"Colin Powell is gone. I used to like the guy - the only moderate in that bunch."
"Colin Powell was to Bush what Jamali was to Musharraf."
"That's simply not true. I challenge that remark. I mean Powell had a mind of his own, true he was always over-ruled by the neo-conservatives but he had a viewpoint, he was respected in the capitals of the world with the exception of Tel Aviv and, of course, Washington DC, while Jamali was a stooge, merely there because the man at the top said so. I don't think too many people respected him and in the end he couldn't even please the one man who mattered."
"No, I meant they were both a pain in the nether regions to the men at the top."
"Even though these two did as they were told?"
"Yes. Strange that hunh! I mean if you don't do what they want they are annoyed and if you do what they want they get irritated."
"Well, I guess these two men want body and soul of their underlings."
"Yeah. So now Bush has appointed Rice and Rumsfeld stays and God help this world!"
"Indeed."
"But it's really sad about Powell. I mean he was one of the few who made the transition from a commanding officer in the army to a man of peace."
"Musharraf has done that."
"Yes but Musharraf's new and improved democracy, his referendumed status, his agreeing to what the US tells him to do regarding the terrorists..."
"But you yourself stated that Bush brooks no criticism and wants blind obedience. Hey, but you also said Musharraf is like that."
"Musharraf is a chief of army staff and he has that approach only towards Pakistanis - not towards all others, I guess."
"It's a question of race I guess."
"Don't be facetious."
"But why Rice? I mean what is her experience and..."
"She shares a love for football with Bush."
"Ah yes, of course."
"Anybody for golf?"
"Why are you asking?"
"The Chosen One likes to play it."
"What does Musharraf play? That's more pertinent."
"That is a tough one - he keeps all his cards close to his chest."