A battle lost in the War on Terror

Jewsih world review ^ | September 27, 2006 | Tony Blankley

[RDTF]

With little reporting, and almost without media or governmental comment, the United States has suffered a substantial defeat in the war against radical Islam. Three weeks ago, Pakistan signed the terms of the Waziristan Accord with the northern region of its country called North Waziristan. It was, effectively, the terms of surrender by Pakistan to the Taliban and al Qaeda, which dominate North Waziristan. Pakistan has negotiated a separate peace the eternal danger to any wartime alliance.

With the exception of a superb article in the Weekly Standard by Daveed Gartenstein-Ross and the redoubtable Bill Roggio and a few blogs, such as Flopping Aces, The Fourth Rail and The Belmont Club (apologies to some other blogs I surely have missed) there has been little comment. This column is based largely on the reporting from those sources.

The event itself was reported by the major newspapers, but the abject nature of the surrender passed with almost no comment. But surrender it was.

According to intelligence sources cited by The Fourth Rail and other sources above, the Accord includes: (1) Pakistan to abandon its garrisons in Waziristan, (2) Pakistan military to not operate in or monitor actions in the region, (3) Pakistan to turn over weapons to Waziris, (4) Taliban and al Qaeda to set up a Mujahideen council to administer the region, (5) region to be called "The Islamic Emirate of Waziristan, (6) unknown but substantial amount of money paid by Pakistan to the Taliban, (7) al Qaeda and other jihadis to be allowed to stay in region, (8) 2,500 foreign fighters linked to al Qaeda and Taliban released by Pakistan from their prisons (this fact also confirmed by London's Daily Telegraph), and (9) Taliban to refrain from violence in Pakistan only; the agreement doesn't stipulate refraining from violence in Afghanistan.

[fatez]

Pakistan is really 4 or 5 countries that have been held together by military intimidation and Islamic ideology / theology. There is a large Shia minority that is sympathetic to Iran (just as in Afghanistan).

Think about this, the military is walking away from this region because it cost in terms of politics is too high. This is the same military that has sponsored a low intensity conflict in Kashmir against a powerful neighbor.

Pakistan will eventually turn on us, when it does, it is going to be very dangerous for the US and India. Do not forget the Red Chinese are allied with Pakistan and are trying to create closer ties with Iran.

A new power realignment is happening in South Asia.

[sukhoi-30mki]

Unfortunately many folks on FR can't seem to grapple with the reality you talk about & consider that an illegitimate Dictator's autobiography will give an authentic description of Pakistan & it's future.The Punjabi dominated army is not the solution to Pakistan's problems-it is THE PROBLEM.

[OKIEDOC]

I am really surprised by the lack of postings on this article.

It is scary to think that this is happening and the Maim Stream Press is asleep at the wheel.

I do not trust President Musharraf simply because...well... he is Muslim heading up some of the most radical people on the face of this earth.

I am waiting for some smart individual to tell how I am wrong?

I think before it is all said and done and history is written, that this will be one of President Bush's major failings, trusting Muslims is never a good idea.

I pray for our president but now is not the time to play both sides of the street with the religion of PIECE.

[RDTF]

I am surprised too at the lack of interest

[OKIEDOC]

Could it be that the Democrat Dirty Tricks Squad has finally driven the conservative moderate to the sidelines for the coming election.

Tell a big lie long enough and uninformed voters will buy into the scam.

If the Democrats do take back both houses it will be a sad day for all those who thought they would get a better government.