Stephen tipped Manchester City to win the Premiership title

Coach boots Tweets on club policy, disciplinary matters; Success continues to follow Stephen

Call Stephen Constantine a transformer.

The soccer coach has transformed many struggling teams into winning units.

From coaching national teams to professional clubs, Stephen has delivered timely results that many coaches would envy. He is currently the boss of Nea Salamina F C, a Cypriot top division team.

Stephen fashioned a 17-game unbeaten run for Nea Salamina to top the table.Besides being a UEFA pro license holder, Stephen became the youngest FIFA instructor at 38.

He has also authored a book titled: “A Year in the Championship.” A first-of-its-kind, the book chronicles training sessions conducted by the coaching staff of Millwall Football Club.

Among his notable achievements was coaching Millwall F C in the Championship league. He took over the side at a time when it was in the doldrums. Stephen managed to stem the rot with seven back-to-back wins that galvanized the team.

Under Stephen’s coaching, team India registered wins against some soccer powerhouses in Asia. He injected discipline and killer instinct into the team.

Stephen guided the Indian U-23 side to victory in the 2002 LG Cup final against Vietnam's full national side, and also led India’s U-18 in lifting the Ian Rush Trophy in Wales.

His other achievements include successful stints with Nepal and Malawi national teams. Stephen piloted team Nepal to the finals of the SAF Games for the first time ever. In recognition of his efforts, he was awarded by the King of Nepal.

Stephen built a team that helped Malawi reach the final stages of the World Cup qualifiers where the side beat Egypt and DR Congo.

Stephen in an exclusive interview with this writer touched on various issues, including social media, Premiership league and his achievements, among other things.

Question: How has social media impacted soccer?

Answer: Social media has not only raised the profile of the game, but has also created an information machine that is thirsty for any and all news gossip and the like.

Q: Professional soccer clubs are increasingly engaging their fans on social media. How does this benefit a team?

A: I am not sure if it has helped teams or not. Having said that, I believe it has a brighter side to it because you can access information you want. However, when players and staff members start leaking confidential matters, then it becomes a problem.

Q: Some managers don’t encourage players to Tweet about club policies and other issues. Players in the Premiership sometimes land in hot water for Tweeting about club policies and disciplinary issues. What are your views?

A: Personally, I don’t allow my players to Tweet about club matters or disciplinary issues. I believe some things need to remain in the dressing room, especially in our line of work. In other words, players need to accept that not everything needs to be in the public domain.

Q: Dropped players often vent their anger on Twitter…don’t you feel this can backfire?

A: Of course it can. As I said, we don’t need to air our differences in public. Moreover, it makes the player look childish. Clubs and managers monitor social media, and this could affect a player if he or she indulges in any negative communications.

Stephen with Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger

Q: As a team manager, do you engage in social media?

A: I have a website wherein I offer regular updates about myself and the club’s activities in general terms. But I never indulge in anything relating to the club policy, discipline or team matters.

Q: Many English teams now ask their fans to pick the team line-up on Twitter. Do you believe such an exercise helps a team’s cause?

A: Some clubs are making money out of this exercise. That’s fine. Everyone has their own view but the manager deals with the players on a day-to-day basis. He also deals with the daily personal problems as well. So when fans think so and so should play…are they aware of all the things that transpired that week? 

It’s not just about a player’s ability and playing. Things that need to be considered include: Did the player train right? Was he attending the training sessions at all? Consequently, there are many things that need to be considered before a team takes the field.

Q: The dynamics in the Premiership league are shifting with teams like Manchester City and Tottenham putting up impressive performances. Whom do you attribute their success?

A: In City’s case, it`s money power. They have spent, as we all know, millions to improve the team.  It`s down to the manager to gel those players and get them playing the way he wants, and so far this season they have done that.

Manager Roberto Mancini is doing a great job. It`s not easy to get those top players to play for the team, but he has done that and deserves a lot of credit. In the Premiership, a team must have the depth if it wants to go the distance.

On the other hand, Tottenham have also done really well. Manager Harry Redknapp over the last few years has done a great job. He is slowly, but surely building up the club and putting them in a position where they can beat any side on their day. Spurs qualified for Champions League football for the first time ever, and this underscores the club`s ability.

