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This systematic review investigated the efficacy of lithium compared to that of placebo in the maintenance treament of mood disorders (unipolar and bipolar disorder). Nine randomised studies (reporting on 825 participants) were included in the review. Lithium was more effective than placebo in preventing relapse in mood disorder overall. Lithium was more effective than placebo in bipolar disorder,... more

A.D.A.M. Medical Encyclopedia [Internet].

Bipolar disorder

Manic depression; Bipolar affective disorder

Last reviewed: March 10, 2014.

Bipolar disorder is a condition in which a person has periods of depression and periods of being extremely happy or being cross or irritable. In addition to these mood swings, the person also has extreme changes in activity and energy levels.

Causes

Bipolar disorder affects men and women equally. It usually starts between ages 15 and 25. The exact cause is not known. But it occurs more often in relatives of people with bipolar disorder.
In most people with bipolar disorder, there is no clear cause for the periods (episodes) of extreme happiness and high activity or energy (mania) or depression and low activity or energy (depression). The following may trigger a manic episode:

• Childbirth
• Medicines such as antidepressants or steroids
• Periods of not being able to sleep (insomnia)
• Recreational drug use

Symptoms

The manic phase may last from days to months. It can include these symptoms:

• Easily distracted
• Little need for sleep
• Poor judgment
• Poor temper control
• Reckless behavior and lack of self control such as drinking, drug use, sex with many partners, spending sprees
• Very irritable mood, such as racing thoughts, talking a lot, false beliefs about self or abilities
• Very involved in activities

The depressive episode may include these symptoms:

• Daily low mood or sadness
• Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions
• Eating problems such as loss of appetite and weight loss, or overeating and weight gain
• Fatigue or lack of energy
• Feeling worthless, hopeless, or guilty
• Loss of pleasure in activities once enjoyed
• Loss of self-esteem
• Thoughts of death or suicide
• Trouble getting to sleep or sleeping too much
• Pulling away from friends or activities that were once enjoyed

Persons with bipolar disorder are at high risk of suicide. They may use alcohol or other substances. This can make the symptoms and suicide risk worse.
Episodes of depression are more common than episodes of mania. The pattern is not the same in all persons with bipolar disorder:

• Depression and mania symptoms may occur together. This is called a mixed state.
• Symptoms may also occur right after each other. This is called rapid cycling.

Exams and Tests

To diagnose bipolar disorder, the health care provider may do some or all of the following:

• Ask whether other family members have bipolar disorder.
• Ask about your recent mood swings and for how long you have had them.
• Perform a thorough exam and order lab tests to look for other illnesses that may be causing the symptoms that resemble bipolar disorder.
• Talk to family members about your symptoms and overall health.
• Ask about any health problems you have and any medications you take.
• Watch your behavior and mood.

Treatment

The main goal of treatment is to:

• Make the episodes less frequent and severe
• Help you function well and enjoy your life at home and at work
• Prevent self-injury and suicide

MEDICINES
Medicines are a key part of treating bipolar disorder. Most often, the first medicines used are called mood stabilizers They help you avoid mood swings and extreme changes in activity and energy levels.
With medicines, you may begin to feel better. For some, symptoms of mania may feel good. Or side effects from the medicines may occur. As a result, you may be tempted to stop taking your medicine or change the way you are taking them. But stopping your medicines or taking them in the wrong way can cause symptoms to come back or become much worse.
Family members or friends can help you take medicines the correct way. They can also help to make sure that episodes of mania and depression are treated as early as possible.
Other medicines, such as antipsychotics or antidepressants, may be tried.
Regular visits with a psychiatrist to talk about your medicines and side effects are needed. Blood tests are often needed also.
OTHER TREATMENTS
Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) may be used to treat the manic or depressive phase if it does not respond to medication.
Patients who are in the middle of a severe manic or depressive episode may need to stay in a hospital until they are stable and their behavior is under control.
SUPPORT PROGRAMS AND TALK THERAPY
Many people with bipolar disorder do not recognize when they are becoming more depressed or more manic. Joining a support group may help you and your loved ones. Involving family members and caregivers in your treatment programs may help reduce the chance of symptoms returning in the patient.
Important skills that may be learned at such programs include:

• Coping with symptoms that are present even while taking medications
• Getting enough sleep and staying away from recreational drugs
• Taking medicines correctly and how to manage side effects
• Watching for the return of symptoms, and knowing what to do when they return
• Finding out what triggers the episodes and how to avoid these triggers

Talk therapy with a mental health provider may be helpful for people with bipolar disorder.

