Topic: Tehrik-i-Taliban

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Who are the Taliban and what do they want? 5 key points

While Pakistani and Afghan insurgents often get labeled as the 'Taliban,' in reality there are several groups that often act independently and have distinct command structures, ideologies, and strategies.
Afghanistan: 5 areas of concern after the US leaves

The withdrawal of US and NATO forces from Afghanistan will have profound, direct effects on the country's security, economy, and society. Here are five areas that are likely to see an impact.
Possible coup in Pakistan? 4 key questions

Pakistan’s government is facing a period of prolonged uncertainty about its future, four years after the country returned to democratic rule. Here are four key questions to explain the issues.
Photos of the Day: Photos of the day 05/13
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.
Taliban storm Pakistani prison: nearly 400 freed

Taliban militants armed with grenades battled their way into a prison in northwest Pakistan on Sunday, freeing close to 400 prisoners, including about 20 described by police as 'very dangerous.'
Albanian pleads guilty in terror case just 4 years after gaining US residency

Arrested in New York before flying to Turkey en route to Pakistan, the Albanian man had told his contact in a Pakistani terrorist group that he wanted to 'marry with the girls in paradise.'
Who are the Taliban and what do they want? 5 key points

While Pakistani and Afghan insurgents often get labeled as the 'Taliban,' in reality there are several groups that often act independently and have distinct command structures, ideologies, and strategies.
Afghanistan: 5 areas of concern after the US leaves

The withdrawal of US and NATO forces from Afghanistan will have profound, direct effects on the country's security, economy, and society. Here are five areas that are likely to see an impact.
Swiss couple, held by Taliban, 'escape'

A Swiss couple, held hostage by the Taliban for nearly a year, say they escaped. The Taliban says they paid a ransom.
Terrorism & Security
US drone strikes in Pakistan on rise again

A US drone killed three suspected militants in Pakistan's northwest tribal region, including the de facto leader of Al Qaeda, in the second such attack in as many days.
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.
Kidnapped US aid contractor reportedly held by militants in Pakistan

Some five months after Warren Weinstein was kidnapped, the US aid contractor is reported to be in the custody of a Pakistani Al Qaeda affiliate, McClatchy Newspapers reports.
Possible coup in Pakistan? 4 key questions

Pakistan’s government is facing a period of prolonged uncertainty about its future, four years after the country returned to democratic rule. Here are four key questions to explain the issues.
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
Peace progress? Qatar gives Taliban an office address

The Taliban, US, and Afghan officials have agreed to the let the Taliban set up an office in Qatar, providing a historic avenue for direct talks.
NATO drivers to US, Pakistan: Keep us truckin'

As Pakistan's blockade on NATO's Afghanistan supply lines enters day 20, truckers in Karachi are struggling to make ends meet.
Attacks on Afghan Shiites raise specter of Iraq-like violence

A suicide bomber killed dozens of Shiite Muslims in Kabul, Afghanistan, Tuesday. It was the deadliest bombing in Kabul since 2008.
Global News Blog
Good Reads: What really happened at the bombed out Pakistani military post?

NATO bombardment of Pakistani military post has pushed US-Pakistani relationship to new low. That's the bad news. It's also fodder for some great news reporting.
In Pakistan, downturn in major Taliban attacks brings cautious optimism

Pakistan's major cities have seen no large Taliban attacks since May, and civilian casualties are at a four-year low. Some credit better policing and coordination with intelligence agencies.
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.
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.
Clinton says US expects Pakistan to act against Haqqani network

But despite US belief that Pakistan is not doing enough about the Haqqani network threatening Afghanistan, Islamabad worries that acting against the militant group will weaken Pakistan.
Clinton urges Pakistan to get tougher on terrorists

If Secretary of State Clinton asks Pakistan to carry out targeted operations against the Haqqani network on her visit this week, she is likely to be met with a frosty response, say analysts.
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.
Pakistan's post-9/11 sacrifice often unrecognized at home

Pakistani families of some of the 3,000 security personnel killed in operations against Al Qaeda and Taliban militants since 9/11 say their sacrifices often go unrecognized.
Terrorism & Security
Pakistani Taliban claims responsibility for suicide attack on paramilitary leader

The Pakistani Taliban claimed responsibility for Wednesday's suicide attack targeting the forces involved in operations against the Pakistani Taliban and the recent arrest of Al Qaeda operatives.
Pakistan mosque bombing: one of country's worst attacks

Officials have blamed the Pakistani Taliban for attacking a mosque attended by pro-government tribesmen during Friday prayers. At least 50 worshipers were killed.
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.