"Hope you are not talking of our high and mighty."
"Nope, I am not, though now that you mention it, we have more than our fair share of the naïve and stupid."
"I am sure in their dictionary naïve means manipulative and stupid would mean learning to live with ground realities."
"Ah well, to each unto his own. I suppose if power is the focus then one tends to do many things one wouldn't otherwise do."
"Right, but then were you referring to Bush?"
"Bush maybe naïve and stupid on many issues but he is also quite dangerous for a lot of people around the world and that really makes one not think of his naivety and stupidity any more."
"Then who? Not poodle? I mean he is neither stupid nor naïve, just an opportunist who has played one hand too many by now I think."
"Actually I was referring to a recent comment by Kofi Anan, the UN Chief - the consensus Chief - right? If I remember correctly he does have US endorsement."
"What did he say this time?"
"He warned that violence in Afghanistan could seriously jeopardise the mid-term polls. He says that there had been a deterioration in the security situation precisely when peace demands the opposite."
"Doesn't a peace process always demand the opposite?"
"Yes."
"And doesn't he realise that violence has increased because many Afghans do not want mid-term elections. I think they are tired of the US choice of President who is likely to win again, with US support, if elections are held."
"I agree his statement was quite stupid but then you know his hands are tied. He was openly ridiculed and sidelined by the US just before the war on Iraq and even now when the US wants a greater UN role..."
"Only in terms of soldiers who can get killed in Iraq instead of US soldiers. What amazes me is the number of countries who have sent troops to help the US realise this."
"The benefits are many - you get to be the personal friend of George Bush."
"And if he doesn't win the next elections?"
"Then the supporters won't either. But that doesn't go for us - I believe Musharraf is to be there till 2007."
"What I am waiting for is to see who reneges on the deal first - the Maulanas or the army? I mean by definition a man of religion should not renege, right. And neither should a senior member of the armed forces? I mean it's different with politicians."
"What makes you think one side will?"
"That is politics."