Where's Osama bin Laden? Stewart asks Musharraf

Washington, Sep 27: Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf was served tea and Twinkies as the first head of state to appear on ''The Daily Show,'' a hit US political satire show.

Musharraf had barely thanked Stewart for the jasmine green tea and the cream-filled cake popular with American children when host Jon Stewart started the interview yesterday with a curve ball, suddenly asking the Pakistani leader: ''Where's Osama bin Laden?'' ''I don't know,'' replied Musharraf. ''You know where he is? You lead on, we'll follow you.'' The general, whose Muslim nation is a key ally of George W Bush in the war on terrorism, laughed off trademark caustic questions from Stewart, including whether the US president slept or watched TV during their presidential talks last week.

But Musharraf, making the US media rounds to promote his autobiography, ''In the Line of Fire,'' gave a frank answer when Stewart asked if he had not mentioned the US war in Iraq in his memoir because it has ''gone so well.'' ''It has led certainly to more extremism and terrorism around the world,'' Musharraf said.

Throughout the pre-recorded interview on the cable channel Comedy Central, Musharraf was quick-witted and jovial, while Stewart struck a more serious, respectful tone than he normally does with guests.

Stewart closed by putting Musharraf on the ''Seat of Heat'' -- surrounded with flashing lights that mimicked flames -- and asking him who would win a popular vote in Pakistan between Bush and Osama bin Laden.

''I think they'll both lose miserably,'' replied Musharraf to loud applause from the studio audience.

Reuters

Related Stories