Re: Are they protected?
Well your right the tribes are suffering badly but at the same time I must add they are more used to it than we could imagine. In terms of experience the Tribals are probably better specialised and have a superior combat technique and staying power than the American and thier allies… in fact the tribes have never lost… ever.
True the Western forces and Pakistani army both attacked them with superior weaponry but simple fact is unless they wipe out the tribes nobody can beat them… they are quite simply born fighters.
The Goverment is split on this one… while it actually supports the Americans wipe out many Tribals, even attacking them on the premise that they are harbouring Millitants for which the evidence is very patchy and in several cases flawed…
The Tribes are incredibly resilient and yes there are elements in the Pak forces that actively support the Tribals. In fact thats part of the reaosn for American and Pakistani relations being so stretched…
Oh and the Tribes might not be fighting each other as you say but in fact it seems they are… not only by choosing to side or ressist with the powers but also they have always been fighting each other and most likely after this war they will go back to fighting amongst themselves it’s thier way.