In Dukat's head---and of course in the Cardassian Union, he was a rather important individual. He was the face of the Occupation of Bajor, that which would revitalize Cardassia and replenish waning supplies. It was too bad it wouldn't last though, and with the upcoming end of the Occupation, Dukat's career would suffer. As if it was his fault the Occupation didn't last. He wasn't the one retreating.

"It does seem that way. But I can only hope that both the Federation and Cardassia know enough not to be baited. And it is a translucent baiting at best." A Cardassian school child could do better.