"I like what Gilani did in Lahore."
"I thought you said he has the vacuous eyes of a parakeet and..."
"So? That doesn't mean I don't like the guy."
"So what did he do in Lahore that you liked? Let me guess: he actually said that the US air strikes were intolerable but you know there are some people out there who say the Zardari government..."
"It's technically the Gilani government."
"I know we do not have a presidential system but let's sacrifice technicalities in the face of reality...anyway the Zardari government has done a Bush."
"Done a Bush?"
"Well essentially not coming out and saying they will continue attacking our tribal belt but at the same time doing it."
"So how did Zardari do a Bush?"
"According to reports by the American media Zardari told them they can continue attacking our tribal belt but his government will loudly condemn any such action."
"It's not the same thing. The US is into action while we are into reaction."
"But as Ahmed Mukhtar says we can't take on the military might of the US."
"Mukhtar incidentally briefed Gilani on defence."
"God help this country in that case: A man with no knowledge briefing a man with no power."
"Don't be facetious; anyway, I Liked Gilani because as he harangued against US action he had shahbaz Sharif on one side and Salmaan Taseer on the other - both looked visibly uncomfortable."
"That is truly statesmanlike of Gilani. To make both feel uncomfortable. I remember the days when Musharraf could make the highest in the land feel uncomfortable with just a glance and..."
"Don't be facetious."