Conflicted: A History Podcast The 1971 Bangladesh War – Part 2: Bhutto’s Game
Jul 26, 2024
The aftermath of the Bhola Cyclone sets the stage for a tumultuous 1970 election in Pakistan, leading to unexpected political chaos. Zulfikar Ali Bhutto's rise and charismatic personality emerge as he navigates the shifting political landscape. Discover the initial talks between Mujib and Yahya, and the tensions that escalate towards a military crackdown. Mujib's powerful call for resistance ignites independence sentiment in East Pakistan, while Bhutto's strategic moves reveal a deeper conspiracy. Expect a gripping look at this pivotal moment in history!
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Election Versus Power
- The 1970 election revealed East Pakistan's majority but West Pakistan's grip on power remained through military control.
- Democracy alone didn't resolve deep structural imbalances between East and West Pakistan.
Bhutto Meets JFK
- Zulfikar Ali Bhutto met John F. Kennedy in 1963 and charmed him with confident banter about cabinets.
- That Oval Office meeting foreshadowed Bhutto's global ambitions and magnetic persona.
Aristocrat Turned Populist
- Bhutto combined aristocratic background with populist spectacle to win West Pakistan's support.
- His flexibility and moral ambiguity made him politically effective but untrustworthy to many.