Q: We are seeing a sudden interest among Arabs in professional soccer clubs and they are investing heavily in them. For example, Manchester City is owned by Abu Dhabi royals. Spanish La Liga outfit, Malaga, was taken over by a Qatari businessman while another Spanish side, Getafe, was purchased by Dubai’s Royal Emirates Group. In addition, Qatar Foundation has a majority stake in Paris St Germaine besides being sponsor of FC Barcelona. Why has soccer become so attractive to Arabs? Do you foresee more Arab investors jumping on the bandwagon?

A: To be honest, I don’t think its sudden interest. Having coached Sudan, I can tell you they are as interested in their football as anywhere else. The fact that Arab countries are looking to buy clubs in Europe indicates that they want to be successful. Owning a club in Europe can also help the local country in terms of building relationships, sharing of knowledge and of course be a huge incentive to the local players. With the World Cup due to be held in Qatar, it’s going to a huge shot in the arm for soccer in the region.

Stephen with FA Cup

Q: Certain African players playing in the Premiership accused their managers of victimizing them, and not releasing them in a timely manner to play for their countries. Your comments.

A: As someone who has been on both sides of the fence, I understand the reason why this can cause a problem. Firstly, the clubs need the players. Secondly, there is a risk of the players getting injured, and then the length of time they are going to be away for. Are they training the right way? And what are they doing?

Most African players end up in Europe as a result of having played for their respective national teams.

Managers who rope in African players for their clubs are aware that they will be called up for a national team game, so I am not sure why they complain when they get selected. The best solution is for CAF to get in line with the rest of the world. Like all the other federations, hold the African Nations Cup in summer.

Q: Who you see as the favorite to win the Premiership title and why?

A: Man City of course. They have quality players and more depth than the other teams. Not only that, whoever comes off the bench is not reducing the quality in any way. For instance, Carlos Tevez has not been missed at all, but at any other club he would have been a big loss.

Q: FC Barcelona is going great guns. The way they demolished Santos recently underscores their supremacy. Their brand of soccer is exciting and unique. They control the pace by keeping the ball in their own territory before launching an attack. Wish this style of play was adopted by others. What are your thoughts?

A:It`s one thing to want to play like them. It’s quite another to have the players they have. You need to have the players to fit your style. You can’t copy teams if you don’t have the players to match that style of play. You must find a style that suits you and your club, and then bring in players that can fit into what you want to do.

Q: You have been instrumental in lifting your current team from the bottom to the top. How did this happen?

A: I have had a lot of help in getting the team where I wanted it to be, and we are not finished---you never finish. It’s about the staff, players and the selections we made during the summer. 

There was a great deal of effort exerted by everyone associated with the club to achieve what we have achieved in the last two years.  So basically it all boils down to hard work and people working together.

 Q: Which was your most challenging coaching assignment and why?

A: Every job I have had has a different challenge, there are always going to be highs and lows, and fortunately for me the highs have been many.  

For more information on Stephen, visit: http://www.stephenconstantine.co.uk/

Model Jesse loves working with designers Wendell Rodricks, Gavin Miguel and Rohit Verma.

Pilot Jesse aborts takeoff to pursue modeling career

Pilot Jesse Randhawa’s career was set for a takeoff.

But the commercial pilot found herself in a bit of turbulence. She began to realize that piloting was not something she wanted to do.

Jesse then decided to ground herself, and follow her true passion: modeling. Proving to be as talented as she is pretty, Jesse sizzled on the ramp, and started featuring on  covers of fashion magazines.

And if that wasn’t enough, she began getting roles in films, and since then her career graph has seen consistent rise. Jesse has acted in many Bollywood films but is well-known for her roles in “No Smoking,” and “Gulaal “ in which she plays a lecturer.

Jesse is also a trained kick boxer and ballroom dancer. As a dancer, she cast her magical spell on the audience at the World Economic Forum.

The media shy-actress rarely offers interviews, and calls herself a “private person.” Jesse was among the finalists in the Miss India contest alongside Miss Universe Aishwarya Rai and Sushmita Sen.

From Wendell Rodricks to Gavin Miguel to Rohit Verma, Jesse has teamed up with the industry’s top designers.

Success has not changed the tall and graceful star as she has her feet firmly planted on the terra firma.

In an exclusive interview with this writer, Jesse talks about her career path, Indian fashion industry and ballroom dancing, among other things.

Question: What prompted you to switch career from a pilot to model? Was it a difficult transition?

A: Yeah it was difficult because I had spent a lot of time and money to get my pilot’s license. But at the same time, I was passionate about modeling. Having said that, I was ready to get back to flying if modeling didn’t click for me.

