9780061672620
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Reconciliation audiobook

  • By: Benazir Bhutto
  • Narrator: Rita Wolf
  • Length: 12 hours 34 minutes
  • Publisher: HarperAudio
  • Publish date: February 12, 2008
  • Language: English
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(1742 ratings)
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Reconciliation Audiobook Summary

From the former Prime Minister of Pakistan, who finished writing this extraordinary book just days before her assassination, comes a groundbreaking vision of how to bridge the widening gap between the Islamic world and the West.

Benazir Bhutto returned to Pakistan in October 2007, after eight years of exile, hopeful that she could be a catalyst for change. Upon a tumultuous reception, she survived a suicide-bomb attack that killed nearly 200 of her countrymen. But she continued to forge ahead, with more courage and conviction than ever, since she knew that time was running out–for the future of her nation, and for her life. In Reconciliation, Bhutto recounts in gripping detail her final months in Pakistan and offers a bold new agenda for how to stem the tide of Islamic radicalism and to rediscover the values of tolerance and justice that lay at the heart of her religion. After reading this book, it will become even clearer what the world has lost by her assassination.

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Reconciliation Audiobook Narrator

Rita Wolf is the narrator of Reconciliation audiobook that was written by Benazir Bhutto

Benazir Bhutto was the prime minister of Pakistan from 1988 to 1990 and from 1993 to 1996, and the chairperson of the Pakistan Peoples Party. Born in 1953 in Karachi, Bhutto was the first woman ever to lead a Muslim state. She lived in exile from 1999 until her return to Pakistan in October 2007, two months before her assassination.

About the Author(s) of Reconciliation

Benazir Bhutto is the author of Reconciliation

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Reconciliation Full Details

Narrator Rita Wolf
Length 12 hours 34 minutes
Author Benazir Bhutto
Publisher HarperAudio
Release date February 12, 2008
ISBN 9780061672620

Additional info

The publisher of the Reconciliation is HarperAudio. The imprint is HarperAudio. It is supplied by HarperAudio. The ISBN-13 is 9780061672620.

Global Availability

This book is only available in the United States.

Goodreads Reviews

Saadia

May 05, 2021

A book which Benazir Bhutto herself penned and was published after her assassination. BB’s government was twice toppled due to high corruption charges. And this book clearly doesn’t talk about them. She illustrates about her life incidents but fails to provide a clear picture. Her image in people’s mind would always be of her being a brave lady and that she was no doubt! However in this book she talks about terrorism, its link with Islam as portrayed by controlled media and how Western countries especially USA continue to influence and manipulate politics in Pakistan for their own benefit.Blog | YouTube | Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn

Penny

April 08, 2008

Anyone who knew I was reading Reconciliation, knew that this book was a tough read for me. First, I rarely read works of non-fiction, and second, I didn't know much about the Islamic world/history, though I was vastly curious. But there was something about Benazir Bhutto that really drew me in. After she was killed, I wanted to know more about her--this strong female figure, in a male dominated Muslim world. I may not agree with everything she said but this book has done a few things for me:1. It has taught me the different sects of Islam and the religious differences between Sunnis and Shias, which seemed so confusing when you turn on the television.2. It made Pakistani history digestible and showed how certain events shape the world that we live in today.3. It made me understand the Islamic perspective for someone who really has a Western point of view.4. It made me feel so grateful to be able to live in a free country, where I'll be treated with equality (for the most part ;)).This book contains a multitude of information and to capture it in a few bullets doesn't seem to do it justice. I was frustrated that I was taking so long to read it but I'm glad I took the time and care to read the paragraphs, the chapters. I think the world has lost a great visionary, but I think her work, her political party, and her democratic dreams will live on and I hope to see one day that her aspirations come to fruition.

