Pakistan 'Taleban' in peace deal (BBC News)

[spindrifter]

Pakistan has signed a deal with pro-Taleban militants on the Afghan border aimed at ending years of unrest.

The North Waziristan accord calls on tribesmen to expel foreign militants and end cross-border attacks in return for a reduced military presence.

<snip>

The BBC's Barbara Plett in Islamabad says some observers believe the deal offers the government an exit from a military strategy that has largely failed.

The agreement brokered by a grand council (jirga) of tribal elders in North Waziristan is the first of its kind since Pakistani troops went after Taleban and al-Qaeda elements on the Afghan border.

<more>

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/south_asia/5315564.stm

[Erika]

1. Pakistan said leave us alone and we'll leave you alone

A big slap in the face to W's cowboy talk of you're either against us or with us.

[sable302]

2. so.....

Is Pakistan now "with us" or "against us"?


I know they were our ally earlier today, but
i could've been mistaken

[spindrifter]

3. Kind of fits with Musharraf's press guy

saying that they wouldn't arrest OBL if he was in Pakistan living as a law-abiding person. I guess Pakistan is responding to its own border problems that are severe and that could mean a regime change if the Taleban there gain sufficient power.

[LuckyLib]

4. And just how many millions per year do we give Pakistan just to

"Keep the lid on"?