Taliban Wield Mighty New Weapon: Class Warfare

Taliban move closer to capital after peace deal allows Islamic law in northwest

(NEWSER) - Pakistan's deal to allow the Taliban to impose Sharia law in the Swat valley in return for peace has inspired the extremists to seek further gains, the Washington Post reports. Taliban fighters are spreading deeper into the region—a mere 100 miles east of the capital—and leaders say they want to extend a "complete Islamic system" across the entire nation. More»

Swat Valley battles push citizens away from Islamic extremism

(NEWSER) - Only a year ago the Taliban had growing support in Pakistan, and many citizens regarded them as fellow Muslims opposed to the American government and military. But as the New York Times reports, public sentiment has shifted in recent months. Following violence in the Swat Valley and months of televised suicide attacks, Pakistanis are increasingly turning against the Taliban and offering the government a new chance to rout the extremist movement. More»

(NEWSER) - Public opinion is swinging against Sharia law in Pakistan's Swat Valley as tens of thousands flee fighting between Pakistani forces and the Taliban, the Washington Post reports. A public fed up with inefficient and corrupt secular courts once welcomed the Taliban's version of religious law, but lawmakers and pundits now say the Taliban's harsh punishments are part of a power grab that disrespects the Koran. More»

Militants take control of main city in strategic valley

(NEWSER) - Pakistani authorities have warned residents of the country's troubled Swat Valley to leave their homes ahead of an expected military operation in the Taliban-controlled area. The February peace deal between Pakistan and the Taliban, which included the introduction of Sharia law, has effectively collapsed, reports Reuters. Militants have infiltrated several districts of Mingora, Swat's largest town, and have attacked government and army installations. More»

(NEWSER) - Militants have been pouring into Pakistan’s Swat Valley, thanks to a controversial peace deal between the Taliban and Pakistan’s government, the Wall Street Journal reports. President Asif Ali Zardari signed a bill yesterday to impose Islamic law in Swat, effectively sealing his agreement with the militants. Training camps have sprung up across the area, catering to some 6,000 to 8,000 fighters—double the number at the end of last year. More»