Transcript 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.
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
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 Mandelson a powerful Labour party politician.
Background Information
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
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
• 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