Tracy

April 19, 2008

** spoiler alert ** Benazir Bhutto first caught my eye many years ago when I noticed that she was prime minister of Pakistan. I was heartened to see a female leader in an Islamic nation because Islamic societies have a reputation for cruelty to women with Pakistan not being the least among them in this regard. Although I admired her and thought it a bad thing when she lost power and Pakistan descended again into military dictatorship, I did not really know anything about her politics. Naturally upset by Bhutto’s assassination, I ordered her book and hoped to learn something about her.Reconciliation proved to be the political manifesto of a courageous fighter for democracy. While reading it, I would sicken with regret that she was no longer alive to promote the ideas in her book. Her vision is badly needed by Pakistan and the world. She opens her book by recounting her headstrong return to Pakistan after eight years of exile in anticipation of elections. As a westerner I had heard in the news about the 179 deaths that resulted from the suicide bomber attacks that greeted her return. The slim facts to which I had been exposed failed to reveal what a tremendous event had taken place upon Bhutto’s return to her homeland in October 2007. She stated that three million people lined the streets of Karachi to welcome her. Imagine a crowd of three million gathering for a politician. She wrote that the power was cut throughout Karachi so that the traffic lights and street lights would be out. This prevented cameras from capturing the size of the crowd. The lack of power and absence of help from the Pakistani government for security added to her danger as she progressed through the adoring crowds in an armored vehicle. Hundreds of young men walked around her vehicle to form a human shield to protect her from attack. I was greatly moved to hear of these men who risked their lives for her. They did it because they believe in democracy. They want a government of the people and for the people. Such a pity that my news only talks about suicide bombers and not true martyrs such as these men. Many of them died in the ensuing explosions and sniper fire that descended upon her. Bhutto survived this attack, but she only had two more months to live. Reconciliation goes on to explain Bhutto’s deeply held belief that Islam is not opposed to democracy. Through extensive theological research, she shows that Islam as a religion and philosophy is perfectly capable of promoting and supporting democracy. Bhutto then sadly acknowledges the fact that much of the Islamic world suffers under tyrannies. She blames both the colonial period, the foreign policy of the United States, and Islamic peoples for complaining about these things instead of doing more to fix their societies and reduce corruption, promote economic growth, and promote social justice. She blames the tyrannical dictatorships for producing fertile grounds for extremism and terrorism. Tyrannies stifle societies and restrict free speech. Populations under such repressive regimes despair because they have no power over their situations. In such climates terrorists and fundamentalists with Medieval philosophies gain power and influence.The last half of the book attacks the rising philosophy known as the clash of civilizations that says conflict between the West and Islam is inevitable. With facts and support from many scholars she dismantles this theory, but warns that it could produce a self-fulfilling prophecy if it is given credence by policy makers, as is apparently being done. Bhutto concludes by presenting her many ideas for fostering democracy throughout the world and bringing peace between civilizations. Her research showed that democracies tend not to go to war with each other, so therefore if democracy could flourish within the Islamic world, then peace would prevail. Bhutto proposed massive investments in education, women’s rights, and the creation of organizations to support civil institutions. These actions and many more are badly needed in the Islamic world, where studies show that the majority of people desire democratic government and institutions. She warns that if the international community and the peoples of Islam continue to leave many countries to fester under tyranny, extremism and terrorism will thrive. She supports this assertion with the fact that extremists and terrorists have increased their power substantially within Pakistan since dictatorship took hold again. Large portions of the country are completely under the control of vicious fundamentalists that offer only war, poverty, and misery. Everyone should read Reconciliation because the ideas that it contains are so crucial to improving the lives of billions of people. Her ideas are certainly worth trying because the alternatives are so bad. As a written work, this book swings between dry scholarly discussions and impassioned accounts from Bhutto’s life. This sometimes made it a chore to read, but I learned many things and was often moved to tears. The loss of Benazir Bhutto leaves the world in that much more jeopardy of suffering a clash of civilizations. She was a brave leader. I have no doubt that the Pakistanis will honor and revere her for generations. Pakistan remains seriously troubled and terrorists increasingly make it a base of operations, but at least I can believe that there are millions of Muslims who want it to be very different. The brutal murder of Benazir Bhutto robbed her nation of an astute politician who could fight the good fight, but I can hope that the students attending the tens of thousands of schools that she built are learning good lessons. If not for her, they would likely be illiterate or attending a terrorist-run madrassa. Progress has been made but the need of the world remains great.

