Posted by Frank James at 4:01 pm CDT
President Perez Musharraf, who appeared on Comedy Central’s Daily Show with Jon Stewart show last night, didn’t exactly do what visiting heads of state are supposed to, which is not add to the troubles of the hosting leader.
President Bush spent a lot of yesterday trying to prove that what Democratic critics were saying about the National Intelligence Estimate was wrong, that the Iraq War had not worsened the terrorist threat.
The president even ordered the release of a declassified summary of the NIE.
But the Pakistani president didn’t exactly help. Stewart asked Musharraf, in a mock serious way for irony’s sake, why he hadn’t included a discussion of Iraq in his new memoir, In the Line of Fire.
“Is that because you felt it was such a smart move, and has gone so well, that to mention it would be gloating?” Stewart asked.
“No, I think we were so overly concerned with our area,” Musharraf said. “I have mentioned about in a passing reference to Iraq. And I know that the situation, whatever the reasons of going there, I won’t get involved in a debate on that, but it has led certainly to more extremism and terrorism around the world."
“So we’re safer?” Stewart asked.
“No we’re not. We’re not safer,” Musharraf said. “But I believe in looking at the present and then trying to work out strategies for the future. That’s what we should concentrate on.”
So here you had Mushurraf, who certainly must be counted as one of the world’s leaders with the greatest knowledge of terrorism, (al Qaeda has tried to kill him repeatedly) directly contradicting his U.S. ally on one of America’s most popular cable television shows.
Tonight’s private dinner between Bush, Musharraf and President Hamid Karzai of Afghanistan was already promising to be somewhat tense, with Karzai blaming Pakistan for not doing enough to keep terrrorists from slipping across the nations’ shared border into Afghanistan while Musharraf has blamed Karzai for some of Pakistan’s terrorism troubles.
Now Bush has a new reason to be irritated.
White House press secretary Tony was asked about Musharraf at today’s press briefing.
REPORTER: President Musharraf, since he's been in the United States -- particularly at the United Nations, and then subsequently here at the White House -- has made some statements that seem strange to many individuals, in the case of talking about his publisher and book and Comedy Central.
He had some remarks to the NATO troops in Afghanistan, saying that their criticisms of Pakistan not doing enough should be equated by the fact that more Pakistanis have died than their soldiers and they should get over it, that kind of thing.
The point I'm trying to get at here is, you're an expert in the area of public relations and statements and things of that kind, do you sometimes wince at the way Musharraf deals in public, in terms of making these kind of statements, given that he is probably now one of the strongest potential allies of the United States war on terrorism?
SNOW: I hope in addition to being a now acknowledged expert on public relations that I'll develop a reputation for diplomacy. And in that case, I'm not going to comment on President Musharraf's statements.
Musharraf is obviously a man accustomed to living on the edge, what with the assassination attempts and the nuclear standoff between his nation and neighboring India.
He also knows that the U.S. needs him tremendously, not only because he’s a key ally in the war on terror but because he represents stability in a very unstable part of the world where the U.S. has huge national security interests.
So we can expect that he’ll continue to speak his mind, even if that embarrasses the Bush administration.
Like when he answered Stewart’s question about who would win a hypothetical election for Karachi mayor-Bush or Osama bin Laden.
Instead of demurring diplomatically, he said: “I think they’ll both lose miserably.”
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Comments
The Musharraf interview on the Daily Show was refreshingly candid ... while at the same time as entertaining as one can get about the issues of the truly global war on terrorism.
I am not confusing the Daily Show for anything other than it is, but I came away from this episode with a real want for all state politicians to let their proverbial hair down and speak as they are spoken to ... really!
Honest answers are not always politically correct, but they just might get a head of state the common respect required to get real work done.
Musharraf is a truly gutsy guy that I personally wish well – for everybody’s sake!
Posted by: Bill Clanton | September 27, 2006 4:53 PM
Iam an alumni of the University ofToronto 1966.Have visited the U.S. always several times.Why is it that the politicians believe in supporting dictatorships in practice and pontificating about democracy? Is Musharaff's democracy much different from the late lamented Saddam Hussain's.(Sorry to hve used a phrase for Saddam while he is still alive, but politically dead as a dodo) Divakaran from Bangalore India
Posted by: s.divakaran | September 27, 2006 5:13 PM
Ouch! Boy, it's *such* an inconvenience when people tell the truth as they understand it, isn't it? What I wouldn't give to be a fly on the wall at the White House tonight. Bon appetite!