Outlook (Prognosis)

Periods of depression or mania return in most patients, even with treatment. Patients may also have issues with alcohol or drug use. They may also have problems with relationships, school, work, and finances.
Suicide is a very real risk during both mania and depression. People with bipolar disorder who think or talk about suicide need emergency attention right away.

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Seek help right way for:

• Symptoms of mania
• You feel the urge to hurt yourself or others
• You are feeling hopeless, scared, or overwhelmed
• You are seeing things that are not really there
• You feel you cannot leave the house
• You are not able to care for yourself

Call the treating health care provider if:

• Symptoms are getting worse
• Side effects of medicines
• Medicines are not being taken the right way

References

1. American Psychiatric Association. Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders. 5th ed. Arlington, Va: American Psychiatric Publishing. 2013.
2. Lyness JM. Psychiatric disorders in medical practice. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman's Cecil Medicine. 24th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Elsevier Saunders; 2011:chap 404.
3. Perlis RH. Bipolar disorder. In: Stern TA, Rosenbaum JF, Fava M, et al., eds. Massachusetts General Hospital Comprehensive Clinical Psychiatry. 1st ed. Elsevier Mosby; 2008:chap 30.

Review Date: 3/10/2014.

Reviewed by: Timothy Rogge, MD, Medical Director, Family Medical Psychiatry Center, Kirkland, WA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

A.D.A.M., Disclaimer

Copyright © 2013, A.D.A.M., Inc.

Golden Eagles stay on recruiting roll... Jason Munz, Southern Miss Sports Writer 2:38 a.m. CST January 21, 2015

Southern Miss wrapped up what most would call a successful weekend on the recruiting front late Monday when the football coaching staff secured a verbal commitment from Lackawanna (Pa.) Community College defensive end Derrick Dixon.
Dixon's pledge was the fifth in a 36-hour span after the Golden Eagles hosted 11 official visitors — six that were already committed to Southern Miss and five that were uncommitted.
The 6-foot-3, 230-pound Dixon put up 46 tackles and 7 ¹/₂ sacks as a sophomore at Lackawanna last season. He will have three years to play two at Southern Miss.
"I feel great," said Dixon, who commits to Southern Miss over offers from Houston and Cincinnati. "They made me feel like family and are excited for me as much as I'm excited to be a Golden Eagle."
The Golden Eagles have already signed 11 players for this year's class and have verbal commitments from another 14 prospects.
National Signing Day is Feb. 4.
Johnson touts bowl experience
Emmanuel Johnson, who completed his senior season at Southern Miss last month, put together a standout performance at the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl last week at Carson, Calif.
Selected as one of the National squad's team captains, the former Golden Eagle safety finished the game with three tackles, including one on Syracuse running back Prince-Tyson Gulley.
"I told him after the game, it wasn't anything personal," said Johnson, who became the third Golden Eagle in the game's four-year history to participate, joining Darius Barnes and Khyri Thornton. "But just that one play brought (me) so much exposure with social media. My whole Twitter account has blown up just from that one play."
Johnson added one tackle for loss for seven yards, helping lead his team to a 17-0 win.
"It was a great experience," he said. "I learned a lot during the week. They teach you a lot about how to be a pro. There was a lot of experience around, so a lot of the week was kind of preparing football players that are potentially going to be drafted."
Former NFL head coach Mike Martz served as Johnson's head coach, while former NFL safety Keith Lyle was the team's secondary coach for the game. Lyle led the NFL in interceptions in 1996 with the St. Louis Rams and spent nine seasons in the NFL.
Johnson said after he arrived in California in the week leading up to the game, it was difficult for him to rein in his enthusiasm.
"They had to tell me to slow down in that first practice," he said. "That first day they just let us go free, and I was kind of showing out a little bit. So they had to tell me to throttle it down. So, me being coachable, I did that."
With the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl out of the way, Johnson will now concentrate on graduating from Southern Miss in May and preparing for his pro day workout in March.
"It's going fast," he said. "We just got a new strength coach (Zac Woodfin), and he's willing to work with me. So I'm going to be real busy over the next few months between school and staying in shape and preparing for pro day. But I'm ready."