Mehwish

July 19, 2015

I read Benazir Bhutto's daughter of the East first, which was published in 1989. The Reconciliation: Islam, Democracy and the West was published in 2008. An approximate 19 years gap between the two books. Daughter of the East voiced the ideas in the capacity of a daughter whereas this book in comparison was written by a transformed intellectual visionary. This book is divided into 6 chapters. The first chapter deals with Benazir Bhutto's return to Pakistan from her political exile and the failed assassination attack on her life. The second part is by far the most enlightening and my favorite part of the book. It analyses democracy in Islamic framework and establishes that democracy as an ideology sits in the heart of Islam. The third part is a very difficult and bitter lesson in history. She presents Muslim nations as case studies to highlight the involvement of West (for political and economical agendas) which resulted in the disruption of progress. She emphasizes that the West had no doubt exacerbated the issues faced by Muslim countries but the burden of responsibility lies with us as well. And we must take charge of our situations now and continue working towards freedom. The fourth part deals directly with the political history of Pakistan. I was always a bit resentful towards India for having progressed so far whereas we born at the same time had hardly moved a few steps forward. Benazir Bhutto provides plausible explanations which put the matter to rest for me: - The founder of Pakistan, Quaid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah died one year after we were declared independent which can be analogous to a baby orphaned at birth. - The second that INC had grassroots organization through experience- 1948 war left us feeling vulnerable and hence we focused on our military thereafter rather than social and economic growth. - The inequality in distribution of resources post-independence. The fifth part is a critical analysis of Samuel Huntington's "the clash of civilization" A dangerous self-fulfilling prophecy - Clashers versus Reconciliationists. The last part is a call to strengthen our nations through modernization. It is a call to the West to open their minds and it is an equally important call to the East to open their hearts. Her closing quote pretty much summarizes her position: "I appreciate that what I propose-from what the Muslim states must do to what the West must do-is huge and may seem daunting and even impossible. I make these recommendations because the times require something more than business as usual. Much of what is recommended is somewhat out of the box. But staying within the box has brought poverty, ignorance, hopelessness, violence and dictatorship to far too many Muslims around the world. Staying within the box has set Islam and the West on a dangerous and unnecessary collision course. It is time for new ideas. It is time for creativity.It is time for bold commitment. And it is time for honesty, both among people and between people. That is what I have tried to do in these pages. There has been enough pain. It is time for reconciliation ." An absolutely must read treatise on Islam, Democracy and the West!

Kristin

April 20, 2008

Non-extremist views of Islam and how f-up the US is politically.

Rhonda

May 06, 2009

I wasn't sure what to make of this book the first time I looked at it. For lack of a better term, I thought of it as an idealistic rant, albeit truly heroic and well written. The problem was that I had already read The Clash of Civilizations by Samuel Huntington and frankly I thought he was pretty much correct. Even if he wasn't, I had no doubt that dippy Islamist control freaks were set on molding the relatively ignorant masses to their way of thinking. As a matter of fact, that is one view I haven't changed in the last ten years. The problem has just gotten worse.When I read the book for a book club, this time I spent some more time examining what she said as history. Bhutto makes very good points concerning the substantial commonality of Judaism, Christianity and Islam: all have a common father in Abraham. Abraham fathered his first son Ishmael by his wife's handmaid (at her insistence since she was around 90) and then miraculously Isaac by his ancient wife Sara. However, Ishmael, later the traditional father of Islam, is driven away and it is Isaac is nearly sacrificed to God by Abraham. Traditional Islam says that Isaac stole Ishmael’s birthright and the Jews rewrote the story. However, in the Qur’an, it simply states tat Abraham was commanded to sacrifice his son. The son is not named. The problem comes when Muslim scholars assume that it was Ishmael who was meant even though it does not state that it was he. I mention this issue, first because most people just don’t understand the foundation, but also because this, in a nutshell, is what the modern fight is all about. It’s not religion, but control of the hearts and minds, kind of like NBC would like.It is Bhutto’s point of view that education can overcome this ignorance and then everyone can get together and play nice. I would tend to agree, but there are some very wealthy and powerful Islamists who don’t find it to their benefit that the common people actually find out what is really going on. Yeah, yeah, I know: Israel is somehow evil and nasty! What a bunch of punks! Once again, it’s about control more than it is about religion.If you think of about 500 years ago when Tyndale was burned at the stake (strangled at the same time oddly enough) for translating the Bible into English, then you have the idea of what it means to have religious control (Henry VIII) over people. In England, oddly enough, some 3 years after his death, they decided it was a good idea after all and produced An English Bible and then, finally, the King James version in 1611. This latter Bible, by the way, used almost all of Tyndale’s translation. Sorry William!The best part of this book is when Bhutto takes Huntington’s paper by the horns and wrestles with it. She makes very valid points and I agree that these things could happen if only some people would get their collective heads out of their Islamic butts…and the US will continue giving Pakistan money. I really wanted to agree with her too, but then there’s one minor point: the Taliban had her executed before she could ensure that women in Pakistan could actually have the right to tell some misogynist asshole they were forced to marry to take a hike! Along with that, I really can’t understand what these people are going to do to raise their standard of living unless they grow more poppies or invent some new software which takes the world by storm.In fairness, this woman knew that they were after her and that she would probably be killed but she returned to Pakistan anyway. I admire women who stand up and tell morons to stick it where the sun doesn’t shine. I think she was right too. I just don’t think that there is enough goodness left in this world to counter all the evil schmucks that are already here, in Pakistan as well as in the West. God bless her for being brave enough to try and also for writing this idealistic book: maybe one day, some other woman will read her book and figure out what to do. I’m still an idealist because I have faith that things will ultimately be different.

