Ex-Pentagon Official Labels Pakistan Army Chief ‘Osama bin Laden in a Suit,’ Urges US Visa Ban

Former Pentagon official Michael Rubin has strongly condemned Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munir’s recent nuclear threat made during his visit to the United States, comparing his rhetoric to that of Osama bin Laden.

Rubin stated, “The Field Marshal’s words are reminiscent of Osama bin Laden,” and added, “Americans tend to view terrorism through grievances but miss the ideological motivations. Asim Munir is Osama bin Laden in a suit.”

Munir’s warning in Tampa, Florida—“We are a nuclear nation. If we think we are going down, we’ll take half the world down with us”—drew sharp criticism. Rubin questioned the US military’s response, saying, “It is troubling that US generals did not walk out of meetings with Munir.”

Calling for tougher measures, Rubin urged the US to revoke Pakistan’s status as a major non-NATO ally, designate it as a state sponsor of terrorism, and exclude it from US Central Command activities. He demanded, “Asim Munir should be declared persona non grata in the US and denied visas until Pakistan issues an explanation and apology.”

India also denounced Munir’s nuclear threats as “nuclear sabre-rattling.” The Ministry of External Affairs expressed concern over Pakistan’s nuclear command and its links to terrorist groups, affirming India’s commitment to counter any nuclear intimidation and safeguard its national security.