Jindal: Muslims forming autonomous zones ........Philip Elliott, Associated Press 10:38 p.m. CST January 19, 2015

http://www.gannett-cdn.com/-mm-/84ee758a90ab760fbd4662d297b2c9d713fc1f44/c=0-8-512-392&r=x404&c=534x401/local/-/media/Hattiesburg/2015/01/19/B9315932282Z.1_20150119214154_000_G379NLVSQ.2-0.jpg WASHINGTON – Some countries have allowed Muslims to establish autonomous neighborhoods in cities where they govern by a harsh version of Islamic law, Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal said Monday during a speech in London. The Republican, who is considering a presidential campaign in 2016, later defended — and repeated — the statement after facing reporters' questions about his claims. In a speech prepared for delivery at a British think tank, Jindal said some immigrants are seeking "to colonize Western countries, because setting up your own enclave and demanding recognition of a no-go zone are exactly that." He also said Muslim leaders must condemn the people who commit terrorism in the name of faith as "murderers who are going to hell." Jindal aides said he did not make significant changes to the prepared text. The claims on "no-go zones" are similar to those a Fox News guest made last week about places where non-Muslims were not welcome in parts of the United Kingdom such as Birmingham, and "Muslim religious police" enforce faith-based laws. Steven Emerson, an American author who often is asked about terror networks, told Fox News that in Britain "there are actual cities like Birmingham that are totally Muslim, where non-Muslims just simply don't go in." Prime Minister David Cameron responded by calling Emerson a "complete idiot." Emerson later apologized and said his comments "were totally in error." Fox News also issued apologies for broadcasting the comments. Jindal, however, used similar rhetoric during a speech, warning of "no-go zones" in London and other Western cities. Jindal's remarks come in the wake of the massacre by Islamic extremists at a Paris magazine's offices and subsequent attack on a kosher supermarket in the city. Three gunmen killed 17 people in the attacks. "I knew that by speaking the truth we were going to make people upset," Jindal told CNN during an interview from London. "The huge issue, the big issue in non-assimilation is the fact that you have people that want to come to our country but not adopt our values, not adopt our language and in some cases want to set apart their own enclaves and hold onto their own values," said Jindal. "I think that's dangerous." Jindal's parents immigrated to the United States from India. As a young man, Jindal converted from Hinduism to Catholicism. Asked for evidence of "no-go zones," Jindal pointed to a weekend article in The Daily Mail, a London tabloid, that said killings, sexual abuse of minors and female genital mutilation are believed to go unreported to local police in some areas. The article did not give specific religious groups or towns. "The bigger point is that radical Islam is a threat to our way of life," Jindal said. Asked if he regretted talking about "no-go zones," Jindal replied: "Not at all." Jindal's advisers see his comments on his trip abroad as much-needed truth-telling about the radical corners of Islam. Such rhetoric may help his standing among evangelical pastors, who have sway over many voters in early nominating states in the presidential race such as Iowa and South Carolina. Jindal is set to join pastors and their faithful from across the nation at Louisiana State University this weekend in a day of prayer. Democrats said Jindal's comments were a blunder. "It's no surprise that Bobby Jindal would go abroad and butcher the facts in an effort to divide people; this is exactly what we've come to expect from Jindal here at home," said Democratic National Committee spokeswoman Rebecca Chalif. "Jindal is just embarrassing himself." Jindal, whose parents immigrated to the United States from India more than 40 years ago, is in his second term as governor of Louisiana and is barred by law from seeking a third term later this year. The 43-year-old is already laying the groundwork for a presidential bid. Jindal spoke to the Henry Jackson Society, a British think tank named for a former U.S. Democratic senator from Washington state who was a presidential candidate in the 1970s.

