Embarrasing Public Rift in US State Department Sparks International Furor

Zalmay Khalilzad, US Ambassador to the United Nations, is a larger-than-life character who is no stranger to controversy. As US Ambassador to Afghanistan he conducted himself with the pomp of a Viceroy of the British Empire and did not deter from issuing edicts to the Afghan Government -- or, for that matter, to the Government of neighboring Pakistan. The "undiplomatic" diplomat thereby became a lightning rod for public criticism in the Pakistani press and condemnation by the Pakistan foreign office. Even the current US Ambassador to Afghanistan has criticized Zalmay for interfering in Afghan affairs and bypassing him.

Now Khalilzad again seems to be ensconed in the eye of a growing international diplomatic storm which may prove to be more than a storm in the Washington Beltway tea cup. Two days ago a scathing email from Assistant Secretary of State Richard Boucher to Zalmay, with copies to senior members of the Bush Administrator, was made public. The email questioned his contacts with Pakistan Political Leader Asif Zardari who recently appreciated and acknowledged Zalmay's "guidance and help."

Almost immediately, supporters of former President Musharraf began accusing the USA of a duplicitous and dangerous game: Supporting Musharraf in public while working to undermine him through foe, Asif Zardari, behind the scenes. Asif Zardari led an impeachment exercise a fortnight ago which resulted in Musharraf's resignation. Boucher's email accused Zalmay of overstepping his mandate and threatened accountability.

But yesterday, offical State Department spokesman James Wood issued a statement admiring the Afghan-born Khalilzad's international contacts and pelf and reaffirmed the administration's support: " Ambassador Khalilzad is well known throughout the region. He has a lot of contacts. He is well informed about the region. The President and Secretary really do respect and depend on his counsel."