Pakistan's Military Examines Its Options in North Waziristan, The Jamestown Foundation // Terrorism Monitor, 4 February 2010
EXCERPT: "In the current operational environment, North Waziristan is not an immediate priority for Pakistan’s army. The militant entities in this area are not hostile toward Pakistan. It is generally believed that there is a tacit understanding that the Pakistan Army will not launch an operation if the tribes and militant groups stay neutral while operations against the Mahsud tribes and stabilization efforts continue in South Waziristan. The militant groups have not kept entirely to their undertaking and have given refuge to both al-Qaeda and Taliban leaders of South Waziristan. Another factor inhibiting a future offensive is the possibility of all the tribes uniting against the Pakistan Army in the event it launched an operation in North Waziristan. This would bring the Afghan and Pakistani Taliban closer, posing a formidable threat to regional security... A further inhibiting factor in the extension of military operation in North Waziristan is the danger that it could trigger a fresh wave of suicide attacks in many parts of Pakistan, as was experienced during military operations in Swat and more recently in South Waziristan. The high human and financial cost is another important consideration. Pakistan has lost more than 2,000 men from its security forces and thousands of civilians in its fight against militants."
Read the full article.
Related articles:
Rugged North Waziristan harbors US enemies, The Boston Globe, 17 January 2010
US airstrike targets al-Qaeda in North Waziristan [blog], The Long War Journal, 21 October 2009
Q&A: Pakistan's Waziristan challenge, BBC News, 19 October 2009
Taliban and allies tighten grip in north of Pakistan, The New York Times, 11 December 2006
Related posts:
Taliban warn government against N. Waziristan operation, 2 February 2010
Army attacks militant hideout on Afghan border in N. Waziristan, 22 January 2010
Despite renewed pressure from US, Pak army says no new offensives planned, 21 January 2010
US "trusts" Pakistani military on N Waziristan offensive, 14 January 2010
"Most militants fled S. Waziristan operation": Report, 21 December 2009