'This is the only way sometimes terrorist organizations learn to behave': Chetan Bhagat's tweets on Gaza unleashes abusive trolls IBNLive.com@ibnlive 170 6 0 Online MBA Degree by 2015 Complete your MBA Degree Online, apply now to finish by December '15 online.dbuniversity.ac.in Ads by Google Author Chetan Bhagat, whom most Indians on social media love to hate, sparked off a bitter Twitter onslaught of bile with an opinion on Israel's Gaza offensive that he later defended with a subsequent series of tweets. Bhagat is no stranger to aggressive trolling. From comments on Bollywood to the rupee, his tweets are generally known to start the creaking wheel of dissent from people, most of them firing abuse from anonymous handles. Yesterday was no different. Bhagat tweeted "What is happening to Gaza isn't fair but sadly that is the only way sometimes terrorist organizations and their supporters learn to behave." And "It is Hamas' strategy to keep provoking Israel, get retaliation, play victim, win local politics and world support. Guess it works everytime." Predictably, many were offended by his comments and called him out on Twitter. There were some who mocked his knowledge of history. Bhagat followed up with a series of tweets to balance his opinion. There were many who abused him and got retweeted by the author. 'This is the only way sometimes terrorist organizations learn to behave': Chetan Bhagat's tweets on Gaza unleashes abusive trolls AAP, an item girl of politics, says Chetan Bhagat #chetan bhagat #gaza #tweets #israel An Israeli offensive that began on July 8, largely triggered by the killing of three Israeli teenagers in the occupied West Bank, have left at least 224 Palestinians dead. Gaza's Al-Mezan Center for Human rights said 259 houses have been demolished by Israeli air strikes and 1,034 damaged, along with 34 mosques and four hospitals.

'This is the only way sometimes terrorist organizations learn to behave': Chetan Bhagat's tweets on Gaza unleashes abusive trolls IBNLive.com@ibnlive Author Chetan Bhagat, whom most Indians on social media love to hate, sparked off a bitter Twitter onslaught of bile with an opinion on Israel's Gaza offensive that he later defended with a subsequent series of tweets. Bhagat is no stranger to aggressive trolling. From comments on Bollywood to the rupee, his tweets are generally known to start the creaking wheel of dissent from people, most of them firing abuse from anonymous handles. Yesterday was no different. Bhagat tweeted "What is happening to Gaza isn't fair but sadly that is the only way sometimes terrorist organizations and their supporters learn to behave." And "It is Hamas' strategy to keep provoking Israel, get retaliation, play victim, win local politics and world support. Guess it works everytime." Predictably, many were offended by his comments and called him out on Twitter. There were some who mocked his knowledge of history. Bhagat followed up with a series of tweets to balance his opinion. There were many who abused him and got retweeted by the author. 'This is the only way sometimes terrorist organizations learn to behave': Chetan Bhagat's tweets on Gaza unleashes abusive trolls AAP, an item girl of politics, says Chetan Bhagat #chetan bhagat #gaza #tweets #israel An Israeli offensive that began on July 8, largely triggered by the killing of three Israeli teenagers in the occupied West Bank, have left at least 224 Palestinians dead. Gaza's Al-Mezan Center for Human rights said 259 houses have been demolished by Israeli air strikes and 1,034 damaged, along with 34 mosques and four hospitals. Chetan Bhagat's tweets on the Gaza offensive Chetan Bhagat ✔ @chetan_bhagat Follow What is happening to Gaza isn't fair but sadly that is the only way sometimes terrorist organizations and their supporters learn to behave. 12:06 PM - 16 Jul 2014 I do think Israel has made its point though. Wish it would stop now and bring peace talks on the table again. 12:11 PM - 16 Jul 2014 Isn't it interesting though how so many rich Islamic countries in the region don't say a word or intervene when Gaza is attacked. 12:14 PM - 16 Jul 2014 My last three tweets should be read together. Anyone posting them selectively is clearly quoting me out of context. Thanks. 12:16 PM - 16 Jul 2014 Pseudo-liberals, pseudo-intellectuals, pseudo-justice-seekers but ultimately self-serving-elitists, make twitter such a fun place. 12:42 PM - 16 Jul 2014 When people abuse you in their retorts, you know they have no answer and you have won the argument. Tired of lazy extreme view takers. 1:10 PM - 16 Jul 2014 "Don't you want to save innocents?" is hardly a view or position. It's lazy posturing. Everyone does. Point is an out of hand situation. 1:13 PM - 16 Jul 2014 Ahem, ok. What to say now @guardian Gaza ceasefire ends after Hamas rejects proposals and resumes rocket attacks http://gu.com/p/4vxdz/tw 1:16 PM - 16 Jul 2014 Israel bombards Gaza after Hamas rejects proposals and resumes rocket... Israel agreed to Egypt-brokered truce but resumes bombing after Palestinian group says its demands were not met The Guardian @guardian It is Hamas' strategy to keep provoking Israel, get retaliation, play victim, win local politics and world support. Guess it works everytime 7:22 AM - 17 Jul 2014 However, before you play virtuous, do imagine rockets tossed everyday on India for 10 years and what would you want your govt to do. 7:24 AM - 17 Jul 2014 I understand people may have different views on this, but I am entitled to mine. Neither am I abusing you, nor should you do the same. 7:23 AM - 17 Jul 2014 11,000 rockets have been fired on Israel in last decade ~ 3/day. Israeli (yes civilians) have to hide in 60 seconds. http://www.idfblog.com/facts-figures/rocket-attacks-toward-israel/ … 7:20 AM - 17 Jul 2014 Rocket Attacks on Israel From Gaza - IDF Blog | The Official Blog of... Israel's citizens are regularly threatened by rocket fire from the Gaza Strip. Hamas and other terrorist organizations launch mortars, rockets and missiles towards Israelis cities. Here is everythin IDF @IDFSpokesperson

