Manmohan Singh and Musharraf share several similarities, starting from the first letter of their names. Both need to appease the forces that control them, and over time, have proved how ineffectual they are in dealing with crises. However, Musharraf scores notches above Manmohan Singh in the latter department. And recently, both have created enormous messes of their own making: Musharraf with the judge controversy and Manmohan–well, where does one start–over the Crown Prince issue.

Amid this ruckus blows a pleasant gale of freshness: the gentle Doctor has received a Certificate of Praise from unexpected quarters.

Paying rich encomiums to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf has described him as a “credible leader and a man of peace” and said that the world may see resolution of Kashmir issue “earlier than expected”.

Singh is a credible leader and a man of peace who supported “Pakistan’s strong desire” for settlement of the Kashmir issue, as it remained a main cause of tension between the two countries, Musharraf said addressing the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Spanish Congress in Madrid on Wednesday.

The rogue President next door is pleased with his pliant counterpart. Manmohan Singh is the first Indian Prime Minister to receive this rare honour. Or is Musharraf simply trying to be a good lad to please Bush Jr (more goodies on the way?)?

As far as Dr.Singh is concerned, the opinions of his own countrymen don’t matter now.

Crossposted on INI Signal.