It needs some premise of truth to construct a lie howsoever naked and blatant may that be. With this belief, I am not fully
with the detractors of President Musharraf who are out to rubbish so ‘diligent’ an effort of a soldier –turned- leader living (alive)- in the line of fire . Hidden behind cleverly chosen words , the truth peeps out . At times words murmur the truth. The memoir of President Musharraf has its share of ,like any other autobiographical book , boring indulgent details, stacked with instances of , glaringly and overtly., blowing ones own trumpet ; nonetheless has good deal of , may be slightly distorted ( from readers’ perspective) true account of events. Those too on such sensitive issues that most of the leaders , particularly of our own breed, will prefer remain tightlipped and take everything safely to their graves . In The Line Of Fire – A Memoir, may not find its place with the great autobiographical works but will provide a passage for posterity to find their own truth in the obscure world of Machavillian (read Bushy) designs of modern international politics and sanguine
tragedies of terrorism. Cutting the crap , I take the proverbial leaf from the book, page 102-103, to prove my point. For the benefit of the readers, the italics in the following text are lifted straight from the book.
It begins bang after the bombing of WTC. Like the audiences across the globe , Musharraf also saw it live on his official television set . In his own description, it was unbelievable, the enormity of the event was palpable, a great tragedy and a great blow to the ego of the super power. If the
perpetrators turned out to be Al Quaeda, Musharraf feared ( boss, you knew it damn) then the wounded bear of America would come straight charging to Pakistan. Obviously because Pakistan was the only country at that point in time maintaining diplomatic ties with Taliban and its leader Mullah Omar. September 11, an irrevocable turn from the past into an unknown future. The world would never be the same.
Musharraf made a quick statement on national television condemning the vile act and reassured America the of its support at the appalling time .
The morning of 9/12. While chairing an important meeting Prez Musharraf is informed of a call from Secretary of State General Colin Powell . To buy some more time to think, Musharraf conveys if he could call back after some time. His is not allowed the luxury. He has to come out of the ‘ important’ meeting to take the call. . General Powell is candid , in fact point blank – ‘You are with us or against us’ . It was a blatant ultimatum , nothing short of a threat. That is America ,guys ,if you have any doubts. Prez Musharraf was at loss of words , by the text of his vaguely put answer . The obvious was looming large over his mind space.
The next day , 9/13 . The director general of ISI who happened to be in US ......
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