Buhari’s Daughter Not Married To Anambra Man

SaharaReporters has confirmed that no biological daughter of Muhammad Buhari, the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) is married to a man from Anambra State or any of the southeast states. SaharaReporters has confirmed that no biological daughter of Muhammad Buhari, the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) is married to a man from Anambra State or any of the southeast states. Muhammadu Buhari's family George Okoro Rumors have been circulating on the Internet that one of Mr. Buhari’s daughters is married to a man who hails from Anambra State, and had converted to Christianity. But two close members of the presidential candidate’s family told a correspondent of SaharaReporters that the rumors are false. “Buhari has never claimed that any of his daughters was married to an Anambra man,” one of the two family sources said. The source added, however, that Mr. Buhari, a former military head of state, had raised or helped raise numerous children from members of his extended family. He said that some of those Mr. Buhari helped to raise had grown up and taken spouses from different parts of Nigeria. Halima Buhari George Okoro Safina Buhari George Okoro Mrs. Aisha Buhari George Okoro Halima Buhari and husband, Mohammed Sherrif George Okoro

'No-one sits next to me anymore': Australian Muslim women on how their lives have changed By Mohamed Taha and Philippa McDonald

Updated 2 Oct 2014, 9:20amThu 2 Oct 2014, 9:20am Related Story: Explained: Why Muslim women wear a burka, niqab or hijab Photo: Australia's Race Discrimination Commissioner worries the burka debate could fuel more bigotry against Muslims (AFP) Map: Sydney 2000 Muslim Australians have reported an increase in discrimination and abuse in the wake of counter-terrorism raids in major Australian cities and the raising of the national terror alert to "high". Women who wear traditional Islamic headscarfs have been the targets of numerous hate attacks. Fears of Islamic extremism have led to debate about Islamic full-body veils, such as burkas, with Liberal Senator Cory Bernardi and Palmer United Senator Jacqui Lambie among those calling for bans, and new rules at Parliament House prohibiting the clothing from certain areas. The ABC spoke to five Muslim women on the streets of Sydney about what they choose to wear and their experiences in the current political and social climate. Manaya Chaouk, 27, social worker and mother, Guildford Manaya Chaouk Photo: Manaya Chaouk wears the hijab. (ABC News: Mohamed Taha) "What happened to freedom of expression? Freedom of religion? We're already a target. Now the Prime Minister is helping the bigots and bogans take their anger out on us. He's trying to instil fear in people. People look [at] me the wrong way. They say silly things. I've heard a lot of stories and seen a lot of stories. For any woman to be attacked, that's not right. There's still a lot of racism. Now the bigots have come out of hiding. I'm afraid now, I'm looking over my shoulder whenever I leave my local area. That's wrong. I shouldn't feel like that. No-one should feel like that." Randa Jada, 32, accountant and mother, Granville Randa Jada Photo: Randa Jada wears the hijab. (ABC News: Mohamed Taha) "I was born here. Now that all this is happening, I've been getting a lot of dirty looks. I find it very concerning. They're ignorant. What's their reason to hate us? No-one sits next to me anymore, people move their kids away from my kids, people don't communicate as much. It's sad." Name withheld, 33, mother and former secretary, Auburn Unnamed woman wearing a niqab Photo: This Auburn resident wears the niqab. (ABC News: Mohamed Taha) "I wear [the niqab] because I love it. I do this to please Allah [God]. It's my choice. I've been wearing it for one and a half years now. The Prime Minister has to be very careful what he says. It's very divisive. It's all fear-mongering. He's ruining any chance of bringing the Muslim community and wider community together. Why do we get prosecuted for wearing this? We're productive citizens of Australia. For any woman who is attacked, it's disgusting. Veil or no veil. Muslim or non-Muslim." Maryam Ali, 56, grandmother of eight, Berala Maryam Ali Photo: Maryam Ali wears the hijab. (ABC News: Mohamed Taha) "Everybody has got a choice. It shouldn't be a problem what others choose to wear. I have been discriminated [against] because of my head covering. Australian culture is accepting. Let's respect that." Hayfa Bakour, 17, student, Greenacre Hayfa Bakour Photo: Hayfa Bakour wears the hijab. (ABC News: Mohamed Taha) "[The reported targeting of Muslim women] is a bit scary. It actually makes me more scared to walk around. Nothing has happened to me directly. Now my mum always says make sure you're never alone, always leave the library with someone, with one of my girlfriends. When I was younger I thought I was lucky to live in Australia. But now hearing all these terrible stories of woman being abused is really confronting. Topics: islam, religion-and-beliefs, discrimination, terrorism, defence-and-national-security, federal-parliament, sydney-2000 First posted 2 Oct 2014, 8:16am

