"Obama says that Egypt is less than an ally."
"What does that mean?"
"It means that the election campaign is in full swing in the US."
"So it effectively means nothing."
"Well, he wanted to tell the US voters that the Arab response to the controversial film, which incidentally Hillary Clinton has condemned - the film as well as the response, has compelled him to downgrade relations with Egypt."
"Strange isn't it when the biggest champion of democracy supports antidemocratic forces."
"It's easier to deal with the anti-democratic forces as one dictator can deliver while a parliament representing different views may stall an agreement."
"Right, one just has to remember Musharraf's rule."
"Indeed and let's be honest the man on the Arab street including in Egypt did not support the peace deal with Israel though I am a firm proponent of peace and support the recent steps in that direction between India and Pakistan..."
"Right, so if Egypt is less than an ally then is ANP now less an ally of the PPP?"
"ANP will be granted more benefits elsewhere."
"But..."
"There is no but, the ANP has been willing to trade off favours in other parts of the country if you know what I mean."
"Bilour said..."
"Bilour is unlikely to give up the rather lucrative and appallingly badly-run Railways Ministry even a day before he has to."
"Ah yes I see, what you mean. In contrast MQM has never supported the trade off strategy."
"Because its base is limited to two cities, however, it has been willing to look the other way in terms of matters that are important to the federal government in the national assembly."
"Right, so no one is less than an ally, it depends on geography or where each party is more of an ally."
"Don't be facetious."