“If you look at your own history, American history, and then you see, How does democracy become the best formula of the world to govern? Democracy becomes the best formula of the world because it learns from its mistakes.”

Zardari’s statement in a speech that Pakistan would not be the first to use nuclear weapons against India

it was irrelevant.

He didn’t discuss it with the military” — which controls nuclear policy

Zardari pretends — but just barely — to be stumped by accounts of his former exploits.

he waggled his eyebrows, Groucho-wise, in mute acknowledgment of past delights. “I will not comment on those things,” he said gravely, “because Islam forbids drinking.”

And what about President Zardari? I asked him if he had learned any lessons

He pondered. “Every day,” he said, “man is growing and learning. What you were yesterday, you are probably not today, because today’s you is yesterday’s experience. One is always learning.”