Bilawal Bhutto Zardari

Bilawal Bhutto Zardari (Sindhi: زرداري بلاول بھٹو , born 21 September 1988) is a Pakistani politician who serves as the Chairman of the Pakistan Peoples Party and presides over the party's executive committee. Born in the political Bhutto dynasty,[2] he is the only son of former President Asif Ali Zardari and former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto, while his grandfather, Zulfikar Ali Bhutto also lead Pakistan during the 1970s. He officially started his political career on 18 October 2014 by addressing a mass rally in Karachi.[3] Bilawal was born at Lady Dufferin Hospital in Karachi, Pakistan on 21 September 1988,as the first of three children of future Prime Minister of Pakistan Benazir Bhutto and her husband, Asif Ali Zardari who later became the President of Pakistan in 2008. He was only three months old when his mother, Benazir Bhutto became the first female Prime Minister of Pakistan in 1988. He is also the grandson of former Prime Minister Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto.[4] Bilawal was admitted to Aitchison College, Lahore, but due to security threats he moved to Karachi Grammar School and later attended Froebel's International School in Islamabad.[5] He left Pakistan with his mother in April 1999. His father was in jail in Pakistan from 1996 to 2004 for corruption charges.[6] He spent his childhood in Dubai and London during his family's self-exile.[4] He later attended Rashid School For Boys in Dubai, where he was Vice President of the student council.[7] He has a black belt in Taekwondo but regrets he could not play cricket because of his family circumstances.[4] In 2007, Bilawal Zardari enrolled at Christ Church, a constituent college of the University of Oxford. He studied British history and later transitioned to study general history.[8] Benazir also enrolled him in the Oxford Union debating society.[9] In December 2007, he returned to Pakistan after Benazir was assassinated. He also returned to Pakistan in September 2008 to witness his father sworn in as President of Pakistan.[10] Bilawal completed his education in June 2010.[11][12][13] Political career Benazir Bhutto carrying Bilawal at Andrews Air Force Base upon her arrival for a state visit to the United States in 1989 After the assassination of Benazir Bhutto, Benazir's political will declared Asif Ali Zardari as Benazir's successor for party leadership.[14][15][16] However, Bilawal became Chairman of the Pakistan Peoples Party because Zardari favoured Bilawal to represent Bhutto's legacy in part to avoid division within the party due to Zardari's own unpopularity.[14][15][17] Zardari planned to act as co-chairman of the PPP for at least three years until Bilawal completed his studies overseas.[14][16][17] Bilawal was appointed chairman of the PPP on 30 December 2007.[18] Asif Zardari also announced Bilawal's name change from "Bilawal Zardari" to "Bilawal Bhutto Zardari".[19] At that time he was still studying at Oxford.[20] It had been estimated that Bilawal's security at Oxford may cost at least one million pounds each year.[21] In 2011, Bilawal returned to Pakistan[22] and became more actively involved in Pakistan politics, notably when his father went for medical care to Dubai in December 2011.[23] In May 2012, Bilawal Zardari stated that Pakistan asked the Interpol to issue a "red warrant" against former military ruler Pervez Musharraf in relation to his mother’s assassination case.[24] He made his major public speech on 27 December 2012, which marked the fifth death anniversary of his late mother, Benazir Bhutto.[25] In 2011, it was announced that Bilawal would be the next Tumandar (Chief) of the Baloch Zardari tribe as his father Asif Ali Zardari passed on the title to Bilawal rather than becoming the Tribal Chief himself after the death of his father Hakim Ali Zardari.[26] In 2013 Bilawal turned 25, thus becoming eligible to run for the National Assembly, as the Pakistan Constitution requires the minimum age of lawmakers to be 25. Asif Ali Zardari rejected the notion that Bilawal might run for the by-election seat but said that he will contest the next general election due in 2018.[27] Personal life Bilawal has two younger sisters, Bakhtawar and Asifa. His name means "one without equal".[8] Controversy Lothario-like lifestyle On the sixth of January 2008, the English tabloid "Daily Mail" published an article on Bilawal. According to the article He spent time "with his arms slung casually around two girls, one of whom declares herself as "bisexual" on a social networking website. Conversations he has with friends on Facebook make reference to being hungover, his friendship with a girl he calls "Boozie Suzie" and the joys of free alcohol".[28]The article picked up on one of his exchanges on social media and wrote "In one exchange, Bilawal announces his intention to "do as much work as possible, go to the Coven, turn up to my tute the next day hungover and with incomplete work."[29]The Coven is an off-beat club well known for hosting a regular gay night for students.[30] Kashmir Issue (2014) Bilawal, while addressing a party workers’ meeting, said that he would bring each and every inch of Kashmir to Pakistan, without explaining how he proposed to do that.[31] This drew sharp criticism and hilarity from India, who described the statement as outright "childish" and "immature" and "foolish".[32][33] Moreover, his statement against Kashmir got the Website of PPP hacked by Indian Hackers.[34][35] THIS IS GOTTEN FROM THE WIKIPEDIA

