No doubt most of you have already seen Pervez Musharraf's interview with Jon Stewart on the Daily Show, but for those who haven't, here it is:
I'm a big fan of Stewart's show, and usually agree with him on most matters, but I can't help but feel cheated during his interviews with major political figures. While he's comfortable lampooning most politicians from a safe distance on his show, it appears that he is reduced to a sycophantic buffoon (with the odd quick-witted remark) whenever one of them enters the studio, and this was no exception. He had an opportunity to ask Musharraf questions regarding Pakistan's active role in propagating cross-border terrorism, his protection of terrorists such as Dawood Ibrahim, controversial comments about the result of the Kargil war (though I doubt an India-Pakistan debate would hold the average American viewer's interest), or even his supposed lack of knowledge of AQ Khan's activities in Iran. Instead, he chose this gem:
Of course, it is more than likely that Stewart's hands are tied by the network, as he can be brutally candid during his interviews on other shows, most notably his appearance on Crossfire. Moreover, it was probably Musharraf's entourage who booked the interview, and not The Daily Show - a shrewd PR move on the Pakistanis' part - thereby limiting the number of really 'tough' questions Stewart could ask.
While it was disappointing to see The Daily Show ape the news channels it so gleefully lampoons, Stewart's first question was an absolute crack-up - brilliant build-up, fantastic payoff.
By the way, check out his interview on Crossfire in 2004 to see him at his frank best.
Update: Musharraf says "India blaming Pakistan for the Mumbai bomb blasts is regrettable". To be honest, I don't know what I was expecting. The police findings were never going to be accepted readily by the international community, and they won't be until India actually acts upon them by toughening its stance on Pakistan. The United States, for one, has decided to take the moral high ground and asked India to discuss the issue directly with Pakistan, rather than going through the media, thus casting further doubt on the Indian police's findings in the eyes of the world. It's quite clear where their support lies in this conflict and it's about time Manmohan Singh grew a pair and actually held Pakistan accountable for its continued aggression towards India, rather than setting up joint mechanisms for combating terrorism. Then again, maybe he could use this opportunity to put this mechanism into practice and get Pakistan to reprimand itself for its actions.
I'm a big fan of Stewart's show, and usually agree with him on most matters, but I can't help but feel cheated during his interviews with major political figures. While he's comfortable lampooning most politicians from a safe distance on his show, it appears that he is reduced to a sycophantic buffoon (with the odd quick-witted remark) whenever one of them enters the studio, and this was no exception. He had an opportunity to ask Musharraf questions regarding Pakistan's active role in propagating cross-border terrorism, his protection of terrorists such as Dawood Ibrahim, controversial comments about the result of the Kargil war (though I doubt an India-Pakistan debate would hold the average American viewer's interest), or even his supposed lack of knowledge of AQ Khan's activities in Iran. Instead, he chose this gem:
Let’s say if there was an election held today in Pakistan — not, clearly, for your job, ’cause you’re doing a wonderful job…More clearly, because he's a despot who seized power through a military coup - just the sort of leader the White House can get behind, especially since his name doesn't start with 'Saddam' and he's been oh-so-helpful to the Yanks. Forget his support of militant groups in Kashmir and failure to crack down on terrorist training camps at home, forget his country's secret service being involved in the July 11 blasts in Bombay - this is the man you want fighting a war on terror.
Of course, it is more than likely that Stewart's hands are tied by the network, as he can be brutally candid during his interviews on other shows, most notably his appearance on Crossfire. Moreover, it was probably Musharraf's entourage who booked the interview, and not The Daily Show - a shrewd PR move on the Pakistanis' part - thereby limiting the number of really 'tough' questions Stewart could ask.
While it was disappointing to see The Daily Show ape the news channels it so gleefully lampoons, Stewart's first question was an absolute crack-up - brilliant build-up, fantastic payoff.
By the way, check out his interview on Crossfire in 2004 to see him at his frank best.
Update: Musharraf says "India blaming Pakistan for the Mumbai bomb blasts is regrettable". To be honest, I don't know what I was expecting. The police findings were never going to be accepted readily by the international community, and they won't be until India actually acts upon them by toughening its stance on Pakistan. The United States, for one, has decided to take the moral high ground and asked India to discuss the issue directly with Pakistan, rather than going through the media, thus casting further doubt on the Indian police's findings in the eyes of the world. It's quite clear where their support lies in this conflict and it's about time Manmohan Singh grew a pair and actually held Pakistan accountable for its continued aggression towards India, rather than setting up joint mechanisms for combating terrorism. Then again, maybe he could use this opportunity to put this mechanism into practice and get Pakistan to reprimand itself for its actions.
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