Taliban behead two Pakistani officials in Swat

[bemildred]

Source: Reuters

MINGORA, Pakistan, May 3 (Reuters) - Pakistani Taliban have beheaded two government officials in the northwestern Swat Valley in revenge for the killing of two insurgent commanders by security forces, a militant spokesman said on Sunday.

Authorities struck a peace deal in February aimed at ending militant violence in the former tourist valley of Swat but the militants have refused to disarm and pushed out of the valley into neighbouring districts.

The Pakistani Taliban aggression raised alarm in the United States and in Islamabad, and a week ago the security forces launched an offensive to expel militants from two of Swat's neighbouring districts.

The two government officials were kidnapped and beheaded on Saturday evening in Khuwaza Kheil, a village 18 km (10 miles) north of the valley's main town of Mingora, said town police chief Danishwar Khan.


Read more: http://www.reuters.com/article/vcCandidateFeed1/idUSISL175161

[ensho]

1. Pakistan has to stop these religiously insane men, like now

who is going to save the women and girls of Swat?

[Hulk]

2. I can only imagine this happening here....

...and how long we'd put up with this bull shit. I'm all for freedom of religion and speech, but cutting off heads is just getting old. It's taking the "glenn beck" route a bit too far. Killing your sister because she sang on TV is a bit over the top. I'm sure vannity would approve of such actions, but I'm not sure when Pakistan is going to pull their head out of their ass and put some sanity back into this region of the world.

We watch the same crap down in Mexico with the drug cartels. It's past time to take them head on (little pun there). They've stepped way over the line, and although beck and his followers would be proud, the rest of the world is appalled at such heathen savagery.

[ProgressiveProfessor]

9. It won't. When did xtain fundies last stone someone to death for being gay or marital infidelity?

Look to Mecca...that is where the problem is

[kirby]

13. Matthew Shepard? n/t

[ProgressiveProfessor]

15. The people who did that did not do it as part of enfiorced xtian laws and were convicted for it

The stoning of gays and women for infidelity is part of Sharia law.

[DUlover2909]

3. How hard is it to defeat these people?

Am I missing something? Is there some nuance to this conflict that is not obvious? We are at war with the Taliban at this point. We know where they are, right? There are nuclear weapons at risk. We assume that the Taliban is a terrorist organization that supports Al-Quida and Bin Laden. So when do we start dropping Cobalt 60 sources all over the area until they are subdued? They appear to be a relentless and irrational enemy that can not be reasoned with. I may seem callous in my tactics, but they are ruthless murderers and butchers, and it is a war. I do not condone torture but in war all things are fair. Drop some radiation on them and I would suspect that they would concede fairly soon. Then we could recover the sources and thereby remove the contamination somewhat easily.

I'm asking because I do not presume to understand all of the related contingencies that might exist. I don't live there and I do not know what the innocent civilian arrangement is in their environemt.

[muriel_volestrangler]

7. Is this sarcasm of some kind?

Your solution would be to poison an entire district with radioactive material? One thing is for sure - that'd catch many innocent civilians, for many years. Few things are more indiscriminate that radioactivity.

[east texas lib]

16. Read up on neutron weapons, nt

[muriel_volestrangler]

17. I can't see the relevance of your comment

The previous poster suggested dropping radioactive cobalt on the area; I said this would kill civilians, and for many years,and you suggest I read about neutron weapons. Those are not what they suggested; and while their radiation may not be long-lasting, it's still just as indiscriminate, and as much of a psychopathic response to the situation as dropping cobalt 60 is. No-one has been mad enough to use a neutron bomb yet, in the whole world; why do you bring it up now?

[east texas lib]

23. Because chocolate chip cookie bombs would only piss them off.

Also they respond to negotiation rather poorly. They seem to prefer beheading to peaceful
co-existence. But whatever works for you, by all means.

[DUlover2909]

18. No I wasn't being sarcastic.

I mean I don't happen to know how the Taliban has organized itself. Does it operate in camps and mountainous passes mostly or is it fully integrated into a civilian population? We don't get alot of footage over there or media coverage that explains the problems associated with combat operations. I was speaking hyperbolically in that a solution exists in that we do happen to have overwhelming technological superiority. I don't think for a moment that we SHOULD use radiation or atomic bombs, I mean given all of our resources, why are we still being thwarted by these guys? Sorry for the misunderstanding, although my suggestion does appear to suggest that I did condone the use of radiation. I should have been more clear.

