The right kind of dictator

Bush's commendation of Pakistani dictator Musharraf is a prime example of the continued failings of US foreign policy. There is a precedent of the US reversing support for Middle East leaders that both Bin Laden and Hussein can attest to. This has left the entire region distrustful of US intentions.

That is most likely why Pakistan is toning down the hunt for Bin Laden. The disaster of the US occupation in Iraq has made it clear to other Middle-East leaders that terrorist groups like Al Qaeda, fueled by anti-US sentiment, are a force to be reckoned with. No Middle East leader wants any part of the turmoil in Iraq to infect their own country.