Bush, Armitage, Musharraf, and bombing Pakistan 'back to stone age'
According to press accounts this morning, the Bush administration threatened to bomb Pakistan "back to the stone age" in 2001 unless it cooperated in the US-led war on terror. We know this, apparently, because President Pervez Musharraf says so.
According to a wire story, the Pakistani leader said former deputy secretary of state Richard Armitage delivered the comments shortly after the attacks of 9/11 to his intelligence director.
"The intelligence director told me that (Armitage) said, 'Be prepared to be bombed. Be prepared to go back to the stone age'," Musharraf said…. "I think it was a very rude remark."
The subject came up during this morning's brief White House press conference with Bush and Musharraf. The responses were … odd.
PRESIDENT BUSH: First, let me — she's asking about the Armitage thing. The first I heard of this was when I read it in the newspaper today. You know, I was — I guess I was taken aback by the harshness of the words.
All I can tell you is, is that shortly after 9/11, Secretary Colin Powell came in and said, President Musharraf understands the stakes and he wants to join and help route out an enemy that has come and killed 3,000 of our citizens. As a matter of fact, my recollection was that one of the first leaders to step up and say that the stakes have changed, that attack on America that killed 3,000 of the citizens needs to be dealt with firmly, was the President. And if I'm not mistaken, Colin told us that, if not the night of September the 11th, shortly thereafter. I need to make sure I get my facts straight, but it was soon.
I don't know of any conversation that was reported in the newspaper like that. I just don't know about it.
PRESIDENT MUSHARRAF: I would like to — I am launching my book on the 25th, and I am honor-bound to Simon and Schuster not to comment on the book before that day. (Laughter.)
PRESIDENT BUSH: In other words, buy the book, is what he's saying. (Laughter.)
Given Bush's response this morning, we're to believe that Armitage went off on his own to threaten to take Pakistan off the map. It doesn't seem very likely.
Reader S.S. offered this compelling take via email:
President Bush's claim that he was wholly unaware of Armitage's threat to bomb Pakistan leaves only three possible conclusions, none of them attractive.
1. Musharraf is lying
2. Bush is lying
3. Armitage threatened war without the Bush's knowledge
My read on the above is as follows.
1. Musharraf may just be trying to shore up support back home by formally distancing himself from Bush, not inconceivable.
2. I can't imagine that anyone would be surprised.
3. Bush should decry Armitage's statement as beyond the pale.
Hence it seems reasonable to me that someone is fibbing.
http://www.thecarpetbaggerreport.com/archives/8540.html
2 comments:
Ok the Pakistan President isn't lying but he is trying to save himself from a take over in his country and sale his book. Remember what just happen in Thailand and it could happen again in Pakistan that's how the President got his job. Bush is just an out right liar he lies so much he doesn't even know he's lying.
Armitage was following orders that's his job. Notice no word from his boss Powell. You'd think Powell would have cleared this up. Bush never said Armitage's name he said Powell. Now that Powell is tight lip you know it's true.
Good idea Bowtie but here's a thought. Getting Bin Laden dead or alive would make him a maytor. Bush used 9/11 to put Bin Laden on the map as a hero now mothers are nameing their children after him. He has become bigger then life in the eyes of some. For some reason I don't believe Osama will be caught. Notice the Saudis told France not the US. What happen to that friendship and kissie finger stuff. This might be like before where the Administration brings Osama back to the front pages to push up the poll numbers and put people in fear. Old trick might not work this time. It might be that they're trying to bring Osama out of hiding because the trail has gone cold. We'll see. I like talking to you I learn alot.
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