Police and civilian administration personnel have started returning to their posts and electricity supply has been restored. The life is slowly returning to normal in the biggest town of the Swat Valley which was a centre of fighting until a few weeks ago. But the situation is far from stable. People are still wary of the situation. Full Story »
Posted by Derek Hawkins - via NewsRack (Pakistan)
Eye opening, but I wonder how the residents of Swat feel living among security forces now that the fighting has died down. They say they don't want conflict to resume; do they not want the curfews and barbed wire lifted as well?
Sobering report from Swat Valley, published by Pakistan's second largest newspaper group. This article provides good factual evidence from the ground, along with helpful context about the ongoing conflict between Taliban and Pakistani army forces. I'm a bit concerned about the number of anonymous sources, though the report cites quite a few named sources as well.
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Nice boots-on-the-ground summary. The story is pretty wild, but would have preferred more info from folks there instead of paraphrasing.
Yes! there is credibility in the story as it all presents the standpoints of Pakistani Govt that is tailored to what Americans have briefed them versus the facts on the ground. The journalist Mr. Zahid Hussain is one of the few credible people in the trade in the country. BBC often seeks opnion from him and he presents an unbiased view of events It has ben presented in the most respected daily in that country that appears to merit belief and acceptance.
Pakistanis followed this war on American behest and pat. What is happening is Swat is also being repeated in Helmand - and in fact whole of Afghanistan. America entered this country after 9/11 but Mr. Karzai cannot go beyond Kabul. What has been the use of expending all the time and US$3 trillion for such negligible gains. Osama is free, Iraq is somewhat chaotic to the same degree , there were no WMDs. The threat of a dirty bomb is alive well and living. Why maintain the ... More »
There were many unspoken deals made with the Taliban during the last presidency. There is little reason to believe that the Pakistani Governments Officials have made a 180 degree turn around on these policies. Pakistan's live and let live policy will only change if they stand to loose more than they will gain by having it in place.
Reporter has access to both Taliban and army and assesses Swat from army's strategic point of view. Key point is humanitarian agencies' saying it's too soon to return but people went home anyway. Now the conflict plays out in their midst, and with their involvement. Gripping story that feels closer to the people than the competent WSJ piece.
Get the people around and ask them how they would make peace. What is needed? That is the question that no one is asking and so no one is challenged to find out. It's still about asking the combatants how they are doing. What are they going to say that makes a difference (assuming the difference is not about conflict)?
Not yet. There are several English grammar problems with the story, but overall I think the article is accurate.
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