Now, Musharaff sheds his pearls of wisdom on the Iraq invasion and calls it a mistake. I wonder if he took Bush’s approval before making a public statement like that?

Asked whether he considered the invasion a mistake, the Pakistani leader said: “With hindsight, yes. We have landed ourselves in more trouble, yes.”

Wow, the language of Diplomacy! “we” have landed ourselves in trouble, eh? Don’t miss the we, ladies and gentlemen. For one good instance, the “we” is an assertion that the Terrorist General now uses to remind that he is a “valuable” non-NATO ally. And he spares no opportunity. But of course, there’s more…

However, Musharraf said he does not believe U.S. and coalition troops should pull out immediately. Only after elections are held and the situation stabilized should the United States consider a withdrawal from Iraq, he said.

The Art of Diplomacy also involves speaking in favour of the Hand that feeds you. Parroting. I take back my words about Mushy having Bush’s approval.

After the interview, a Pakistani government spokesman called CNN to say that Musharraf did not intend to be categorical in his assertion that Bush had erred in invading Iraq. (emphasis mine)

Please, Bush, don’t be angry with me. You see, I’m walking on a sword… these cursed Mullahs will bay for my blood if I didn’t pay lip service by condemning your invasion of Iraq. I’m always on your side, don’t you know that? Don’t stop giving me your generous alms grants/aids.

And what about Bin Laden? Heavens! Wouldn’t have I handed him over to you if I had known he was sleeping right in my official residence?

Tags: Commentary, Terrorism & Pakistan