On the perils of being too nice

I caught Afghan President Hamid Karzai repeating the following sentiment on a "Late Edition" interview this afternoon with guest host John King.

Here is an excerpt from a Time Magazine article from earlier this month:

TIME: President Karzai, let me ask you about your own style of governance. A number of people have said that one of the best things about you is that you consult with a wide range of Afghans, people within your government, your cabinet...

Karzai: I am criticized for that.

TIME: At the same time there are a number of people who have said that is the wrong approach. You are too nice to be leading the country in this way in this time. Do you think you are too nice?

Karzai: Well it's not bad to be nice. It's a very good thing to be nice. But look. What was the problem in Afghanistan? Why did Afghanistan fall to terrorism and the trouble that caused you trouble as well in the rest of the world? The trouble was twofold.

(and he goes on to offer a coherent argument, which is something in itself. Whether or not it's a valid one, I couldn't say. I'm no expert on Afghanistan. But I can't help but root for the nice guy every once in a while.)