Topic: Swat Valley

UN worker's killing underscores Pakistani refugees' dilemma

Some displaced people are eager to return to Swat – as the government is urging – but ongoing militant attacks have given others pause.

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.

The Monitor's View: India-Pakistan rapprochement? Terrorists, beware.

The leaders of both countries agreed this week that terrorism is each nation's main threat. That's an encouraging sign.

Pakistan begins returning Swat Valley refugees home

The process will be closely watched by the US and other foreign governments for signs of Pakistan's ability to deal with the Taliban.

Pakistani militants in North Waziristan abandon peace deal

The step is a blow to the military as it battles a Taliban leader in a neighboring province. The two Taliban movements could now join forces.

Pakistan Army's challenge: holding onto gains against militants

As the government prepares for a major operation in South Waziristan, it's eyeing lessons learned from previous campaigns that were cut short in the face of weak public support.

Is promoting Sufi Islam the best chance for peace in Somalia?

Some armed groups who adhere to a more moderate interpretation of Islam have begun battling Al Qaeda-linked extremists.

Pakistan puts Taliban leader in crosshairs

As the Army begins attacking South Waziristan, it has targeted hideouts of Baitullah Mehsud. Killing or even dislodging the militant chief could deal a severe blow to the movement, analysts say.

Pakistan reports first militants killed in South Waziristan

As many as 50 died Saturday as the military prepares to officially launch an offensive in the Taliban stronghold.

Pakistan's offensive opens new forum for militants: refugee camps

Religious charities with extremist ties or sympathies are winning favor among displaced people for their speedy aid work.

Friday's coverage: Supreme Leader speaks, Hawaii girds, gun laws slide

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.

Thursday's coverage: Naming names in Iran, moon mapping, financial regs

Pakistan attack targets moderate cleric

The killing of the anti-Taliban religious leader may be an attempt to stoke sectarian violence.

Pakistan: Massive hotel bomb further erodes security

A suicide attack on Peshawar's Pearl Continental, popular among foreigners, killed at least five people and wounded 70.

'Pakistan has awakened': Locals fight back against Taliban

A new militia is targeting militants in revenge for a mosque bombing Friday. Some say it could be a turning of the tide in public sentiment, driven by recent Army successes.

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.

Obama vs. bin Laden: A battle for Muslim hearts

Two recordings from the Al Qaeda chief and his deputy may signal that Obama's overtures, particularly his speech in Cairo Thursday, have put the organization on the defensive.

Pakistani Army rescues dozens of kidnapped students

The operation came after Taliban militants ambushed a convoy, taking hostage at least 80 students and staff of a military school.

The Monitor's View: In Cairo, Obama must thank moderate Muslims

Gratitude for standing up to the radicals' ideology can bring respect for the US.

Pakistan's war refugees losing patience

Some say they don't mind being uprooted for now – if the Taliban are ousted for good. The Army says it should clear militants from major towns within days, though rooting them out from rural areas may take months.

Today's agenda: Missing Air France jet, GM bankruptcy, Israeli buffer zone

Pakistan closes in on Swat Valley victory over Taliban

Government officials say the month-long military offensive is within days of accomplishing its goal. Next up: a second offensive in South Waziristan.

Suicide bomb in Pakistan kills 30

The attack in Lahore is the nation's deadliest this year and underscores the spread of the Taliban insurgency.

Clinton announces $110 million in refugee aid for Pakistan

The aid is partly to offset anger at the US-supported counterinsurgency campaign.