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Putting Her Best Face on a Murky Business

Putting Her Best Face on a Murky Business. Eleanor Mills. This article, written in 1999, is based on an interview between the author and ex-Prime Minister of Pakistan, Benazir Bhutto.

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Putting Her Best Face on a Murky Business

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  1. Putting Her Best Face on a Murky Business Eleanor Mills

  2. This article, written in 1999, is based on an interview between the author and ex-Prime Minister of Pakistan, Benazir Bhutto. At the time the text was written, Bhutto was facing a series of allegations based on crimes of corruption and embezzlement, and we are given the author’s opinion on whether or not the allegations are true. Overview

  3. Here are some useful bits of research we have found which relate to the text: • Theocratic State a government operated under divine rule. In practice it refers to a government operated by religious authorities who claim unlimited power in the name of God. E.g. Iran. • Imperious assuming authority without justification. Arrogant and domineering. • Oxford Union a debating society based at Oxford. • Peter Mandelsona powerful Labour party politician. Background Information

  4. Throughout the text, we find Mills’ writing style… • Critical – she often emphasises negative points about Bhutto, and regularly points out her privileged background and the source of her wealth. E.g. “in a country where the majority live on the poverty line, such wealth inevitably arouses suspicions” • Suspicious – despite the fact that she does believe there has been some plot against Bhutto, it is evident that Mills does not believe Bhutto is not completely innocent by the way that she uses doubtful phrases.E.g. “it is hard to believe that Bhutto and her husband are as innocent as they claim” Writing Style

  5. Mills often makes it clear that she sees Bhutto as somebody who has fallen from grace. We see the development of this opinion through the text. • Mills originally had high hopes for Bhutto.E.g. “the Oxford-educated beauty with democratic ideals seemed the answer to Pakistan’s prayers” • Mills now seems disappointed in Bhutto, and what has become of her since she came into power.E.g. “Can she put her hand on her heart and swear that neither she nor her husband ever took kickbacks?” • Mills does not believe the excuses Bhutto is presenting to her.E.g. “Despite her insistent tone and initial conviction, this sounds like a rather half-hearted denial.” Mills’ Opinion of Bhutto

  6. Encyclopaedia entry on Bhutto’s life and career. • Public speech from Bhutto to Pakistan denying the allegations • Letter from Bhutto to her husband in prison, talking about the interview and her worries about whether or not the public will believe what she is saying. Recasting Ideas

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