[bemildred]

19. The problem is that it's difficult to defeat ideas with weapons.

We're quite good at killing, but that doesn't really address the problem, and genocide is (thankfully) still off the table. "The Taliban" are a loosely organized group of religious-reactionary agrarian peasants, modestly supported by outside sources, not large in number, but in agreement with the population they live within that they want to run their own affairs. It's not a new sort of situation, and the solutions are well known, but they require patience and don't offer any domestic political advantages. In politics one rarely gets credit for doing a good job, but one can get re-elected for a long time by fending off self-created disasters.

[sledgehammer]

8. How hard was it for the US to...

...catch Osama? Defeat the Vietcong? Control the insurgents in Iraq? Prevent the Taliban from making gains in Afghanistan?

Your solution is like saying Israel should drop radiation on Palestine to stop the suicide bombers and militants. Or the US should do the same in Iraq.

It's not a simple good guy / bad guy situation down there. Pakistan is a conservative Muslim country. So there is sympathy for religious elements throughout the country.

However, now that the horrors of the Taliban are clear to see, Pakistanis are realizing the difference between conservatism and extremism, and public opinion is turning against the Taliban, and in favor of military action. But this is very recent stuff.

Taliban are the minority in the areas they are in power, but they have seized control through violence and intimidation. They are big bullies with guns. Carpet bombing the Northern Areas will result in way more civilian death than Taliban deaths. And these guys don't care about anything, including their own lives, so they will fight to the end, regardless of the cost.

This battle is going to go on for a while. Taliban will respond with suicide bombings in the main cities of Pakistan and against minorities. But military action is the only solution. Thankfully, the public has started to support it.

[bemildred]

4. National consensus shaping up visibly against terrorism: Shah Mehmood

MULTAN, May 3 (APP): Foreign Minister Makhdoom Shah Mehmood Qureshi said on Sunday that national consensus was shaping up visibly across the country speaking up. He said “ we will not surrender before the forces harming the interests of the country and distorting the image of Islam.” Addressing the last session of Hazrat Shah Rukn‑e‑Alam national conference at the mausoleum of the renowned saint on the last day of the 695th Urs, Foreign Minister said, “ we will not surrender before those who want to impose their own point of view and political leadership will carry forward this unanimous national message on way to fighting terrorism and extremism so that no force could dare harm Pakistan’s interests.”

He said that national consensus has been evolved and now emerging and attaining a shape as a consequent effect of evolutionary process against extremism and terrorism adding that it did not happen overnight.

He said that people and organizations having different thoughts are converging at one point, only for Pakistan, for rule of the people and constitution, protect democratic norms, and to save the federation.

Foreign Minister said that Sunni Tehrik has decided to activate itself against Talibanization. And, Jamat Ahl‑e‑Sunnat leader Syed Mazhar Saeed Kazmi has convened a meeting of Ulema today and they would project true picture of Islam and what this religion preaches exactly to counter negative thinking.

http://www.app.com.pk/en_/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=75140&Itemid=38

[sledgehammer]

6. I've been saying this for a while now...

...public opinion is turning against these nuts, and in support of military action.

The ceding of Swat may have been the best unintentional move. It's made clear to most Pakistanis the difference between conservatism and extremism.

Still a long way to go though, but getting public opinion on your side is a good first step.

[bemildred]

12. We will see.

I think the chicken-little-ism about "The Taliban" is unwarranted and politically movitivated. Whether Pakistan will march unified into a glorious future is another matter. I thought it was interesting to get the alternative viewpoint presented in that piece though, however wretched literal the translation.

[Turbineguy]

5. Follow the money

Sure, they live like cockroaches, but they don't work either. Somebody is paying their way.

[Coventina]

10. Militants terrorize residents of Pakistan's Swat Valley

http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/news/world/stories/DN-swat_03int.ART.State.Edition1.4af8df5.html

MINGORA, Pakistan – Two weeks after the Pakistani government capitulated to Islamist demands and agreed to impose Islamic law throughout the Swat valley, armed militants are patrolling the streets of the district capital. Masked gunmen have taken control of outlying districts, where they're terrorizing residents and using intimidation to close girls' schools.

Along major roads in the one-time tourist destination about 100 miles north of the capital, Islamabad, the Taliban have set up checkpoints. In towns, they have looted homes and stolen vehicles belonging to charitable organizations, residents said.