Rebekka

May 03, 2012

I felt that Reconciliation could've/should've been divided into at least 2, maybe even 3 separate books. A huge chunk in the middle deals with Pakistan's history and seems almost autobiographical, since the author and her family has played a huge role therein. Though interesting on it's own, it's hard to see the relevance and the connections to the rest of the book, dealing with other Muslim democracies and how to reconcile the East and the West. Also, I have no doubt that the way she portrays Pakistan's history is hugely biased, focusing on all the great work her and her family did for Pakistan when they were in charge, and how everyone else only wanted to ruin it. I'm not saying she's wrong, just that it's something to keep in mind when reading this part of the book, that she's obviously not going to be critical of the political work done by her and her immediate family.The first part of the book deals with the various attempts at democracy in several primarily Muslim nations (such as Afghanistan, Indonesia, Morocco etc.), and why democracies haven't succeeded.In the last part of the book Bhutto very powerfully speaks against Samuel Huntington's theory of The Clash of Civilizations (for those not aware of this theory, in short it states that civilizations are going to clash (Christianity ][ Islam) and that these "clashes" are going to get increasingly violent and there's nothing we can do to stop/change that). I think the warning she sounds, that believing in this theory will make it a self-fulfilling prophesy is very accurate and thought-provoking. I also thinks she makes some very good points when she suggests that the West should help educate the people in Muslim countries through building and supporting schools and education systems, basic health care etc.Overall I really enjoyed this book, it had some very interesting perspectives and I would recommend it, especially to those interested in Pakistan.

Cindy

February 17, 2016

Benazir Bhutto finished this book just months before her assassination. She fights against the "clashers" who insist Islam and democracy can not coexist and predict no end to the fight between Islam and the West. In contrast Bhutto insists "extremism thrived under dictatorship and is fueled by pover

Josh

September 15, 2015

The bravery and intellectual strength of Benazir Bhutto, martyred two-time Prime Minister of Pakistan, combine to create a powerful and compelling book about the promise of democracy in the Islamic world.Bhutto finished the book just before she was murdered. Her gospel message of reconciliation, which is both morally forceful and intellectually strong, is the very message her murderers would like to have silenced in 2007. However, events on the world stage since 2007 have proven that her message will not be silenced, and there is much to be hopeful about. Libya. Egypt. The Arab Spring. These are all events that Bhutto never got to see, but which would have gladdened her, and must gladden those who champion her cause.The book has several parts. In part one, Bhutto outlines Islamic doctrine and religious history. She explains how the religion of Islam is completely congruent with democracy, intellectual progress, and women's rights. She quotes many of the scriptures that Islamic extremists and anti-Islamists both use to portray Islam as a violent, bloody religion, and explains how these passages have been taken out of context. She outlines the specific historical realities of pro-war verses, and how these verses were only written to apply to specific situations where ancient Muslims were instructed to defend themselves, not to engage in the violent global "jihad" of terrorists today. She outlines many Koranic verses that emphasize the pluralistic teachings of Muhammad; that Muslims must allow others to worship as they choose. She explains the word "jihad" doctrinally as a personal, inner struggle against sin, rather than a violent struggle against unbelievers.In part two, Bhutto explains the current (as of 2007) governmental structures of numerous Islamic countries throughout the world. She gives brief histories of several countries' experiments with democracy and pluralism, and shows how democracies have given way to hawkish, repressive military juntas. She outlines both the failure of these countries to build infrastructure, allow for political party formation, build schools and allow freedoms of speech and assembly, as well as the West's culpability in undermining budding democracies. For example, the CIA covertly deposed of a fledgling democrat in Tehran in the 1950's on the suspicion of Communist sympathies. This disastrous action led to the Shah regime and eventual Ayatollah-led theocracy still operating in Iran today. Of course, she also outlines the disaster that was the United States funding Taliban "freedom fighters" during the Russian invasion of Afghanistan to the tune of billions of dollars. So often, the West has made foreign policy blunders and undermined legitimate democracies for the sake of short-term political or financial goals.Part three of the book focuses specifically on Pakistan and Bhutto's experiences there as the daughter of a politician, and as two-time Prime Minister. With alarming candor, she describes her family's (and the nation of Pakistan's) unfortunate treatment at the hands of dictator Pervez Musharif, and her later successful diplomacy with him. She describes the multiple attempts on her life by terrorists and political opponents, and the violent deaths of several of her family members. (One scene describes a man attempting to hand Bhutto his infant child whom he had dressed in a tiny outfit of plastic explosives. The baby was used as a suicide bomb and the ensuing blast claimed many lives, though not Bhutto's life, of course).The final section is the most academic and the most compelling section of the book. Using an impressive arsenal of statistics and research, as well as quotations from foreign political experts, Bhutto convincingly explains how Islam and the West can work together to rebuild war-torn Islamic countries, provide for democracy and human rights, and have a working and successful relationship. This last section would be a compelling book on its own, and should be required reading for all leaders of state, diplomats, and members of legislatures and parliaments the world over. Her message is extremely warming, but is grounded in pragmatism and facts, not dewey-eyed optimism. I see Benazir Bhutto's work and legacy as one of those "shining cities on the hill" that President G.H.W. Bush described in 1990. She is a heroine and a martyr. Long live Bhutto!

Mike

June 23, 2013

This book is a "must read" for all who wish to become more informed on the issues facing the world regarding differences between Islam and the western world.Ms. Bhutto explains in a most articulate and intelligent fashion why she believes that Islam and democracy are compatible. Her background as Prime Minister, her Harvard education, and her natural ability to express complex philosophies in a manner which can be understood by almost everyone, serve her well as she put forth reason after reason, fact upon fact, how the Muslim world has come to be viewed as it is by most westerners. Her keen insights allow her to offer advice not only to those in the West, but to her fellow Muslims, as well. Democracy in the Muslim world! That's what she was all about. And for that, she was martyred.Her death will not be in vain. Surely, even at this very moment, a young woman (or man), inspired by both her message and her life, is taking up her cause.We have not heard the last of Ms. Benazir Bhutto. We will most certainly hear more about how her life and martyrdom and their impact upon the Islamic world, Pakistan in particular, in the next years and decades.

Scotty

February 17, 2015

I enjoyed that the author took the time to explain cultural differences between Christians and Muslims. Then she put into context the geopolitical situations that are causing the troubles of today. A very educational read from a unique point of view. Very recommended.Scotty Cameron

Nisar

July 12, 2018

I was driven to tears after finishing Reconciliation: Islam, Democracy, and the West by the late two-time Prime Minister of Pakistan, Benazir Bhutto. The year 2007 was both a growing point for me and also a tragic period. I had just finished my first year at Al Ain Juniors School and three months into eighth grade, the worldwide media aired the explosive transmission that rocked not only the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, but also the entire world. Benazir Bhutto was martyred on December 27, 2007. And just two months prior to her assassination, she had landed on Karachi soil after eight years spent in exile abroad. You can read my full review here: http://literaryretreat.com/reconcilia...

