President Bush gave General Musharraf a tour of the White House and took some time to "get all friendly-like."
President Bush welcomed General Pervez Musharraf to the United States on Wednesday, meeting with the Pakistan president in the Oval Office to discuss closer ties and the on-going war on terrorism.
Later they appeared at a photo-op where Bush promised improved trade relations and investments, as well as "better economics and educations for all the Pakis everywheres." It is expected Bush will ask for $3 billion in debt relief and economic aid that can "be taken out of that shock-box thing."
Bush also stated that he had a great respect for Musharraf. "He is a man to be proud of, a man who seized the reins of his country in a military coup. Besides, everybody loves a dictator. I know I does."
"Me too," quipped Musharraf with a knowing wink towards Bush.
Not everyone is so trusting of the general however. Cynics point out that Pakistan was the only nation to recognize the Taliban as the official rulers of Afghanistan during their harsh regime. Even "axis of evil" Iran despised the Taliban.
Others fear that Musharraf is simply using the U.S. military juggernaut to eliminate his enemies in the area.
Bush shrugged off criticisms, stating that "nobody gives a fart, because the American peoples love me and I'm always right. Besides, my oil buddies in Texas needs Pakistan to complete the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan pipeline from the Caspian Sea to that big ocean over there. And believes me, there's a crapload of oil under the water. We're gonna be rich!"