Posted by: Ana | September 27, 2006 6:55 PM
In response to divakaran from india, Musharraf's democracy IS different from Saddam's. I dont think if you could have been more unfair in the comparison you made. I am a pakistani working studying in the US and I wish we had a stable and liberal pakistan and I wont mind if its Musharraf who does it or a political government. What we have in Pakistan is a mix of democracy (provinces have elected assemblies, center has an elected government 'controlled' by Musharraf. Its not ideal and I wish we could have done as well as India as far as democracy goes but as we have seen it does not guarantee people their basic rights (kashmir and rebellion in assam) as long as the masses are democratic in their thinking. Pakistan is enjoying freedom of speech in print and electronic media like never before and Musharraf's soft and flexible approach towards India is well known and infact he is critisized in pakistan for being too dovish. Double standards are untenable and the US should get the heat for that but Musharraf vs Saddam is a K.O. for saddam before the fight even starts.
Posted by: Zeeshan | September 27, 2006 7:21 PM
I think this is Musharraf's finest hour. He is a good politician, dictator, strategist, interviewee and what have you. Now he has shown when it comes to selling book he is simply brilliant
Posted by: Baldev Prasad | September 28, 2006 2:17 AM
President Musharraf speaks his mind. There are very few people in this world who would'nt flinch while doing so, knowing the tight situation he remains in. To lead a nation of over 150million different minded individuals... We could use some more 'tonight shows' featuring some more sit-in presidents! Give it up for the smart General in a suit!
Posted by: Moiz | September 28, 2006 2:44 AM
Pakistan is lucky to have Musharraf as president. Without Musharraf, Pakistan is nothing but a failed country which might have fallen apart into pieces by now. Dont forget that he is a "Mohajir" born in India so some of our intelligence must have rubbed on in him. Of course, I do not agree to a lot of what he has written or is saying but I like his shrewdness, audacity & confidence.
Posted by: Raj | September 28, 2006 3:31 AM
Dude, that interview was awesome! I had it on in the background while doing some small business paperwork at the dining room table (not directly in sight of the tv) and thought to myself "Is that Musharraf speaking? Is he on he Stewart show"). When I went over and saw, I plunked down on the couch and watched the rest of the interview. Wow, the guy is as affable as one's grandfather talking to you in your living room before sitting down for a Thanksgiving dinner. A refreshingly sanguine dialouge with overtones of humility.
He made Bush look like such a toad! And I voted for Bush! What was I thinkin'!!
Posted by: Jeffrey Wixon | September 28, 2006 5:59 AM
First Chavez and now Musharraf. What's a Bu$hite to do?
Posted by: Figbash | September 28, 2006 6:31 AM
The corporate media should be ashamed that Jon Stewart is asking the tough questions, while they're acting like lap dogs for Bush's latest photo op.
Posted by: BB | September 28, 2006 7:27 AM
First, it's nice to hear some fresh voices on this blog.
As I watched, I went through the catalog in my mind. Let's see, he is a dictator, took over the country in a coup, OBL may be hiding within his borders. Am I supposed to like the guy?
Yet what a sharp dude, with a great command of English. He understood every little jibe Jon Stewart threw at him. He had a good humor.
I can only wish him and all Pakistanis good luck.
Posted by: C.Morris | September 28, 2006 8:39 AM
I've always been a fan of Mushaaraf's and last night solidified my image of him. He was honest, funny, politically incorrect and oh, so warm. He's an intelligent man, who knows whats best for his country and will make every effort to ensure his people's safety and well being. Even if it means putting his own life in danger. Bush, on the other hand, needs a brain.
Posted by: Shaz | September 28, 2006 3:01 PM
"He made Bush look like such a toad! And I voted for Bush! What was I thinkin'!!"
I just printed some "BUSH IS SUCH A TOAD" stickers at http://www.StickerNation.com - let me know if you want some Jeffrey :)
Posted by: jessica | September 28, 2006 9:18 PM
In response to Raj's idiotic comment, I'd like to add that Pakistan is far from a 'failed state' as the Indian media portrays it. The Indian media that you are subjected to is laced with Bollywood-like melodramatic, farcical lies. As far as stability of the government is concerned, the reason why military coups have occurred in the past is due to the corrupt democraic government.
The military has been actively involved in the Pakistani politics becaus they realize how disloyal (to the people) the democractic politicians have been. By the way, Manmohan Singh is originally from Pakistan, therefore according to your logic, some leadership qualities have rubbed on to him. Also, you can see how peaceful he is in nature, which would tell you a lot about the Pakistani people.
Posted by: Raza | September 29, 2006 2:50 PM
I was Surprised to seem General on Jon Stewart, and i wasnt expecting this good of an interview.. Well Done Mush!
Posted by: Imran | September 29, 2006 7:55 PM