Rahim

July 21, 2017

I was born in Pakistan and lived there until age 16, and therefore, unlike many readers, I read this book from a different perspective and have a different take on it.Before I delve into the review, I just want to state that this book is not a biography of Benazir Bhutto. And even though the title explicitly states the obvious, I picked up this book expecting a life story of her. The focus of this book is about the education of sensitive topics about Islam and to provide a case for a secularism and democracy in Islam. Above all else, this book shows how intellectual and visionary Mrs. Bhutto was, and how big of a loss is she for Pakistan.The first chapter begins with the narration of her story of coming back to Pakistan from exile and being attacked by her opposition. It is very heartfelt and I do not intend to spoil it here. The next chapter talks about terrorism and jihad and how these two terms are being misunderstood by many. The third chapter sheds some light on the western hypocrisy of how they claim to be the advocates of democracy, yet support undemocratic agendas behind closed doors. The fourth chapter, however, seemed a bit biased from her standpoint. The only major concern I have is her bashing of General Musharraf without taking into account the circumstances that led him to that stage. Besides this, the fourth chapter was actually my favorite. She gave an excellent crash course of the history of Pakistan from Mughal empire until the present day, a must read.The final two chapters talk about the internal clash within Islam: the two different ideologies of traditionalism and adaptable modernity. She gives her insight of what the future holds for the Islamic civilization, and what could be done to have a better future, not just for Muslims, but for the whole world. In conclusion, this book is a dry read; there were many pages that I skipped out of vapidity. However, it is necessary for us to read books, like 'Reconciliation,' to better understand one another and create a more progressive and tolerant society. I will end this review with a quoting a part of chapter 5 that I really liked, "... the real clash within and outside Islam is a battle between the past and the future. It is the resolution of this battle that will determine the direction not only of the relationship between Islam and the West but of international relations in this century. Without further delay, to break the chains and cycle of poverty, extremism, dictatorship, and terrorism, we need to move on the path towards true reconciliation."

Natasha

February 03, 2009

best quotes:"...and even if the West bears responsibility for the lack of democratic political development in the Islamic world, at some point responsibility and accountability rest with us. If democracy is to take hold among the billion Muslims on this planet, the movement must come from our people standing up to the forces of extremism, fanaticism, and authoritarianism within our own societies.""We need a powerful, heavily networked international group aggregating activist women's groups throughout the Muslim world to create, in the title of Professor Wadud Amina's book and converence, an "international gender Jihad for women's rights"...[to:] help Muslim women to act as catalysts for a democratic socity that challenges the very dictatorship that breeds extremism."Right on!

Emily

July 21, 2009

A must-read for those who are open to understanding the history and challenges faced by Islamic nations . Benazir gave her life to forge democracy and equality in Pakistan. She uses the Koran to illustrate that democracy and Islam fit perfectly together, and that Islam is at its roots an accepting and pluralistic faith.

Justin

June 10, 2021

Sometimes a book is incredible because the circumstances and the events in life add nuance to the work. Benazir Bhutto was assassinated in December 2007 while promoting democracy and running for office. Earlier that year there were multiple attempts on her life which killed others but she survived. During that time, she was finishing up this manuscript. Bhutto comes from a family who has tried to bring Pakistan out of the grips of dictatorships and restore democracy. This book was release in February 2008, less than two months after her assassination. Part biography, course in international relations, modern religious interpretation, and a lesson of Muslim democracies, Bhutto gives her views on how to improve the West's relationship with Muslim nations and Islam, how Muslim nations can help each other and how Islam has been distorted and used to control power. She rebukes the West at times for the tepid support for democracies as long as it benefits the Wests needs and continue to support dictatorships. She's not wrong, and it's interesting to read how she views her religion and her love of democracy and whether intended or not, her death shows how dangerous these interpretations are. Her views and paths sound legitimate. They make the reader want to believe that if we can subscribe to this, peace can be achieved. What makes this book incredible is the events that occurred before its publication and just recognizing what a voice she could have been in the world. As she's facing death, a death she feels is certain (maybe that's just hindsight speaking and my interpretation), she points all the fingers at the Pakistani government for not doing enough to keep her protected. She shows the receipts too. Part of this book is a message for the world after she dies. If she dies, here's why and it's chilling. Her views on international relations and how education and access can strengthen struggling democracies feels too shiny. Reading this after a Trump presidency, many of us recognize how easy it is to elect a demagogue so I'm skeptical that internet access can be used to promote democracy when it seems that fascism and white supremacy and extremist religious views in general are far more accessible. I wish she was alive today. I wonder how this book would have been received if she was alive to do the press, to defend it, to export her ideas and her paths to peace. It's not an easy read. Prime Minister Bhutto is an intellect and approaches the material as such. When I say it's a course, it's only missing a syllabus. It doesn't detract from it, to me, it shows how versatile her knowledge is and how it could have been used for so much good. It's fascinating reading about a woman whose family shaped a country's politics. Her grandfather helped create the constitution, her dad and brother were executed, and she was assasinated. When read about a family and a woman who wants democracy for her people so much, you begin to look at our current nation and how we forget the power of the vote and how easy it is to manipulate it. It's not an easy book to glide through, but it's fascinating. Reading it 14 years after her death and seeing how the world is now, one wonders what could have been. That's the amazing thing about it. It's like reading potential.

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