Bush Kinda Talks Tough with Pakistan

[gateley]

By BRIAN BENNETT/WASHINGTON

President George Bush doesn't have time for Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf these days. The two haven't spoken since the dictator declared a state of emergency across the country Saturday, putting the Bush Doctrine at odds with Bush's War on Terror. What communication there has been has hewed to the pattern of a school yard romance on the rocks. Instead of calling the Pakistani leader himself, Bush delegated Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice with the task Monday of conveying a list of demands. "We expect there to be elections as soon as possible," Bush asked Rice to tell Musharraf. Furthermore, Musharraf "should remove his military uniform," said Bush. "I asked him to restore democracy as quickly as possible," he said. Well actually, he asked Rice to ask him. Nicely

This delicate dance is a result of Musharraf's uniquely powerful hold over the White House. The Bush Administration continues to insist it wants Musharraf to stay on the path to democracy, relinquish his position as head of the military as he promised and hold elections before January 15. But it is still unclear what happens if Musharraf doesn't do any of these things. Bush's pro-democracy goals for the country seem as much in conflict as ever with U.S.'s other goal — to stamp out the Taliban in Afghanistan and dismantle terrorist networks operating inside Pakistan.

more.... http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,1680931,00.html?cnn=yes

[cliss]

1. Cliss message to Bush:

"Baby, he's yours".



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I just find it incredibly interesting that the fools in Washington, they've taken on such IMPOSSIBLE jobs. Like managing people, trying to run countries vicariously, propping up dictators, and inheritng all the mess that comes with it.
Just - a never ending nightmare.
You gotta hand it to the Bush Administration - they are such GLUTTONS for punishment.:smoke: