Posted on 02/15/2006 6:58:20 PM PST by Cannoneer No. 4
Musharraf's "other war" against the Baluch, an ethnic minority of 4.5 million, has become increasingly bloody in recent weeks. According to U.S. intelligence sources, six Pakistani army brigades, plus paramilitary forces totaling some 25,000 men, are battling Baluch Liberation Army guerrillas in the Kohlu mountains and surrounding areas.
(Excerpt) Read more at washingtonpost.com ...
President Karzai was in Islamabad today to fuss about all the bad guys using sanctuaries on the Pakistan side of the border. It's hard to tell how much of what goes on in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas happens because Mushy and the ISI want it to, and how much they are powerless to prevent it. Karzai probably has better intel on that area than Mushy does. Karzai is a Pashtun, too.
I used to live north of Baluchistan.
December 28, 2005: In Pakistan's southwest (Baluchistan), police made dozens of arrests, seeking those responsible for a rocket attack on president Musharraf earlier in the month. Meanwhile, in the earthquake ravaged north, Islamic radicals have recovered and are supplying much needed aid for the victims. They are also delivering sermons about the evils of the West and the need to destroy Israel and liberate Moslems in India. The government cannot shut down the Islamic charity work, because the need for relief is desperate, with over a millions people in danger of dying from starvation and exposure. But some the Spring, the militants will have new recruits, ready to kill for the cause.
December 29, 2005: The fighting in Pakistan's Baluchistan, especially around the town of Bugti, is getting ugly, with reports of over a hundred civilians dead. The tribesmen are resisting police and army attempts to arrest those responsible for attacks on army camps (usually with rockets.) The Baluchis want more autonomy, and a larger share of the oil revenue from the production in their territory. To the north, along the Afghan border, pro-Taliban factions in the Pushtun tribes are using terror to intimidate other factions. Whenever the army tries to crack down on the Islamic radicals, many non-radical tribesmen fight the army because they see "outsiders", not someone trying to rein in the Islamic militants. Meanwhile, Christian communities continue to be threatened by Islamic militants, despite greater efforts by police to prevent this kind of violence.
December 30, 2005: In Pakistan's Baluchistan, terrorist activities continued, from rockets fired at army camps to a bombs going off in several locations. Meanwhile, Pakistan's religious schools (madrasses) have largely ignored government demands that some 2,000 foreign students be expelled. This is supposed to be done by December 31st.
Yousef blew up the WTC in 93 and was given safe haven by Saddam,but according to the left, this doesn't prove a connection to terrorism, 9/11 or al-queda.
Are we obligated to shoot at cartoon jihadists with nerf balls?
The Gov't influence in that region is nill (in many aspects) outside of $$ - What they can influence in that region they do so completely through brides / kick backs to the local chieftains.
Musharraff on the whole though has done a pretty decent job since 9-11-01.......Though I would like to see more Pak forces conducting offensive operations along the border (of course).
I think the time is coming for Musharraff to have to take the gamble of seriously trying to gain a semblance of control (forced control...if need be...which it is) across the border region.
Be it, even if it is only for a limited amount of time (say 1-2 years).
Is the Pak military up for that?? That is one big question mark.
Yep.
A reason why Karzai has been more of an ally then most understand -
The above map explains how precarious Pakistan's continued existance is. But the Punjabis control the nukes, we think.
Would you be offended if the NSA listened in on some of your old friends calling?
I sincerely believe the US oughtta make porkistan's disintegration a policy objective. Have each province independent and defang the WMD program. India will be happy to help because the kashmir problem disappears *poof* and the chinese lose a key foothold in the persian gulf.
From all the clicks, I figure the NSA has heard me talking dirty to my wife plenty of times.
Thanks for the maps... that brings things in to perspective.
Some people get to use rubber bullets.
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