Some reward

NY Times/AP headline: Bush Rewards Ally Pakistan With Visit.

Bush arrived amid extraordinary security for an overnight stay, following a surprise visit to Afghanistan and three days in Pakistan's neighbor and formal rival, India. Air Force One landed after dark with its lights off and window shades pulled down to conceal the plane.

A surprise party, I guess. And "former" rival? All differences and potential conflicts between India and Pakistan have been resolved? Who (besides AP) knew???

Of course, aWol put his foot in his mouth before he even got there:

"I will meet with President Musharraf to discuss Pakistan's vital cooperation in the war on terror and our efforts to foster economic and political development so that we can reduce the appeal of radical Islam," Bush said shortly before taking off for Pakistan. "I believe that a prosperous, democratic Pakistan will be a steadfast partner for America, a peaceful neighbor for India and a force for freedom and moderation in the Arab world."

Later, White House press secretary Scott McClellan told reporters that Bush meant to say Pakistan would be a force for freedom and moderation in the Muslim world. Pakistan is not an Arab country.

Perhaps that was intentional, intended to distract from the basic preposterousness of the idea that a nuclear dictatorship like Pakistan has any chance of being a force for freedom and moderation.

Hey George: Why don't you reward US by staying in Pakistan? Just stroll down the streets of Karachi or Lahore or Damadola, soaking up the love.