Q:Do you have any regrets when you look back on your airline career?

A: I have no regrets that I sacrificed my pilot career for modeling. I am very happy with the way things are going for me both as a model and an actress.

Q:Can you tell us something about your kick boxing career? Did you receive any formal training in that?

A: During my school and college days, I practiced Taekwondo regularly but lost touch as modeling took off. However, later I took to kick boxing to stay fit and healthy. I attained senior belt level.

Q: Which profession you enjoy the most?

A: I like to balance them all---be it modeling, acting or dancing. I enjoy each of them, and do it to the best of my abilities.

Q: How did ballroom dancing happen?

A: Ballroom dancing happened when I met the king of dance---Sandip Soparrkar. His posture, body language and attitude inspired me to take up dancing. In a nutshell, Sandip’s vivacious persona drew me into dancing. We later got into a relationship, and we are now happily married.

Q: Can you talk about some of your ongoing projects as a model/actress?

A: I am currently associated with many shows, including fashion and Television. I am also doing a few films, but not in a position to divulge the details due to the non-disclosure agreement. These projects are keeping me pre-occupied.

Q: Of late we are seeing a lot of foreign models entering into the Indian industry...do you believe they use the fashion industry as a gateway to Bollywood?

A: To be honest, some of them enter Bollywood with that in mind. However, for many it’s pure passion. It would be unfair to paint everyone with the same brush.

Q: A lot of foreign brands have come into India, thereby creating a stiff competition. Many local brands are now struggling...what’s your take on this?

A: Competition is always good. It improves creativity and the quality of products, and this is great from the consumer’s point of view.

Q: Name some of the fashion designers who you enjoy working with, and what sets them apart?

A: I love working with Wendell Rodricks, Sabyasachi, Gavin Miguel, Shahab Durazi, Rohit Bal and Narendra Kumar. They are all distinctive in their creativity and style. In short, they are the true trendsetters of fashion in India.

Q: What advice would you give to young aspiring models?

A: The things that work well for a model is...be yourself, never copy, feel comfortable and enjoy being you. Only then people will love you.

Q: How much importance do you attach to social media to promote your personal brand?

A: I am not into social media. I am neither on Facebook nor on Twitter. I am a very private person and like to keep myself that way. I am very happy with my family and my close friends knowing me.

Q: Are you content with what you have achieved so far as a model and actress?

A: I believe no artist has a sense of contentment. We all keep raising the bar and I am no different. 

SAM IN ACTION: West Ham boss injects self-belief and urgency into his side. 

EXCLUSIVE: ONE-ON-ONE INTERVIEW (FILE) WITH SAM. VIDEO BY DIANNE KAVI. COPYRIGHT.

West Ham boss off to good start, needs to carry on the momentum; manager backs application of technology to make crucial decisions

Sam Allardyce has a burning ambition.

He has set his sights firmly on coaching the English national soccer team.

"I'd walk over burning coals to get the England job," he recently told a pack of reporters with a sense of pride in his words.

This comes after the current England coach Fabio Capello confirmed that he would quit after the Euro 2012.

Sam is currently the boss of West Ham United, and faces a challenge in that he has to lift his club to the top of the Npower Championship table if his ambition is to get wings.

Sam was ostensibly considered for the top job in 2006 but Steve McCLaren eventually turned the tables on him. Managing the English side has proved a daunting task for Capello, and his predecessors; even as the team has produced some spineless performances in the past despite plenty of talent.

Sam took charge of West Ham after his predecessor Avram Grant was shown the door following a string of losses. Sam's only downside is that he was never at the helm of a top flight club in the Premiership league.

However, going by his past performances, Sam is riding on some good results at Bolton Wanderers and Blackburn Rovers.

I believe Sam deserves a chance to prove his mettle provided his team finishes among the top two. Sam is an Englishman who knows the psychology, style and strengths of the players. On a personal note, I am impressed by his showing at West Ham.

Before his arrival, West Ham was tottering. Sam injected self-belief and urgency into his side and the result is there for everyone to see. West Ham is now sitting pretty in the second position.

They face stiff competition as only four points separate the top four clubs. Though West Ham fans have accused him of not playing the West Ham way, he has produced results, and that is the bottom line, rest everything takes a back seat.

Interview with Sam

I had the opportunity to interview Sam during his visit to the Gulf where he was eyeing to attract investment for his club. Back then, he was the boss of Bolton Wanderers.

