Another one bites the dust!!!!!!!!!

Another woman bites the dust! The assasination of Benazir Bhutto, former Prime Minister of Pakistan has again showed the stand of woman in Muslim dominated countries. Her lofty dreams of becoming a PM for the third time was nipped at the bud as death came exactly two weeks before Pakistan's January 8 parliamentary elections.

A brave woman even after the threatening attacks on her in October 18, 07 where at least 130 people were killed and hundreds were injured in Karachi by suicide bombers as Bhutto's motorcade passed, she stood valiantly for democracy. Even knowing that risks were imminent, she came out and sacrificed her life for democracy.

This tragedy could have been averted if proper security would have been given to her. It cannot be ruled out that since she was a former PM and didn't have much of a political clout now she was deprived of the much-needed security measures.She wanted to put an end to the divisions in pakistani society , including discrimination between man and woman. She even told CNN's Wolf Blitzer, in an interview that "They don't want democracy, they don't want me back, and they don't believe in women governing nations, so they will try to plot against me." Sadly she had fallen for the ploy.

Isalmic countries with Al Qaeda and Taliban in Afganistan is a bane in the name of democracy. Being a Muslim woman, staying in India, I have always enjoyed my freedom and am proud that my country provides me with that kind of a security. It's sad that women unlike me are suffering in countries, getting beaten up, no hospitals, proper food, can't go out and work to feed their children if their husbands die, remain uneducated. I would like to quote from Khaled Hosseini's "Thousand Splendid Suns' where he aptly quips about the rules enforced during the Taliban rule from 1996-2001 for women like women should stay inside their homes perpetually. If they go outside, they must be accompanied by a male relative. If they are caught wandering outside alone, they would be beaten and sent home. In no circumstance, they can show their face and should be covered with burqa when outside, again if not complying will be severely beaten. Cosmetics, charming clothes, jewellery are forbidden. Women can't speak unless spoken to, no eye contact with men. No laughing in public, no painting nails otherwise will lose a finger if caught. Girs are forbidden to attend schools. All schools for girls will be closed. Women are forbidden to work and if caught for adultery, will be stoned to death". Imagine forced into such coerced grim measures after holding high positions in the Government and going to schools and universities. How could a country progress if half of the population remains uneducated asks a character in the book.

Putting some sense in their heads pondering how much Benazirs would be sacrificed. We salute Benazir for her valour and fight for equality and democracy! May her soul rest in peace!