Pakistan's Taliban fight each other

In late June, Pakistan's government stepped-up security around three federal ministers after receiving intelligence that Mehsud had ordered their assassinations, according to local press reports.

Recognized as the "Amir," or supreme leader of tribal militants in North and South Waziristan, Mehsud may seem like an unlikely poster child for moderation. Yet, at least in the public imagination, there remain certain lines not even Mehsud would cross – like killing innocent women and children.

Through public acceptance and apparent benevolence, Mehsud has built a power base here.

"[Mehsud wants to] give a positive message to the people that he is capable of delivering good and providing justice," says Muhammad Khan, a resident of Tank. "[Mehsud] is trying to give an impression as if he is moderate among the rest," Mr. Khan adds.

And moderate he may be, if compared to the cruel standards set by Qari Hussain Ahmad, who was Mehsud's close ally until recently. Ahmad is believed to have carried out most of the beheadings and targeted killings of tribal elders. He also launched a series of attacks against police forces in Tank in March that left many civilians dead, including women and children. His extremist views, residents add, are popular among Arabs, Uzbeks, and Afghan fighters.

For a time, Ahmad's assassinations of local leaders worked to Mehsud's advantage by creating a power vacuum that Mehsud has quickly filled.

But Mehsud has increasingly taken Ahmad to task for his indiscriminate killings, residents say. The tension finally reached a boiling point on May 31 when Ahmad's followers attacked the Tank residence of Pir Amiruddin Shah, the political agent of Khyber Agency. The attack was brazen not only because seven guests and six family members were killed – a violation of Pashtun ethics – but because Ahmad never sought Mehsud's permission for the attack.

A power struggle has now ensued to decide both the leadership and the limits of the Taliban's campaign in Pakistan. Although Mehsud's retaliation to the events of May 31 has been swift, tribal elders and residents say Ahmad has effectively undermined Mehsud's rule.

"The rift within the group of Mehsud has damaged his reputation as well as legitimacy to rule the tribe single-handedly," says a tribal elder from the Mehsud tribe, who asked not to be named out of fear of retaliation. He and others say Ahmad has now formed his own group that many militants are beginning to join.

Whether Mehsud or Ahmad emerges victorious, the hostage incident is likely to determine the tone of the Taliban's activities here, a fact that has important consequences for the international community.

"If the conflict increases, their ability to fight is more affected," says Mr. Khattak, "Of course, united they are more effective."

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