Benazir Bhutto Biography Prime Minister (1953–2007)

616 274 17 15 0 Quick Facts Name Benazir Bhutto Occupation Prime Minister Birth Date June 21, 1953 Death Date December 27, 2007 Education Radcliffe College, Oxford University, Harvard University Place of Birth Karachi, Pakistan Place of Death Rawalpindi, Pakistan Benazir Bhutto became the first female prime minister of Pakistan in 1988. She was killed by a suicide bomber in 2007. IN THESE GROUPS Benazir Bhutto was born on June 21, 1953, in Karachi, Pakistan, the child of former premier Zulfikar Ali Bhutto. She inherited leadership of the PPP after a military coup overthrew her father's government and won election in 1988, becoming the first female prime minister of a Muslim nation. In 2007, she returned to Pakistan after an extended exile, but, tragically, was killed in a suicide attack. Early Life Benazir Bhutto was born on June 21, 1953, in Karachi, Pakistan, the eldest child of former premier Zulfikar Ali Bhutto. She went on to found the Pakistan People's Party and serve as the nation's prime minister (from 1971 to 1977). After completing her early education in Pakistan, she pursued her higher education in the United States. Bhutto attended Radcliffe College from 1969 to 1973, and then enrolled at Harvard University, where she graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in comparative government. It was then onto the United Kingdom, where she studied at Oxford University from 1973 to 1977, completing a course in international law and diplomacy. Leader of the PPP Bhutto returned to Pakistan in 1977, and was placed under house arrest after the military coup led by General Mohammad Zia ul-Haq overthrew her father's government. One year after Zia ul-Haq became president in 1978, the elder Bhutto was hanged after his conviction on charges of authorizing the murder of an opponent. She inherited her father's leadership of the PPP. There was more family tragedy in 1980 when Bhutto's brother Shahnawaz was killed in his apartment on the Riviera in 1980. The family insisted he was poisoned, but no charges were brought. Another brother, Murtaza, died in 1996 (while his sister was in power) in a gun battle with police in Karachi. She moved to England in 1984, becoming the joint leader in exile of the PPP, then returned to Pakistan on April 10, 1986, to launch a nationwide campaign for open elections. She married a wealthy landowner, Asif Ali Zardari, in Karachi on December 18, 1987. The couple had three children: son Bilawal and two daughters, Bakhtawar and Aseefa. Pakistan President Zia ul-Haq's dictatorship ended when he was killed in a plane crash in 1988. And Bhutto was elected prime minister barely three months after giving birth to her first child. She became the first ever female prime minister of a Muslim nation on December 1, 1988. Bhutto was defeated in the 1990 election, and found herself in court defending herself against several charges of misconduct while in office. Bhutto continued to be a prominent focus of opposition discontent, and won a further election in 1993, but was replaced in 1996. While in self-imposed exile in Britain and Dubai, she was convicted in 1999 of corruption and sentenced to three years in prison. She continued to direct her party from abroad, being re-affirmed as PPP leader in 2002. Bhutto returned to Pakistan on October 18, 2007, after President Musharraf granted her amnesty on all corruption charges, opening the way for her return as well as a possible power-sharing agreement. Tragically, Bhutto's homecoming rally after eight years in exile was hit by a suicide attack, which killed 136 people. She only survived after ducking down at the moment of impact behind her armored vehicle. Bhutto said it was Pakistan's "blackest day" when Musharraf imposed a state of emergency on November 3, 2007, and threatened to bring her supporters on to the streets in mass demonstrations. Bhutto was placed