SENTINEL WATCH February 11, 2008 Issue

A PRAYERFUL RESPONSE TO LEADERSHIP VACUUMS

RUTH WALKER

THE Recent Assassination of former Pakistani Prime Minster Benazir Bhutto has been a stark reminder that the work of establishing peaceful civilian democracy around the world remains unfinished.

As I've pondered this, it's occurred to me that what really needs prayer is the apparent leadership vacuum in Pakistan, as well as in other parts of the world.

Mrs. Bhutto was much loved, but her political party was largely a one-woman show. Not infrequently, a charismatic leader has trouble making room for a successor. Evidence suggests that was the case here. Her teenage son has been elected as her "eventual succesor" to lead the Pakistan People's Party, with her widower serving as a sort of regent. This transition is more suggestive of a monarchical succession than of a political party operating within a mature democratic culture.