Mush on AQ Khan

Much has been said about the AQ Khan network over the years, especially since his “confession”. Its hard to imagine that he was able to act on his own without the approval of the various Pakistani heads of state. In all likelihood, when Musharraf was under extreme pressure from the US, he decided to make AQ Khan the scapegoat. Its good to know that a letter exists somewhere giving the gory details of those in high places who are involved in the scandal.

Mush’s latest book seems to have revived theories about AQ Khan and his activities. Nothing is likely to come out of it, except that Mush will sell more books. Man, talk about a world leader who knows his priorities!

Tharoor’s Defeat

Now that he has lost the bid for UN Secy General what does he do next? Does he continue and work for Kofi Annan’s replacement? That would be strange, wouldn’t it?

The rumor has it that the US didn’t back his candidacy. Wonder why? Was it because he was considered close to Annan, who is no friend of the US? Btw, Shashi Tharoor’s most recent book (published a couple of years back) is titled “Nehru: The Invention of India”. Its dedicated to his boss, Kofi Annan! While it might have been a smart move to write a book on Nehru, it wasn’t probably as smart move to dedicate it to Annan.

ICC Hearing: A Joke

Inzy is free of ball tampering charges. But he has to sit out four games. Darrell Hair has nothing to worry about. The match was long forfeited. Who compensates the public for the loss of a day and quarter of exciting play? If Inzy and co are not guilty of ball tampering, shouldn’t the Umpire be taken to task for depriving the public of some serious cricket?

Its probably the only instance where a serious charge was levelled against a cricket captain, hearing is held after several weeks and at the end of the investigation, everyone goes home smiling! A true win-win scenario.

Hair nailed?

The BCCI has finally spoken up on the issue and opposed Hair umpiring in the Champions trophy. It was a good move on the part of the Board. It remains to be seen how this plays out. I will be awful if the BCCI and the rest buckle down to various pressures and back out at a later stage.

iWoz ego trip

The legendary Steve Wozniak’s (Apple co-founder) new book is titled “iWoz: Computer Geek to Cult Icon”

I always thought of him to be a nerdy guy. The title is a complete turn off –a marketing title more than a nerdy one. He is referring to himself as a cult icon! No matter how great he might be, a little humility won’t hurt. Its ok for others to refer to him as “cult icon” and shower him with titles. But doing it himself is a little too much.

Moreover, he is riding the iPod wave by using the iWoz in the title. Its a blatant atempt to cash in on present-day Apple which he probably has little to do with. This is still ok to some extent, but the self -proclamation as Cult Icon? God!

I’m not surprised that Steve Jobs turned down the request to write the foreword.

Mush is a master manipulator

Pervez Musharaff easily takes the cake for being the most shrewd head of state in the world. He has managed to remain in power despite the situation in Afghanisthan, his poor relations with India, the volatile situation in Pakistan, his constant need to kiss up the US etc.

His book release is another master stroke. He has started controversies all over, like dropping small bombs! Meanwhile, there are rumors of a coup in Pak! President Musharaff clearly belives in living for the moment. At present his priority is to sell books and that is now more or less “mission accomplished”

Spy Agencies Report: Confirming the Obvious?

Finally, an official report from the US Intelligence agencies that the Iraq war has made the world a more dangerous place. While its hard to commend them for what seems an obvious conclusion, it heartening to note that they at least didn’t chant the administration mantras –We are safe, but not safer, We have had no attacks since 9-11, so here is the proof that things have improved etc. etc.

So the right thinks this another false propoganda by the left? The spin should start from both sides, if it hasn’t already.

Nothing to prove that Dravid is not the boss

There was report that Shastri criticized the team management for shuffling the batting order. He went on to say that Dravid should assert himself more, the batting order must be decided by the captain etc.

How does Shastri know that the batting order was Chappell’s decision? I suspect that it was a joint decision. Dravid has had a good run as an opener except in this DLF series. Viru has been in pathetic form. Under the circumstances I think it was a worthwhile experiment to open with Dravid. When it failed, he was quick to return to the middle order. Dravid was right when he said the batting failed India. Viru failed (as always), Sachin failed when it was most needed as did Dravid and the rest of the team. I don’t think any of this can be blamed on experimentation. The only experimentation that was done was to bring back Mongia and it worked! The number 3 spot usually filled in by Pathan was now available. It had to be either Kaif or Dravid, and the captain decided to give Kaif a chance. In short, I suspect Shastri got it wrong this time around unless he is somehow privy to dressing room discussions!