During a marathon interview with Sam, I bombarded him with queries relating to English soccer, application of technology, and his views on Spanish league, among others.

Sam came across as a very focused and dedicated manager who was determined to finish among the top four in the Premiership. What struck me most about Sam was his oodles of positive attitude which seemed to have rubbed quite well on his present side.

Responding to a question, Sam noted that the Premiership league is superior as compared to the other leagues in the world, and that the ferocious tempo and athleticism of the players sets it apart.

Elaborating further, Sam added: “The strength and athleticism of the players in the Premiership is much higher for the complete game. The tempo of the match is ferocious and goes at a higher pace throughout the game.”

He said a Premiership game starts on a fast note and stays that way until the final whistle, and as a result skilful players need to produce their skills much quicker as compared to Italian or Spanish leagues.

Sam buttressed the application of technology in soccer and that there was an imperative need to review critical decisions because a wrong decision could prove devastating for a club, especially in competitive leagues.

Sam lamented that the number of English players playing top-flight soccer had dwindled, and as a result the national manager had not enough pool to choose from.

Responding to the claim that English players were unable to deliver outside England, Sam refused to buy the argument.

When pointed out that former Manchester United hitman David Beckham had come cropper at Real Madrid, Sam thundered:  “Beckham was under a lot of pressure because Real Madrid was frequently changing its coach, and as a result blame cannot be heaped on to the star.”

Sam stonewalled a query when asked whether he would coach a foreign national team.

Can Sam pull it off? Sam’s future hangs in balance. If West Ham manages to bag the Championship, then Sam could find himself in the reckoning for the top job. It’s a formidable task but not impossible.

WAR ON TERROR

EXCLUSIVE ONE-ON-ONE INTERVIEW (FILE) WITH SPANTA: VIDEO BY NATHAN MARTIN. COPYRIGHT.

Interview with ex-Afghan foreign minister; Karzai denies Pak-US war comments, says he was misquoted

The Afghan President Hamid Karzai is no stranger to controversies. He recently found himself in hot water after he reportedly told a TV channel that in event of a war between the US and Pakistan, he would back Pakistan.

Karzai later back tracked noting that his comments were taken out of context. Karzai has often berated Pakistan for interfering in his country’s affairs. This is not the first time Karzai has come under fire, and probably won’t be the last.

In the past, Karzai has fired broadsides at the US only to make U-turns later. According to some newspaper reports, Karzai is on a chemically-induced emotional roller-coaster.

Coming on the heels of a tense relations between the US and Pakistan, things have come to a complete pass following the killing of Osama Bin Laden. The US, however, has ruled out the possibility of a war with its ally.

Karzai must not forget the monumental contribution of the Americans as the Afghan people owe their freedom to the Americans who freed them from the clutches of Taleban. The US was also involved in the rebuilding of Afghanistan that involves sectors such as health, infrastructure and energy, among others.  

Moreover, the American security blanket around Karzai has kept the president away from harm’s way. I am not trying to lionize the Americans but giving credit where it is due.

On the other side of the spectrum, Karzai also owes India in a great measure. His fledgling government is being trained in New Delhi, and Karzai himself studied political science in India. In addition, India has offered $2 billion developmental assistance, and built a new parliament building.

Karzai often expressed his gratitude to New Delhi but when it came to Pakistan he changed colors. India has been a victim of the cross-border terrorism, and has often accused Pakistan of carrying out attacks on its soil.

Interview with Former Afghan foreign minister Dr. Rangin Spanta

I firmly believe that Afghanistan has some great leaders, and one of them is Dr. Rangin Spanta, who served as the foreign minister in the Karzai-led government. Spanta also served as a senior adviser to Karzai. He also taught at the RWTH Aachen University, Germany.

Given his wealth of political knowledge and international exposure, Dr. Spanta is a perfect fit for the presidency. In an interview with Dr. Spanta during his visit to the Gulf, I found him very articulate, and there is a sense of candidness about him. He spoke about a variety of issues, including rebuilding of Afghanistan, US monetary assistance, war on terror and Afghanistan’s economy.

Dr. Spanta was quick to acknowledge the US contribution to his country. He went on to add: “The Americans freed us from the reign of terror and this is the reason why a majority of Afghans support the presence of American troops and other foreign forces in Afghanistan. America played a dominant role against terror and it would have not been possible to combat terrorism without its cooperation.”

