Mitt Romney on the Death of Benazir Bhutto
NASHUA, N.H. -- In front of a swarm of reporters outside a restaurant this morning, Mitt Romney responded to the death of Pakistani opposition leader Benazir Bhutto.
"We have all heard with great alarm and concern the reports of additional tragedy in Pakistan," Romney said. "At this stage, there are conflicting reports about whether Madame Bhutto has been killed or not. But there is of course the very risk that she has been killed."
The Associated Press and other news sources had already confirmed that Bhutto had been killed at the time Romney made his statement, but earlier reports had indicated that Bhutto was in surgery.
"This points out again the extraordinary reality of global violent radical jihadism," Romney continued. "We don't know who is responsible for this attack, but there is no question that the violence we see throughout the world is violence which is not limited to Iran—excuse me, Iraq—and Afghanistan but is more global in nature."
Romney was asked whether the U.S. has placed too much trust in General Musharraf.
"I don't know that we can assess the political process that has been underway in Pakistan to determine exactly where we put our greatest support," Romney said. "Obviously we have also encouraged a political process which included Madam Bhutto and Mr. Sharif, and we have had interest in seeing a progression towards more democratic leadership and governance in Pakistan. Our nation was disappointed with the declaration of martial law."
