"The Pakistani ambassador to Iraq has packed his bags and left the country."
"I don't blame him. I mean the poor guy went there thinking he would have the status of an Ambassador and all that goes with it, including a hefty entertainment allowance and..."
"Entertainment allowance in today's Iraq! Wonder what that means."
"Don't nit-pick, you know what I meant. He probably thought as Ambassador he will have diplomatic immunity..."
"He did but unfortunately for him, the diplomats from Muslim countries are the ones who have no immunity from the death and kidnapping if you know what I mean."
"Yes I guess. But I believe he is the first diplomat who has accepted the posting and then left after a failed attempt at kidnapping him. I think we need diplomats with stronger hearts."
"Can I propose something?"
"Sure. In our guided democracy the freedom to say what you want in the Press is acknowledged."
"I suppose. My suggestion is that posts like Iraq where a strong heart is needed should be reserved for the armed forces."
"Non, retired army men?"
"Well, we can't mess up our diplomatic corps any further so let us send retired army men. It's not as if we haven't been doing it every time we get a President who insists on wearing two hats."
"Hey, that's not fair. These retired guys have completed their duty in the armed forces and after reaching retirement age they merely want to have a restful time, make money, go to exotic countries, see the world..."
"But they have stronger hearts than the civilians in the foreign office."
"But you know you may be right, considering that several European countries have already refused to accept our retired generals as ambassadors maybe we should begin sending them to countries like Iraq."
"Won't happen. These retirees are not stupid. Let's move on."
"I would also like to suggest that our leaders don't get too excited about this SCO the Shanghai thingy where they have been given the status of observers."
"Why? I mean India has also the same status."
"I think after the present government is through we would know our place vis-a-vis India. As you must know India is attending the G-8 summit and in spite of Musharraf's war on terror I didn't hear of any invitation there."
"India is a democracy, India has a growing economy..."
"All things our leaders say we have too."
"Well, the West doesn't believe them I think."