under house arrest soon after, on November 9, and she called for Musharraf's resignation four days later. The state of emergency was lifted in December 2007. Assassination Bhutto was killed when an assassin fired shots and then blew himself up after an election campaign rally in Rawalpindi on December 27, 2007. The attack also killed 28 others and wounded at least another 100. The attacker struck just minutes after Bhutto addressed a rally of thousands of supporters in the garrison city of Rawalpindi, eight miles south of Islamabad. She died after hitting her head on part of her vehicle's sunroof—not as a result of bullets or shrapnel, a spokesman for Pakistan's Interior Ministry said. President Musharraf said that he had asked a team of investigators from Britain's Scotland Yard to assist in the investigation into Bhutto's killing. Hundreds of thousands of mourners paid last respects to former Pakistani Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto on December 28, 2007, as she was buried at her family's mausoleum in Garhi Khuda Bakhsh, the southern province of Sindh. She was buried alongside her father Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, Pakistan's first popularly elected prime minister who was executed by hanging. Bhutto's husband, Asif Ali Zardari, her three children and her sister, Sanam, attended the burial. Following Bhutto's death, Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf announced three days of mourning. The shooting and bombing attack on the charismatic former prime minister plunged Pakistan into turmoil. Pakistan is armed with nuclear weapons and is a key U.S. ally in the war on terrorism. Furious supporters rampaged through several cities, torching cars, trains and stores in violence that left at least 23 dead. On January 2, 2008, Pakistan's election commission announced that parliamentary elections would be postponed until February 18—a delay of six weeks. Bhutto reportedly had been planning to give two visiting American lawmakers a 160-page report accusing the Musharraf government of taking steps to rig the January 8 vote. Who's to Blame? "The United States strongly condemns this cowardly act by murderous extremists who are trying to undermine Pakistan's democracy," President George W. Bush said from his ranch near Crawford, "Those who committed this crime must be brought to justice." Pakistan's Interior Ministry also revealed that it had "irrefutable evidence" showing that al Qaeda was behind Bhutto's assassination. Brigadier Javed Iqbal Cheema said the government had recorded an "intelligence intercept" in which "al Qaeda leader" Baitullah Mehsud "congratulated his people for carrying out this cowardly act." Mehsud is regarded as the commander of pro-Taliban forces in the lawless Pakistani tribal region South Waziristan, where al-Qaida fighters are also active. Mehsud has denied involvement. Search for Justice The quest to identify and prosecute Bhutto's killers took an interesting turn in 2013. Pakistan's former military ruler Pervez Musharraf was placed under house arrest when he returned to the country that April. He has been accused of being part of the assassination plot against Bhutto and charged with not providing Bhutto with adequate security. Unfortunately, that May, the case suffered a serious setback when its lead prosecutor was murdered. Chaudhry Zulfiqar, with the country's Federal Investigation Agency, was gunned down in his car on his way to a hearing regarding Musharraf. No one claimed responsibility for the killing, but the timing of the attack is believed to be political. Zulfiquar died just days before the Pakistani general elections. Fact Check We strive for accuracy and fairness. If you see something that doesn't look right, contact us! Cite This Page APA Style Benazir Bhutto. (2015). The Biography.com website. Retrieved 10:37, Jan 21, 2015, from

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