it's very interesting, but the president zardari, for all of his faults. >> host: and they are many. >> guest: is actually a fairly savvy character, and i don't think he did this on purpose but inadvertently the peace deal with the taliban he signed in swat was sold to western countries and western diplomats as, we're going to give the taliban this. if they move out then we know what their real intentions are, and the irony -- i don't give him full credit for planning this cut be the irony i the taliban did just that. they moved out and the country has turn against the taliban. so it's a weird strategic success on his part that in light of sort of the spirit of objectivity i feel like i should give him credit for. >> host: well, i certainly the question now as we speak is will the pakistan army will continue the offensive or be another aborted one. we're speaking with a terrific young author, brave young man, nicholas schmidle. the author of "to live or perish forever" i would like to move away from your adventures. this is a remarkably written book. where did you learn to write so w