Topic: Maulana Fazlullah

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Pakistan floods: residents brace for a second wave of problems

Pakistan floods recede but experts warn of a second wave of heavy rains that could spell disaster for those who already remain cut-off from aid now that many bridges have been washed away.
A widow fights Pakistan Taliban with embroidery

Mussarat Ahmedzeb, whose father-in-law once ruled Swat Valley, returned home at the height of gruesome Pakistan Taliban rule to open an embroidery program. Today, more than 500 women go there to earn money and escape the dangers of daily life.
Pakistan counterinsurgency, hailed by US, makes progress in Swat Valley

US Defense Secretary Robert Gates on Wednesday praised 'extraordinary' counterinsurgency efforts in former Taliban strongholds such as Pakistan's Swat Valley.
Who’s who in the Pakistan Taliban

New reports surfaced Sunday that Pakistan Taliban leader Hakimullah Mehsud died after a US drone attack Jan. 14. A look at other senior figures in the group.
Latest militant attack rocks Pakistan's Swat Valley

More than 40 people were killed in a suicide bombing Monday. It's part of a fresh Taliban bid to engage the Army on several fronts ahead of the Army's planned offensive in South Waziristan.
Pakistan tests civilian militias to keep Taliban out of Swat Valley

The ranks of lashkars have grown to 8,000, according to local leaders, since the Army retook the valley in June. Some residents worry about militarizing the population.
Global News Blog
Drone attack in Pakistan Taliban stronghold kills at least three

The airstrike hit North Waziristan, which borders Afghanistan. Also Monday, Pakistan said it was on the verge of a major victory – arresting Swat militant chief Maulana Fazlullah.
In Pakistan's Swat Valley, boys – and girls – crack open schoolbooks once again

After nearly two years of Taliban rule and a recent military offensive, hundreds of students are returning to their studies. But many schools were damaged or destroyed.
Drone probably killed Taliban leader. Is Pakistan safer?

The probable death of Baitullah Mehsud, a militant leader with thousands of followers, could reduce terrorist attacks in Pakistan. The impact on the war in Afghanistan is less certain.
Delayed offensive wears at Pakistan's antiterror credibility

US envoy Richard Holbrooke Thursday defended the military, which has been launching 'softening up' operations in South Waziristan for more than a month.
To keep Taliban away, Pakistan recruits 25,000 retired soldiers

They will protect residents returning to Swat and Buner. Some have fled again after seeing Taliban in the area, despite a major Army offensive.
Pakistan faces limits as it widens war on Taliban

The Army is preparing for a new offensive in South Waziristan. A US drone strike Thursday killed at least nine in the area.
Why the Taliban won't take over Pakistan

For reasons of geography, ethnicity, military inferiority, and ancient rivalries, they represent neither the immediate threat that is often portrayed nor the inevitable victors that the West fears.
Terrorism & Security
Pakistani Taliban in Swat refuse to give up arms

The militants had struck a deal to relinquish their weapons in return for Islamic law in the region.
Outrage over Taliban flogging of Pakistani girl could threaten peace deal

A video of a girl being lashed 34 times for allegedly being seen with a man who was not her husband has prompted a chorus of condemnations led by President Asif Ali Zardari.
Holbrooke: western Pakistan key to resolving Afghanistan war

The US special envoy told allies at the Brussels Forum that the Talibanization of the region was a top concern.
Pakistan's airwaves: On militant turf, Radio Khyber offers a softer voice

In tribal areas, it provides an alternative to hard-line clerics with a medley of local news, talk shows, and music.
For Pakistan's Swat residents, uneasy calm

A tenuous cease-fire has halted Taliban-Army fighting, as negotiations for a permanent deal continue.
Terrorism & Security
Taliban extends cease-fire in Pakistan's Swat Valley

The move came shortly after a Taliban group in the nearby Bajur region declared a unilateral cease-fire.
Pakistan accepts Islamic law in Swat Valley

Militants signed a cease-fire with provincial authorities Monday after they agreed to impose sharia.
Terrorism & Security
Pakistan-Taliban deal: Islamic law for peace in Swat Valley

The militants released a Chinese engineer held hostage for nearly six months ahead of the cease-fire announcement.
Security up at porous Afghan border

The US, Pakistan coordinate troops to prevent militants from fleeing to either side.
In Pakistan, Swat Valley police give up in face of Taliban attacks

Taliban struck a police station Wednesday. Many police are resigning because of death threats.
Pakistan tackles Swat, a key militant area

The Army launched fresh operations this week, following mounting pressure to retake the onetime tourist idyll now controlled by ultraconservative militants.
Terrorism & Security
Growing Taliban clout threatens Pakistani government

The group controls large areas in the Swat Valley and runs a parallel court system under sharia law.