The United States Ambassador to Afghanistan, John R. Bass, took to Twitter to reply to Imran Khan’s statement on Afghanistan suggesting that an interim government can lead to a smooth peace process.
Khan’s remarks did not sit well with the Afghanistan officials as well as US diplomats as John Bass labeled his remarks as ‘ball-tampering with the peace process’.
Some aspects of #cricket apply well in diplomacy, some do not. @ImranKhanPTI, important to resist temptation to ball-tamper with the #Afghanistan peace process and its internal affairs. #AfgPeace
— Chargé d’Affaires Karen Decker (@USAmbKabul) March 27, 2019
The top diplomat’s statement backfired quickly as Pakistan’s Human Rights Minister, Shireen Mazari called out the US government.
Here’s what she said:
Clearly you little pygmy your knowledge of ball tampering is as void as your understanding of Afghanistan and the region! Clearly in your case ignorance is certainly not bliss! Another sign of Trumpian mischief a la Khalilzad style! https://t.co/ZOySvWJNDq
— Shireen Mazari (@ShireenMazari1) March 27, 2019
The Federal Minister reiterated Imran Khan’s role in the peace process, saying he helped where Trump and co. couldn’t. She knows how to school someone like John Bass, doesn’t she? However, she did go overboard by name-calling the ambassador as a “little pygmy”; something you would never expect from a government official let alone a minister for human rights.
U cld do with a few lessons in diplomacy – or do u feel u can insult Pakistan and it's leader and we will keep silent? Get real! U are nowhere with the peace process without support from PMIK and our govt. So get a reality check. https://t.co/QryQi0RmBM
— Shireen Mazari (@ShireenMazari1) March 27, 2019
Other Pakistani politicians and analysts weighed in as well.
The US clearly needs better diplomats to handle critical situations more carefully.
Asad Umar’s response was clear and appropriate though.
Your tweet shows you understand neither cricket nor diplomacy. With the afghan peace process at such a critical juncture hope the US will be able to find better diplomatic skills to deal with the delicate issues at hand. https://t.co/9iYWfOF92U
— Asad Umar (@Asad_Umar) March 27, 2019
Careless and undiplomatic remarks hurting Pakistan, said Advisor to PM on Establishment.
I am outraged and appalled by the disrespectful remarks made directly by @USAmbKabul to our current leader @ImranKhanPTI. Besides being careless and undiplomatic, his words do great damage to the ties we, in Pakistan, are trying to build with our Afghan neighbors.
— Shehzad Arbab (@ShahzadArbab1) March 27, 2019
The irony.
https://twitter.com/fahdhumayun/status/1110938021296255013
How can anyone from the Trump administration lecture Khan on the peace process?
Meray munnay, your forces have been in that country for two decades. You don't really get to lecture anyone on peace. https://t.co/KpnpBgHvRU
— Товарищ Зил-и-Илахй 🇵🇸 (@XilleIlahi) March 27, 2019
Time for the diplomat to read some history books.
The US talking about the "internal affairs" of another country is laughable. Does the Ambassador need to be reminded of US meddling in Chile, Vietnam, Nicaragua, Iran, Iraq… the list is long and Twitter characters are limited. Perhaps Mr. Bass ought to pick up a history book. https://t.co/xAsXPtZFVe
— Imaan Zainab Mazari-Hazir (@ImaanZHazir) March 27, 2019
Who’s ball-tampering in South Asia, the Middle East and beyond?
If khalilzad negotiating with the taliban isn't interference in internal matters of Afghanistan, then neither is Imran khan remarks regarding interim government. Its important that Washington resists temptation to ball-tamper with the South Asia's peace & salvage a little dignity
— Asfandyar Bhittani (@AsfandBhittani) March 27, 2019
Nope, you cannot.
…excuse me? U travel half way around the world, over throw Govts, kill hundreds of thousands anywhere because???
There have been many a good Ambassador of the US! Sadly, you’ll never make that list with this attitude.— Ali Haider Zaidi (@AliHZaidiPTI) March 27, 2019
He needs to learn some manners.
You don’t get to talk about the Prime Minister of Pakistan like that.
— Mosharraf Zaidi (@mosharrafzaidi) March 27, 2019
Perfectly summed up.
https://twitter.com/Saeedsville/status/1110989143339864065
What are your thoughts on the matter? Let us know in the comments section.
All Afgani, Please shift to AFGANISTAN, Pakistan is not safest country according to your Cricket Board.
americans are known to be arrogant pricks
As usual chawalain by Youthia Ministers…