The Pakistani government has portrayed the deal that it struck with the militants, which President Asif Ali Zardari signed on April 13, as the means to re-establish the writ of the state. Residents and officials said, however, that the Taliban appear to be in control and are pushing Swat toward becoming an independent extremist fiefdom.

"The Taliban have tasted power. They will not give that back," said one Mingora teacher, who asked not to be identified for fear of retaliation by the extremists. "They have committed so many atrocities since 2007 that they can't give up power; they would not be safe."

[ohio2007]

20. Taliban refused the "list" of clerics presented to them ( by sectarianists) to lead sharia courts

now the shit will hit the fan

Sharia and democracy are incompatible: Sufi

....the Swat Taliban have rejected the setting up of Darul Qaza and appointments of (judges) as a unilateral decision of the government, saying Sufi Mohammad was not consulted before the announcement.



Talking to media persons, after TNSM Shura’s meeting at its headquarter in Bilal Mosque Amandara, Therik spokesman Amir Izzat Khan said the setting up of Darul Qaza in Malakand was a one-sided decision by the government and TNSM chief was not consulted prior to the announcement in this regard.

.......
Maulana Sufi Muhammad said on the occasion that ‘delegating powers of Qazis to judges is Ghair-Sharaee,’ adding: ‘we want Sharaee Qazis in accordance with Shariat Muhammadi.’ He said TNSM wanted to transform the present judicial system into Islamic Sharia system.



He said Sharia and democracy are totally different systems, adding we consider democracy as Kuffar (infidelity) and believe in system of Quran and Sunnah. He said constitution of Pakistan is Islamic and it was not practically implemented in the country.



He said we are still ready for talks and stand by our promise of restoring peace in Malakand if Shariah was implemented in its true spirit. He reiterated that there is no justification of taking arms after practical implementation of Shariah.

......

..Darul Qaza should be so powerful that it could summon the president, prime minister, Maulana Sufi Mohammad and even Maulana Fazlullah to appear before it.




Muslim Khan ruled out the supply of arms to the Taliban by foreign states, adding they had successfully stolen weapons from Pakistan security forces. He expressed full confidence in Sufi Mohammad, saying they would follow the directives of Sufi Mohmmad regarding Darul Qaza and Qazi courts.

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/asia/article6211511.ece

Taliban terror holds 2,000 villagers as human shields

TALIBAN militants who have seized swathes of North West Frontier Province in Pakistan have inflicted a reign of terror on villagers, landowners and the police, using kidnapping, looting, pillaging and murder to impose their will.


......
in one Taliban-controlled village, Pir Baba in Buner, the militants were holding 2,000 people as human shields in case the army attacked.

Elsewhere the Taliban appeared to be relying on kidnapping to extort funds and intimidate the population. Many of their victims have been members of rich families. “Kidnapping has become routine in our village. Armed Taliban were picking up people and then demanding a huge ransom for their release,”

.....

President Asif Ali Zardari, who will meet Barack Obama at the White House this week, launched Operation Black Thunder last Sunday with the aim of rolling back the Taliban advance. Many regard it as a last throw of the dice by a desperately weak president.

....
The Taliban leadership, including Muslim Khan, its spokesman, has gone underground but its illegal FM radio channel – founded by Maula-na Fazlullah, nicknamed “Radio Mullah” – is still broadcasting. Taliban commanders continue to issue orders and propaganda on its airwaves.

.....All foreign press are banned and a television crew has been attacked.

On Friday the hardline cleric Sufi Muhammad, the father-in-law of Fazlullah, came out of hiding. The North West Frontier government hopes that he can become a go-between in talks to persuade the Taliban to withdraw peacefully. Some fear he is losing his hold over the militants: the Taliban had ignored his request to stay in Swat. But without talks the fighting could be long and bloody.

While the battle rages, the local people continue to suffer. Zarif Khan, a villager in Shal-bandai, Buner, described his plight: “We’re hostages. We can go nowhere.

“We can’t leave or stay put. We’re caught between a rock and a hard place.”

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/asia/article6211511.ece?token=null&offset=0&page=1

[IndianaGreen]

11. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia continues to fund and support the Taleban

and the schools in Pakistan that train future Taleban cadres.

[Odin2005]

22. Which is why we need to reseach oil-free energy.

FUCK THE SAUDIS!!! they can take their Wahabbism and shove it up their rears.

[aquart]

14. Killing others is no problem for them.

Killing them is no problem for me. Taliban men are worthless to women.

