Kathianne
02-15-2009, 04:51 PM
So far, he hasn't stopped this:
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/15/world/asia/15pstan.html?ref=asia
February 15, 2009
U.S. Airstrike Kills 30 in Pakistan
By PIR ZUBAIR SHAH
ISLAMABAD, Pakistan — Two missiles fired from American drone aircraft killed more than 30 people, including Qaeda and Taliban fighters, near the Pakistani border with Afghanistan on Saturday, according to a Pakistani intelligence official and residents of the area.
The missiles struck three compounds, including one where the leader of the Pakistani Taliban, Baitullah Mehsud, and foreign and local fighters loyal to him sometimes gather, the official and residents said.
Mr. Mehsud, one of the most feared leaders in Pakistan’s lawless tribal areas, was not among those killed, according to the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak to the press.
Mr. Mehsud, a Pakistani, has fought the government openly in the past, and government and intelligence officials say forces loyal to him continue to attack Pakistani troops in the Swat Valley and the Bajaur and Mohmand tribal areas. The previous government, led by Pervez Musharraf, accused Mr. Mehsud in the killing of Benazir Bhutto, a former Pakistani prime minister.
If Mr. Mehsud was the target of the attack in South Waziristan, it would be the first time that American missiles were aimed at him, the intelligence official said....
Related?
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090215/ap_on_re_as/as_pakistan
Pakistan, pro-Taliban group in peace talks
By NAHAL TOOSI, Associated Press Writer
2 hrs 17 mins ago
ISLAMABAD – Pakistani officials on Sunday hammered out a peace deal with a Taliban-linked group that could lead to the enforcement of elements of Islamic law in parts of the northwest, prompting militants in the blood-soaked Swat Valley to declare a 10-day cease-fire as a goodwill gesture.
The agreement, expected to be formally announced Monday, could re-spark U.S. criticism that Pakistan's truces with insurgents merely gives them time to regroup. Although several of its past deals failed, Pakistan says force alone cannot defeat al-Qaida and Taliban fighters sowing havoc in its northwest and attacking U.S. troops in neighboring Afghanistan.
Swat is a former tourist haven that has fallen under heavy militant sway despite a lengthy army offensive. Regaining Swat is a major test for Pakistan's shaky civilian leadership. Unlike the semiautonomous tribal regions where al-Qaida and Taliban have long thrived, the valley is supposed to fall fully under government control....
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/15/world/asia/15pstan.html?ref=asia
February 15, 2009
U.S. Airstrike Kills 30 in Pakistan
By PIR ZUBAIR SHAH
ISLAMABAD, Pakistan — Two missiles fired from American drone aircraft killed more than 30 people, including Qaeda and Taliban fighters, near the Pakistani border with Afghanistan on Saturday, according to a Pakistani intelligence official and residents of the area.
The missiles struck three compounds, including one where the leader of the Pakistani Taliban, Baitullah Mehsud, and foreign and local fighters loyal to him sometimes gather, the official and residents said.
Mr. Mehsud, one of the most feared leaders in Pakistan’s lawless tribal areas, was not among those killed, according to the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak to the press.
Mr. Mehsud, a Pakistani, has fought the government openly in the past, and government and intelligence officials say forces loyal to him continue to attack Pakistani troops in the Swat Valley and the Bajaur and Mohmand tribal areas. The previous government, led by Pervez Musharraf, accused Mr. Mehsud in the killing of Benazir Bhutto, a former Pakistani prime minister.
If Mr. Mehsud was the target of the attack in South Waziristan, it would be the first time that American missiles were aimed at him, the intelligence official said....
Related?
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090215/ap_on_re_as/as_pakistan
Pakistan, pro-Taliban group in peace talks
By NAHAL TOOSI, Associated Press Writer
2 hrs 17 mins ago
ISLAMABAD – Pakistani officials on Sunday hammered out a peace deal with a Taliban-linked group that could lead to the enforcement of elements of Islamic law in parts of the northwest, prompting militants in the blood-soaked Swat Valley to declare a 10-day cease-fire as a goodwill gesture.
The agreement, expected to be formally announced Monday, could re-spark U.S. criticism that Pakistan's truces with insurgents merely gives them time to regroup. Although several of its past deals failed, Pakistan says force alone cannot defeat al-Qaida and Taliban fighters sowing havoc in its northwest and attacking U.S. troops in neighboring Afghanistan.
Swat is a former tourist haven that has fallen under heavy militant sway despite a lengthy army offensive. Regaining Swat is a major test for Pakistan's shaky civilian leadership. Unlike the semiautonomous tribal regions where al-Qaida and Taliban have long thrived, the valley is supposed to fall fully under government control....