KP Week-End Notes: The Violence in Pakistan
Pakistan had fallen off the front pages for a while after the lull in activity after the offensive the Pakistan Army launched against the Taliban which was apparently successful. That all changed over the past couple of days:
Early on Saturday, The Pakistani Taliban attacked Pakistan Army Headquarters!! They drove in in Army Uniforms and started shooting. The reports coming out say that there are still around 15 hostages being held. I am just listening to an interview claiming that most of the hostages are out already and that it has ended. But, the embrassement to the Pakistanis is quite stark.
The attack itself shows that no where and nobody in Pakistan is safe. When I saw reports of the carnage in Peshawar, the attack on the office of the World Food Program in Islamabad, I have become increasingly worried about Pakistan. What is clear is that the Pakistani Taliban will not back down. Other internal insurrections will continue to haunt Pakistan for the longest time. I hope that President Obama will not take too long to decide on the next phase in the Afghan War.
Afghanistan is a country that has brought two Empires to its' knees. General McCrystal has laid down the gauntlet in what needs to be done next. The President realizes that what happens in Afghanistan matters. It will directly impact Pakistan. I eagerly await his decision on Afghanistan to see what it can do to help the beleagured Pakistanis too.
The attack itself shows that no where and nobody in Pakistan is safe. When I saw reports of the carnage in Peshawar, the attack on the office of the World Food Program in Islamabad, I have become increasingly worried about Pakistan. What is clear is that the Pakistani Taliban will not back down. Other internal insurrections will continue to haunt Pakistan for the longest time. I hope that President Obama will not take too long to decide on the next phase in the Afghan War.
Afghanistan is a country that has brought two Empires to its' knees. General McCrystal has laid down the gauntlet in what needs to be done next. The President realizes that what happens in Afghanistan matters. It will directly impact Pakistan. I eagerly await his decision on Afghanistan to see what it can do to help the beleagured Pakistanis too.
Mike Pouraryan
