Topic: South Waziristan

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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:
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Terrorism & Security
Taliban suicide bombing in northwestern Pakistan kills at least 19

The attack targeted members of a local security force that had helped kill or otherwise diminish the Taliban's power in the Bajaur district of Pakistan.
New Yorker convicted in plot to bomb subways

A jury deliberated for just two days before returning guilty verdicts for Adis Medunjanin on terrorism charges.
For Pakistanis, bin Laden death anniversary sparks ... nothing (+video)

Polls show that Pakistanis are ambivalent about the Al Qaeda leader, and view his death as a foreign issue. Religious parties, however, may use anti-US sentiment in upcoming elections.
What does Pakistan want from US? An apology, more money, no drones

Pakistan's lawmakers passed a resolution trying to reframe the country's relationship with the US. Whether it gets implemented is another matter.
Bin Laden widows charged as new probe describes life with Osama bin Laden

Bin Laden's widows and children are being held at an undisclosed house in Islamabad. Pakistan's Interior minister said they would be placed under house arrest for illegally entering and living in the country.
New to Pakistan's Taliban-heavy tribal areas: political campaigns

Pakistani President Zardari lifted a 64-year ban on political party activity in the federally administered tribal areas, saying the reforms would help defeat the 'militant mindset' there.
What the execution of 15 kidnapped Pakistani soldiers means

In an apparent surprise to the Pakistan military, insurgents executed 15 soldiers who had been recently kidnapped – a blow to talks between the government and the Pakistani Taliban.
Global News Blog
Good Reads: Pakistan summons outspoken envoy Haqqani, Kenya's Somali operation

Pakistan's envoy to the US, Ambassador Husain Haqqani, explains why Pakistan cannot simply clear out militants from its mountainous regions, while Kenya marches into Somalia to try a similar task.
Why can't Pakistan clear its terrorist safe havens? Envoy explains. (video)

The US and Pakistan are stuck in an unsatisfactory arrangement where neither side gets what it wants, the envoy says: no Pakistani crackdown on North Waziristan, and ongoing US drone strikes.
US must turn up the heat on Pakistan. Here's how to make that work.

Pakistan’s duplicity further weakens the decaying US-Pakistan relationship. It also lessens chances for a successful outcome in Afghanistan and erodes the internal security of both the US and Pakistan. Fortunately, the US does have a few options.
Drone attack in Pakistan kills key Taliban leaders, say officials

A drone attack in northwest Pakistan has killed two top commanders of one of Pakistan's most influential Taliban groups, officials say.
Pakistan's military and legislators plan peace talks with Taliban

In the midst of bad and worsening relations with Washington, Pakistan considers new round of peace talks with Pakistan-based Taliban, arguing that 'military solutions' are making things worse.
Toughest US accusation in years angers Pakistanis

The relationship between Pakistan and the US reached a new nadir when Admiral Mullen accused Pakistan’s spy agency of aiding insurgents who attacked the US Embassy in Kabul.
Another female suicide bomber strikes in Pakistan. Taliban desperation?

Security experts believe the Taliban is facing internal strife, and the use of female suicide bombers could be a signal that Taliban efforts inside Pakistan are weakening.
Pakistan school offers orphans refuge to prevent turn to militancy

A Muslim charity provides free schooling to Pakistani orphans, putting itself at the forefront of a national effort to close the education gap and reduce the appeal militancy holds for children.
Pakistani teen tells of his recruitment, training as suicide bomber

Arshad Khan is one of countless young boys recruited by a network of Taliban commanders. His story highlights the challenge ahead for Pakistani authorities in ending the war on terror.
Terrorism & Security
Militants attack Pakistani Army as part of new demoralization campaign

About 150 militants attacked the Pakistani Army in South Waziristan, killing eight soldiers. Militants appear to be using large-scale assaults to undermine an Army already under heavy US pressure.
How Pakistan's border region could get a few more good 'minutemen'

Tribal elder Khan rallied his lashkar, or minutemen, to repulse a Taliban attack near the Afghan border last week. He says his and other lashkars could help the government hold recently cleared turf if they received more backing.
Killing of top Al Qaeda militant Ilyas Kashmiri only a small US victory

Efforts to chip away at the most wanted list and chase militants from one Afghanistan-Pakistan border region to the next come with high costs and are not yet putting militant outfits out of business, say experts.
Top Pakistani militant Ilyas Kashmiri reported killed in US drone attack

Ilyas Kashmiri was a senior Al Qaeda operative believed to be behind some of the deadliest attacks, including a suicide attack on Pakistan’s spy agency and attacks on US forces in Afghanistan.
Pakistani Taliban 'avenge' bin Laden's death with bombings

But the Taliban may be using Osama bin Laden's killing as a pretense for continuing its fight against Pakistani forces. Today's bombings targeted paramilitary recruits.
Pakistan's military faces calls for major shakeup after bin Laden failure

The Pakistan Army faces a rising domestic backlash, but the public relations disaster could provide a rare and overdue chance to mend broken civil-military relations, analysts say.
A Rope and a Prayer: A Kidnapping From Two Sides

How journalist David Rohde and his wife coped when he was taken captive in Afghanistan
New US approach to Afghanistan insurgency: Vindication for Pakistan?

Afghanistan and the US are showing signs of a new approach to insurgents in Afghanistan. The approach may ultimately allow Pakistan more influence in Afghanistan as the US prepares to leave next year.
Terrorism & Security
Pakistan seals off NATO supply line to Afghanistan after US air attack

A US air attack that mistakenly killed three Pakistani border troops sparked the government to close the Torkham border post, a vital NATO supply line into Afghanistan.