‘Osama in suit’: Pentagon ex-official for Pakistan Army chief Munir

In a statement ahead of a scheduled US and Russia meeting, former Pentagon official Michael Rubin made controversial remarks about Pakistan’s military leadership and US foreign policy.

#WATCH | Washington DC, USA | On upcoming meeting between US and Russia, Former Pentagon official Michael Rubin says, "...Asim Munir is Osama Bin Laden in a suit..."

He says, "Donald Trump is a businessman and is used to horse-trading... He does not understand that a bad peace… pic.twitter.com/Cra1y24e19

— ANI (@ANI) August 12, 2025

Rubin described Pakistan Army Chief General Asim Munir as “Osama Bin Laden in a suit,” warning that Munir’s ideology cannot be changed through diplomatic concessions.

He criticised the Pakistani military establishment for what he sees as increasing extremism and destabilising rhetoric, especially related to nuclear threats.

Rubin was referring to recent comments allegedly made by Munir, in which the general reportedly said that “if we go down, we take half the world with us".

The remarks have sparked sharp criticism from Indian officials, who condemned them as "nuclear sabre-rattling" and called Pakistan “an irresponsible state with nuclear weapons.”

The former official also took aim at US President Donald Trump, saying Trump’s business-like approach to diplomacy makes him vulnerable to making “bad peace deals” that could “advance war” instead of preventing it.

Rubin suggested that Trump’s desire for recognition, such as winning a Nobel Peace Prize, could cloud his judgment on national security matters.

Calling for a change in US policy, Rubin demanded revoking Pakistan’s status as a major non-NATO ally,

Besides designating it a state sponsor of terrorism and banning General Munir from entering the US.

Rubin said that Pakistan’s threats and extremist posturing should no longer be tolerated by the international community, especially the United States.

“The alternative,” he said, “is simply too great to bear.”