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As US Twists Arm, Pakistan Eyes Taliban Crackdown

Signs mount that attack on Taliban militants is forthcoming

By Evann Gastaldo,  Newser Staff

Posted Jun 1, 2011 7:00 AM CDT

(Newser) – Signs are mounting that Pakistan may soon launch an attack on the tribal region of North Waziristan, a stronghold for Afghan Taliban militants and al-Qaeda. The US is increasing pressure on Pakistan to help eradicate Afghanistan’s Taliban insurgents, with an invasion of North Waziristan being a chief goal. But some worry that Pakistan’s overstretched military won’t be able to take on the region’s large and deadly Haqqani network—which is a key US target—and may strike the Taliban first with only limited hits on Haqqani fighters.

Even so, a senior Pakistani army general told tribal leaders near North Waziristan last week that Pakistani forces are planning to attack Taliban militants in their region—a move that could strengthen the army’s presence on the border of North Waziristan. In addition, the army is shutting checkpoints across the region, which could signal that it is preparing for a military action by consolidating its positions, the Wall Street Journal reports.

Pakistani army soldiers take position at the military check post of Pash Ziarat, a town of North Waziristan  on March 8, 2011.
Pakistani army soldiers take position at the military check post of Pash Ziarat, a town of North Waziristan on March 8, 2011.   (Getty Images)
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COMMENTS
Showing 2 of 4 comments
fancygapva
Jun 1, 2011 11:33 AM CDT
Just tell me WHY? The Taliban doesn't have an air force. If we left they wouldn't pursue. Bush's myth of fighting then over there instead of over here is bull hockey. It is the spread of vengeful ideas and hatred of America that grows everytime we bomb the wrong people by mistake that can harm us. Most of the terrorism attempts we've discovered so far have been from here or from England by people who live and/or were born here or in England. Our energy would be better spent if we spent as much time on securing Pakistan's nukes as we do on making sure the Iranians don't GET nukes. WHY are we there? We've done our "smoke 'em out" revenge killing of Osama. WHY are we there spending lives and money? What would a "victory" in Afghanistan look like? Why do we care what happens in Pakistan's hinterlands? We should be attending to diplomatic negotiations with both India AND Pakistan to secure the nukes.
Mr_Joshua
Jun 1, 2011 9:52 AM CDT
Nothing like a surprise attack huh Pakistan. By the time you get there, North Waziristan will be FUCKING WELL EMPTY, because now the bad guys know you are coming. And you can call me.............Mr Joshua

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