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Pakistan to Arm Local Militias

Insurgency strategy, successful for US in Iraq, boosts American confidence in ally

By Ambreen Ali,  Newser User

Posted Oct 23, 2008 10:32 AM CDT

(Newser) – Pakistan plans to give weapons to thousands of  tribal fighters along its border with Afghanistan, the Washington Post reports—a strategy that has helped the US in Iraq. The move to link the militias—called lashkars—to anti-Taliban efforts is a boost to US confidence in Pakistan’s military efforts, and commanders say they’re seeing results across the border in Afghanistan.

While the US is offering training support, and has sent $10 billion over the past seven years for counterterrorism, a Pakistani official says the new effort is independent: “The Americans are not giving us a bloody cent. This is us, doing it ourselves.” US officials caution, meanwhile, that Pakistan has much work to on broader security and economic issues in the border region.

Pakistan's tribesmen look at belongings in a house they said was hit by suspected US missile strikes. Pakistan hopes to enlist tribal fighters against the Taliban.
Pakistan's tribesmen look at belongings in a house they said was hit by suspected US missile strikes. Pakistan hopes to enlist tribal fighters against the Taliban.   (AP Photo)
Pakistani soldiers escort alleged militants before the media in Pakistan's tribal area. The military claims 800 insurgents have died there since August.
Pakistani soldiers escort alleged militants before the media in Pakistan's tribal area. The military claims 800 insurgents have died there since August.   (AP Photo)
Pakistan plans to replicate the Iraq Awakening Council model in its tribal areas.
Pakistan plans to replicate the Iraq Awakening Council model in its tribal areas.   (AP Photo)
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