Topic: Siraj Haqqani

5 key players in Pakistan's tribal belt

Pakistan’s security forces have conducted military operations in many of the tribal regions bordering Afghanistan, except North Waziristan, causing the area to become something of a haven for militants.

Tribal and local intelligence sources say some 15,000 militants take shelter in this semiautonomous tribal belt.

“It’s a cobweb,” says former Pakistani diplomat Ayaz Wazir.

Based on interviews with local tribesmen and intelligence sources, here’s a list of the five biggest players in the region:

US drones are pounding Pakistan's North Waziristan. Here's why.

US drones have stepped up bombing raids to combat new alliances cropping up between disparate militants coming to Pakistan's North Waziristan region.

Only way to end the Afghanistan war: US peace deal with the Taliban

Only a political solution can end the unwinnable Afghanistan war and extract the United States from this costly conflict.

Kabul suicide bomber attacks target foreigners, most of them Indians

A Kabul suicide bomber attack on a hotel and guest house in Kabul claimed about 18 lives on Friday, with half the casualties apparently Indians. It puts a spotlight on India's and Pakistan's jockey for influence in Afghanistan.

Can Afghanistan Taliban absorb blow to Quetta Shura?

The Afghanistan Taliban is under pressure with 7 of 15 members of its top leadership council, the Quetta Shura, recently arrested. But still in place are senior leaders who might step up and other senior Taliban councils responsible for different parts of the country.

US drones kill at least 20 in Pakistan

US drones launched missiles into North Waziristan in Pakistan in a barrage of attacks Thursday and Friday. It was one of the largest such attacks in the controversial program the Obama administration has continued and intensified.

Can Mullen get Pakistan to shut down its terrorist havens?

Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, arrived in Pakistan Tuesday to try to soothe old tensions. Pakistan distrusts US aims in Afghanistan, which makes it a less-than-perfect partner.

Deadly Afghanistan attack: It wasn't just the Taliban

The Taliban combined with an Al Qaeda-linked militant group and others to kill eight US soldiers in northeastern Afghanistan Sunday. The Taliban's flexibility is a major threat to US forces.

Pakistani Taliban: Two men to replace Baitullah Mehsud

Hakimullah Mehsud and Waliur Rehman will share control, but analysts say infighting could erupt again.

Strike on Mehsud could spur stronger US-Pakistan cooperation

The targeting of the Pakistan Taliban leader showed US willingness to pursue Pakistani priorities. The US may now push for more help in finding Pakistan-based militants who operate in Afghanistan.

Captured US soldier in Taliban video: Held by Haqqani network?

The area the kidnapping took place suggests the kidnapping of Pfc. Bowe Bergdahl is most likely the work of the Haqqani network, an Al Qaeda-linked group, analysts say.