[Odin2005]

21. These wackos need a smackdown ASAP..

[ohio2007]

24. Swat deal is over: Muslim Khan ( Taliban declare unconditional war on sectarian govt.)

well, unconditional war until they are backed into a corner and need to 'negotiate'

ISLAMABAD: The Swat peace pact stands dissolved and the militants present in Swat, Matta, Kabal and Sangla as well as their commanders have asked for permission to fight everywhere, sources told The News on Sunday

Our peace agreement with the NWFP government practically stands dissolved,” confirmed Muslim Khan, a spokesman for the Swat chapter of the banned Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), while talking to The News via telephone. ìForces are attacking us and our fighters are also retaliating,î he said.




The TTP Swat spokesman vowed that their fighters would now attack security forces and the government figures everywhere. He said the rulers were obeying every directive of US President Barack Obama.

If the Awami National Party supports us, we will not harm them. But if they sided with the government, they too will become our target. However, our main target will be security forces and the rulers of Pakistan. We will also act in other cities of Pakistan but

will not target the general public, the TTP spokesman said.

To a question, the TTP spokesman ruled out the involvement of India and Afghanistan and said no outside elements were involved in the Swat unrest.

Answering a question about the peace accordís scrapping, the TNSM spokesman said: ìWe do not know as to who is conducting the operation — the federal government or security forces — but we know that it is being launched to please the United States.î

Regarding the involvement of India and Afghanistan in the Swat imbroglio, the TNSM spokesman claimed the two countries had nothing to do with the unrest in the region. He said it was only a reaction to the government policies. He said neither they had amassed arms nor were they getting financial help from abroad. He said the people of Swat had been demanding the enforcement of the Islamic law in the area since 1989.

"If the prevailing situation persists, the government will lose control over the area and reaction to the government actions will also be witnessed in other cities of the country. In that situation, even the TNSM will be unable to control the situation," Ameer Izzat Khan claimed.

http://www.thenews.com.pk/top_story_detail.asp?Id=21906

meanwhile,in other parts of Pakistan the people are upset with the government. Actually, in order to form a more perfect union, they are redrawing thier form of governance in that part of the splintered state of Pakistan.

Balochistan decides to abolish district govts

snip

According to sources, Chief Secretary Nasir Mehmood Khosa said the Balochistan Local Government Act would be presented in the provincial assembly as a bill for adoption before sending it to the federal government for approval.



Under the new law, urban and rural areas would be differentiated and rural councils would also be set up. It was also decided to hold next local bodies elections on non-party basis under a new election authority. The new act would abolish the provincial local bodies’ commission and authorise the government to audit local government funds.



The provincial government would also be able to dissolve the institutions and suspend or dismiss their heads. Like before, metropolitan corporations and municipal committees would be headed by mayors and chairmen, respectively. Women would get 33 per cent representation.


Chief Minister Nawab Aslam Raisani said that district governments had consistently failed to use their powers, creating a lot of problems for the people. He said that maintaining law and order was their primary responsibility, but they did not play any positive role.


snip


http://www.dawn.com/wps/wcm/connect/dawn-content-library/dawn/news/pakistan/provinces/12-balochistan-decides-to-abolish-district-govts--bi-09

? Wonder if the feds in Islamabad will sign off on it?
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=102&topic_id=3660502&mesg_id=3663871

LOL
like it matters now

[ohio2007]

25. Suicide attack on convoy kills seven in Peshawar

According to previous press releases by AQ and the Talibans order of battle; there are no 'civilians' in jihad.

...our main target will be security forces and the rulers of Pakistan. We will also act in other cities of Pakistan

but will not target the general public, the TTP spokesman said.

Suicide attack on convoy kills seven in Peshawar

PESHAWAR: At least seven people, including two school children and a Frontier Corps personnel, were killed and 48 others suffered wounds in a suicide car bomb blast at a security check post on Bara Road, some 12 kilometers from here, on Tuesday morning.

.....
An official of the concerned police station said that the dead included a Frontier Corps driver, two school children and four other unidentified persons. Eyewitnesses told Dawn that a white colour explosives-laden Corolla Motorcar (1986 model) struck a Frontier Corps Datsun pick-up coming from Bara Tehsil at the check post.

The FC pick up was carrying students to their school in Peshawar. It was observed that the blood stained school bags of children were dumped in a corner of the police check post.

......
http://www.dawn.com/wps/wcm/connect/dawn-content-library/dawn/news/pakistan/provinces/16-peshawar-three-killed-eight-injured-in-an-explosion-in-police-checkpost-sources-hs-02