Ms. Bhutto was just named in today’s The Glass Hammer article focusing on the most influential women of 2007, in which we noted that she, along with Hillary Clinton, were the only seriously influential women listed, on a list otherwise comprised of minor media celebrities.

While her politics and public statements were at times controversial, Ms. Bhutto was a champion for change and a strong female voice in a country and a culture that has for many years marginalized women and failed to recognize their right to equality.

Upon hearing today’s news, The Glass Hammer publisher and CEO Nicki Gilmour said, “I think anyone who saw Ms. Bhutto speak at the 2006 Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association (SIFMA) will know that this inspiring leader is a loss to the world since she had a great understanding of the eastern and western cultures. She endured the killing of her own family and followers but continued to take actions to foster democracy and women’s rights in Pakistan.”

Whether or not she really could have brought democracy to Pakistan is hard to answer. A deeply polarizing figure who had spent the last decade in self-imposed exile, her previous terms as Prime Minster from 1988-1990 and 1993-1996 were plagued with scandals and charges of political corruption, and she faced daunting political and military opposition from President Pervez Musharraf’s administration, with whom she had recently been trying to negotiate a power sharing agreement.

Unless you live in a country you can never really understand the culture and all of the dynamics at play, and it is not possible for us to speculate from a privileged position as women in finance in Western countries about what would be best for the people of Pakistan. However, one thing is clear. Ms. Bhutto had a mighty spirit, a brave plan and the international experience to work with people within her country and leaders throughout the world. An articulate fearless leader and a woman to inspire us all, she will be missed.