Taking the point further, he added: “The Americans have been playing a significant role as more than 50 per cent of the monetary aid comes from the US. They also have contributed towards rebuilding various sectors, including infrastructure, energy and health, among others.”

Dr. Spanta also lauded the role of Nato troops and added that Afghanistan needed their presence till its security apparatus was back on its feet.

                                              Rohit Verma
Acting boosts popularity of top Indian fashion designer; Rohit set to launch biggest flagship store amid pomp

Fashion and acting go hand-in-hand for Rohit Verma.

Though Rohit has established himself as a well-known Indian fashion designer, it was acting that thrust him to greater fame.

Besides designing ensembles for the crème da la crème of Bollywood, Rohit has organized many successful international fashion shows. Rohit became a house-hold name after he featured in the Big Boss Season Three, TV series, and that sent his stocks soaring.

Rohit cut his acting teeth in a cameo role in the film “Page Three” and that won him acclaim and brought to surface his acting talent. Rohit recently signed a new film but kept the details under the wraps in line with the non-disclosure agreement.

Rohit has again found himself in the news as he is hosting a popular TV show in which he takes tongue-in-cheek barbs at celebrities.

Rohit’s own brand Hare has found instant success. Hare’s forte lies in its unique augmentation of mystically synthesizing rich colors of his native homeland with elegance of a global woman.

In an exclusive interview with this writer, Rohit talked about a range of issues, including the global fashion trend, his current projects and social media, among others.

Q: Are you content with the way fashion industry is progressing on the global level?

 A: Fashion industry and the need for fashion have grown several folds as much as to say it has become a necessity today as opposed to luxury before.  This change has prompted each designer to churn out more and more, and deliver new products from time to time.

Q: How would you describe brand Hare in your own words?

 A: Hare is all about Lord Krishna as he has always been there in my life in my good and bad times, ups and downs.  In short, I work towards a good beginning, most of the time for people i.e. making garments for their weddings etc. I think it’s always good to have a spiritual, positive vibe around the clothes.

Q: What are some of the characteristics that have enabled you to carve a niche for yourself?

A: I am focusing on brand Hare to cater to the mid-income and high-income market. More importantly, I personally attend to most of my clients without keeping my celebrity status in the way of business.

Q:  What are some of the current projects you are working on?

A: Well, I am currently doing Style Strip which is a show that I am anchoring on Zoom TV. It is one of the leading entertainment channels associated with Bollywood, where I slam celebrities on similar lines of Fashion Police. I also have signed a movie with a leading banner which I cannot disclose due to a non-disclosure agreement.  I am also on the cusp of opening my flagship store in Juhu, Mumbai.

This is going to be one of the biggest by a designer with an area admeasuring around 5000 sq ft. It will feature men’s, women’s wear, pret as well as couture.  Additionally, it will also encompass Indian as well as Western wear from cocktail dresses to gowns to lehengas to pret suits.  I am also having a launch for the brand on November 8 at Sheesha Lounge in Juhu where there will be a fashion show. This event will be based on the Las Vegas theme featuring all top models, and a few celebrities walking the ramp.

Q: Do you have a publicist?

 A: I do not need a publicist as where ever I go, the media follows me, as I was a part of a very big reality show---Big Boss Season Three. Such was the publicity that it has become difficult for me to visit a public place in India without being mobbed.  I got the show on my own steam and my past achievements.

Q: How much importance do you accord to publicity?

 A: Publicity is important for a brand but at the end of the day, it’s about what you deliver and the word of mouth that spreads a positive goodwill in the market and among the clients.

Q: Do you use the social media platforms, such as Twitter and Facebook to reach out to your fans, or to promote your brand for that matter?

A:  I do interact with my fans on Facebook even as some students see me as their idol/mentor. I do guide them, and chat with them on Facebook.  As for me, it’s not really about brand promotion on social media but interacting with fans and followers alike.

Q: Can you touch on some of your celebrity clients both in India and elsewhere?

A: We have been dressing up several Bollywood actresses, and were also the ones who designed Liz Hurley’s wedding outfit.  The Bollywood celebrities are our regular clientele as our store is based in the heart of where the big names in Bollywood live.

Q: How has fashion industry evolved over the past few years in India?

A: Fashion Industry has grown several folds in India and abroad with international fashion outlets coming into India and the growth in the Indian market itself making the environment highly competitive. This is in a way good for the industry because consumers get quality at a good price.

Q: Have you worked on any projects in Canada?

