Pakistan: Hello al-Qaeda, goodbye America

[jpak]

http://www.atimes.com/atimes/South_Asia/HI08Df03.html

MIRANSHAH, North Waziristan - With a truce between the Pakistani Taliban and Islamabad now in place, the Pakistani government is in effect reverting to its pre-September 11, 2001, position in which it closed its eyes to militant groups allied with al-Qaeda and clearly sided with the Taliban in Afghanistan.

While the truce has generated much attention, a more significant development is an underhand deal between pro-al-Qaeda elements and Pakistan in which key al-Qaeda figures will either not be arrested or those already in custody will be set free. This has the potential to sour Islamabad's relations with Washington beyond the point of no return.

On Tuesday, Pakistan agreed to withdraw its forces from the restive Waziristan tribal areas bordering Afghanistan in return for a pledge from tribal leaders to stop attacks by Pakistani Taliban across the border.

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The main problem - and one that has been unreported - was to keep Pakistan authorities' hands off members of banned militant organizations connected with al-Qaeda.

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[bronxiteforever]

1. Kick and Nom

Really could Shrub screw up anymore (i know, i know-IRAN!!!)
Great article

[jpak]

2. and more...

Pakistan's Envoy Defends Militant Deal

http://www.lasvegassun.com/sunbin/stories/bw-exec/2006/sep/17/091703275.html

WASHINGTON (AP) - Pakistan's foreign minister on Sunday strongly defended a truce with militants along his country's border with Afghanistan, saying "not just brawn but brains" are needed in the fight against terrorists.

Pakistan President Gen. Pervez Musharraf's deal with militants in an area where al-Qaida leader Osama bin Laden could be hiding has drawn criticism that Islamic extremists will have a safe haven.

"I can understand why people are confused, but there's a time when not just brawn but brains are also needed," Foreign Minister Khurshid Kasuri said. "Sometimes what happens is that when you have acts of violence you end up alienating the local population."

Kasuri took on those who have accused Pakistan of not doing enough in the hunt for bin Laden and other terrorist leaders, saying "Pakistan's commitment to the war against extremism and terrorism is very much in place.

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[bananas]

3. k&r nt