Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

In Pakistan Battle Zone, Few Back Army

Hatred of Taliban doesn't translate into support for government

By Jason Farago,  Newser Staff

Posted Oct 28, 2009 3:00 AM CDT
Email

(Newser) – Pakistan is stepping up its US-supported offensive against the Taliban in the country's lawless northwest, but military victories may be fleeting in the face of a greater challenge: winning the support of local people. In the border region near Afghanistan, the Washington Post finds that refugees fear reprisals by the Taliban if they speak out, but many also accuse the army of doing America's bidding. "The operation is a joke just to please the foreign masters," said one man.

Not a single interview subject had seen any soldiers in the hilly region, even though many described shells and bombs falling from the sky throughout the week. Most reject the Taliban's brutality and extreme interpretation of Islam—but they're unconvinced the government and military can be trusted. "If they take you as an opponent or a spy, then they will punish you, very brutally," says an out-of-work teacher. "We are silent in this whole drama. But that does not mean we are Taliban."

People who fled from South Waziristan due to the military offensive, wait their turn to get food in Dera Ismail Khan, Pakistan today.
People who fled from South Waziristan due to the military offensive, wait their turn to get food in Dera Ismail Khan, Pakistan today.   (AP Photo/Anjum Naveed)
A displaced Pakistani tribesman, who fled from South Waziristan due to the military offensive, waits to get food at a distribution center in Dera Ismail Khan on Tuesday.
A displaced Pakistani tribesman, who fled from South Waziristan due to the military offensive, waits to get food at a distribution center in Dera Ismail Khan on Tuesday.   (AP Photo/Anjum Naveed)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
To report an error on this story, notify our editors.
A snapshot of the day's best news stories.
 
COMMENTS
Showing 2 of 2 comments
NxBigmouthery
Oct 28, 2009 12:29 PM CDT
Given the history of the US on foreign soil in the last few years, coupled with the proven track record of the Taliban in committing atrocities, I'm not surprised these people are staying quiet.
laslow
Oct 28, 2009 2:06 AM CDT
That guy, has a got an awesome orange beard.

 
Taliban • Pakistan • Islamic extremism • Pakistan army • South Waziristan • North West Frontier Province

More Newser Stories

US Kills Taliban Commander With al-Qaeda Ties

Backed By Pakistan, Taliban Set to Retake Afghanistan

US-Taliban Talks Stumble

Taliban: We're in Peace Talks With Pakistan

Pakistan Cleared Deadly Hit: US
NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS
Other Sites We Like:   24/7 Wall St.   |   Betty Confidential   |   BuzzFeed   |   Cracked   |   Fark   |   Timelines   |   The Frisky   |   Geek Sugar   |   NewsOne