 A: I do have clients in Canada whose outfits I have designed…NRI's who come down to India for their bridal or wedding wear.  

For more information on Rohit’s collection visit: www.rohitkverma.com

                Minister Churchill Alemao drives home a point. Photo by Peter DaSilva

Passion fuels Churchill to be publicist of his own soccer club; Politico overcomes crisis with shrewd tactics

Churchill Alemao dons multiple hats. He is the owner of a top flight soccer club in India, and a successful politician. Add to that his role of a publicist for his club, besides being a business tycoon.

 “It gives me a great satisfaction to promote my own club, and this is something that I cannot describe in words,” Churchill said during a telephonic interview with this writer.

Churchill is the boss of Churchill Brothers Sports Club, and currently the Minister of Technology, and Public Works and Development in the State Cabinet.

“It’s not that we cannot afford a publicist but cementing your own brand with your own communications efforts is totally rewarding and enriching experience,” adds Churchill, who despite his gruelling schedule regularly finds time to promote his club activities.  

Churchill Brothers enjoy the distinction of being the first ever family owned club in India. Besides winning the domestic league, the club left its imprint by registering wins over some formidable clubs in Asia.

Churchill has emerged as a political heavyweight with his sharp acumen, and has been instrumental in promoting soccer at the grassroots level in India.

His club boasts of players who have made a mark on the international circuit. Though his rivals have levelled allegations of graft against him, Churchill has slammed them as “politically motivated.”

Churchill has proven skills in handling crisis management.  

Churchill’s PR efforts came to the fore when he managed to bail himself out from a controversy that was threatening to snowball. He managed to clear his image on his own steam. His party later gave him a clean chit.

Moreover, one of his players was also embroiled in a controversy, but managed to ride out of the storm with Churchill embarking on a fire fighting mission on a war footing.

Churchill opined that it is important to build good relations with the media personnel and disseminate information in a quick fashion to counter any negative publicity.

“Journalists should be treated on an even keel. When you promise something to them, deliver on it. That is very important,” he asserted.

 “It all boils down to passion for the job you do, nothing more, nothing less. If you put your heart and soul into your job, then you will definitely go a long way,” says Churchill with a tinge of excitement in his voice.

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Call to get US marines off the streets; attacking Iran will be terrible mistake: Former US Commander in Chief

Iraqis can take some solace from the fact that violence is showing some signs of respite with the number of civilians killed in September 2011 fell to 110 from 155 in August. In May this year, a total of 102 civilians died, even as this has been the lowest figure in 2011.  

Iraq has a long way to go in rebuilding its war-torn infrastructure. In April this year, the Iraqi Cabinet approved $37-billion program to upgrade its infrastructure. Of the $37b, a whopping $10-billion has been allocated to transport infrastructure.

Iraq’s security apparatus leaves a lot to be desired. The alleged peneration of some Baathist elements (Saddam loyalists) into the security apparatus has made the situation even more worse.

More importantly, the country has been found wanting when it comes to attracting foreign investors.

The onus is now on the current government to create a conducive economic atmosphere for foreign investors, who are within the region. There are a number of well-known regional players which definitely will capitalize on the investment opportunities provided they are extended stability and security blanket.  

Violence and lack of stability in the country have left ordinary Iraqis frustrated. I interviewed many Iraqis who seemed to be disenchanted with the state of the affairs post-Saddam Hussein.

They were unequivocal in saying that they enjoyed security and stability during Saddam’s regime, besides uninterrupted flow of running water and electricity. This, they said, was a far cry under the present regime.

Joseph Hoar, Former US Commander in Chief

A person who is well-versed in the Middle East affairs, and particularly Iraq is none other than Joseph Hoar, the Former Commander in Chief of the United States Central Command.

During his visit to the Gulf, I interviewed Joseph on the sidelines of a security related conference where he was one of the speakers and kept the audience enthused with his witty remarks.

Joseph was charmingly forthcoming in his replies during the interview, and fielded a range of questions ranging from US troops drawdown, Iran to sectarian violence.

He opposed the idea of American soldiers manning the checkpoints in Iraq, noting a premature withdrawal of the US troops from Iraq would be seen as a defeat to America.

Replying to a question, Joseph noted that any decision to attack Iran would be a "terrible mistake" and that the Americans had important issues to deal with.

He affirmed that the US went to war with Iraq on a false pretext, and that there were no weapons of mass destructions in Iraq.

Stretching the point further, he quipped: “The American people were misled on Iraq.”