The Rise of Talibanistan-Not All Good News

Bill Roggio at the Fourth Rail points out a serious issue in Pakistan challenging President Musharraf's authority.

The Taliban and al-Qaeda provided an embarrassing scene for Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf as President George Bush visited the country last week. Eager to demonstrate Pakistan’s commitment to fighting the Taliban and al-Qaeda in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas on the border with Afghanistan, the Pakistani military launched an offensive against a terrorist camp in Danda Saidgai, North Waziristan. The Islamists responded by murdering a U.S. diplomat in a suicide strike outside the U.S. Consulate in Karachi, as well as launching a counteroffensive against the seat of government in Miranshah, North Waziristan.

While there exists good news from Iraq and Afghanistan, Pakistan is having issues securing its tribal regions. While we could certainly assist Pakistan with pinpoint airstrikes in support of his forces, Musharraf risks a political backlash asking for or getting US assistance.

This situation needs to be watched in the future to ensure the US does not lose a major front on the War on Terror.