The other night, I had the great pleasure of seeing an old friend I met in New York City.  His name is Asif.  Back in New York City, we had a great time always having great conversations about fine food,  real estate (his interest),  politics (his family)  and good wine.  He is good looking, charming and very much fun and highly intelligent!  the sort of fellow that makes a good friend.  He also was the husband of the assasinated former Prime Minister of Pakistan, Benazir Bhutto. 
 
Those years, Benazir and Asif were in "exile" outside of Pakistan.  As you know, after Benazir was assasinated, Asif became the current President of Pakistan.  He was democratically voted into office with an overwhelming majority.   Since Benazir was Prime Minister of Pakistan twice and the family has been involved with politics for so long, he knows a lot of world leaders.  For example, he has known Hillary Clinton for 15 years. He is close to many such as the French President Sarkozy. 
 
Pakistan has been a long long time friend of China.  Even the first meeting between our Chinese Leaders and the US leaders were brokered through Pakistan. Thus,the first State visit of President Asif was to China.  He tells me that he will come to China every 4 months.  He wants to do a lot of business in China.
 
One of his best friends came to Shanghai a few days ago.  President Asif invited both of us to dine with him one night even though he has already had dinner with our Shanghai Mayor Han zhen.  Meeting him these days is rather complicated.  Lots of security on the floor he lives on.  and then of course he has his own security.   I asked him whether he has seen the hotel.  He says that these days it is far more complicated to see anything without mobilizing lots of security, so he has never seen his hotel other than the entrance and the elevator to his suite.
 
Due to the violence surrounding his family and his country, I asked if he was worried about his own safety.  He said that he was not worried.  Since he decided to become a political person, he said, he cannot think of safety.  If someone is to kill him, there is no way to stop this person.  When I think about this question, he is right.   The best security cannot protect anyone from being assasinated.  Many people say that they are worried about Obama, because he was the first black President in the United States.  I do not want to be pessimistic.  Just like the terrorists, how can we stop anyone whose focus is to kill?
How has he changed since I last saw him?  well, he is no longer just a care free citizen. while we used to talk only of easy subjects, today, he talks about how to be sure that the farmers in pakistan can grow crops that can get them more income (thus he went to hebei province to buy hybrid technology this time.  He talks about housing for the poor, the need for a better airport.  he talks of very weighty problems.  What a change.  What also struck me was how knowledgeable he is about so many things.  Maybe when I knew him as a normal person, he did not need to utilize what he knew, but today, he has to and has to lead the country.  The change was most enlightening. Running a country is not an easy task.  I fully feel (  This reminds me of my neighbours in new york city.  One of my neighbours is the Secretary General of the United Nations. SInce they are my neighbours,  I know them very well.  When they are in office, like Mr.boutros boutros ghalli, i used to see him stroll in our private garden with his head hanging low and body stooped, as if the world was on his shoulders.  but whenever we met somewhere in the world like Paris and Athens,  after his tour of duty,  he was light funny, always joking and utterly charming! 2 different persons! ) 
I asked President Asif if he will ever marry again. He asked  "why would I ever marry again?"  Good answer. He already has 3 children with Benazir.  Also he has a legacy to bear -- he is the widower of the former Prime Minister from a famous linage, a famous assasinated one no less.  But he is very attractive and has a most endearing way and good manners.  If he wants a girl friend, I am sure there is absolutely no problem whatsoever!
Since he will be coming back every 4 months, he said that he will come to a party in my home next time he comes.  The only request?  no cameras.
The meal he served me that other night was just great.  He brought a chef that could speak Chinese!  Pakistan food is much like Indian and Malaysian food.  It was delicious.  I guess if you are the President, you cannot have a bad cook!
When I saw him, the first thing I said was," Asif, congratulations! "   He looked at me and said:  "Yue-Sai, i do not know if it should be congratulations or condolence".  I understand what he means of course.  Destiny is unfathomable!  It is often determined by someone up there!  we are powerless as little humans.