Saturday, December 27, 2008 There has been no official announcement, no victory parades or televised addresses by the victorious party, no cheering crowds welcoming the liberators – but Swat, to all intents and purposes, has fallen to the Taliban. It is the announcement that all girls education in the valley will cease from January 15 that is the tipping point. All schools that teach girls have been ordered by the Taliban to close by that date or face the inevitable consequences – being blown up being the most usual of these. They have already blown up well over a hundred girls schools, principally those operated by the government, but have moved in recent weeks to blowing up private institutions as well. Female education has virtually ceased anyway, and the Taliban announcement merely puts the seal on what is a manifest reality – the government has lost the battle for Swat and the Taliban have won. They operate at will, go where they like, issue orders and proclamations that a terrified public are unable to ignore and broadcast their message of obscurantism on the radio for all to hear – and obey.
The ANP government of NWFP has called for assistance. But little seems to be forthcoming. Refugees stream out of the valley, the operators of private schools try to fight a rearguard action, the tourist trade is dead and buried long ago and the beautiful valley of Swat now enters a time of darkness. The Taliban announcement regarding girl’s education may seem a strange point at which to declare Swat ‘fallen’ – but it is of huge symbolic significance. It is significant because there will be compliance – the population and the operators of schools, including the government who are the majority education provider – will do what they are told. They will obey the orders of the Taliban because the Taliban are more powerful than the government that is supposed to protect and sustain them. The government is unable or unwilling to protect its own schools and is not going to lift a finger to protect those of the private sector. It gives the clear impression of having abandoned Swat and its people to whatever their fate may be.
Could the government – either of Musharraf or the present rudderless, drifting Marie Celeste – have done anything to stop this? Yes, and in all likelihood they decided not to. The notion that somehow the militants are our ‘allies’ runs as a strong and deep current through elements of the army and intelligence services, the bureaucracy and the politicians themselves. There are powerful forces that provide tacit if not overt support to them, forces which would like to see the Taliban triumphant in the rest of Pakistan and not just Swat. The caliphate of Swat is becoming a reality before our eyes. Where next?
I have no problem with people trying to practice their religion freely or whatnot, but what's the point of shutting down schools for females? bunch of retards!
It is going to get worse, there seems to be no relief in sight. Pakistan really needs to seal the border with Afghanistan, the longer we let border open the stronger these "Taliban" will get. Just mine the darn thing and give "shoot-at-sight" order for anyone coming from non-entrances. Then attack these cowards.
I have no problem with people trying to practice their religion freely or whatnot, but what's the point of shutting down schools for females? bunch of retards!
using religion + sick ideologies without the approval of local people is not fine. Period !
The last paragraph really sums it all up doesn’t it?
Even as we speak, ISI/army is making backdoor deals with taliban under the guise of tension on the eastern borders. And the terrorists are extremely excited about the pullout of troops and their deal with the army. And they have been kind enough to inform their subjects that they will limit their attacks on the security forces during this time of tension.
All seems to be falling in place for the ISI-Taliban bhai-bhai dosti agreement. The ISI sponsored Mumbai attacks have done what they were meant to do and more!
swat militants have been receiving from different countries....local people r against these so called mujahiddins...i dont know how these militants get petrol,weapons and other things without any army interference...there is something very deep in swat problems..even "locals" talibans r not involved..some groups of professional criminals along with some revenge full local people r causing problem..
i believe there is improvement in some areas like khyber,bajaur and wazristan agency....we need to reaslise the fata culture..there r weapons,fighting and brutality in their culture...
i believe the only solution is to do dialogue their ulemas..
This what Zaid has been saying all along.. 'Pakistani Talibans' are pseudo gangs created and inspired by RAW + Visitors and have nothing to do with Afghani Talibans.. Indian belligerence on the eastern border is exactly the result of their supposed successes on the western border.. Pakis fell for this long time ago when they 'allowed' to be used during Mushie period.. but this is just the beginning..
Indians appear to have seen too many 'haray baag' its time Pakistan take up an active role instead of just reacting..
Look you shouldn't be talking. You accepted we committed the attack in India without any proof. Now you believe this article. You one of those guys that will believe anything in the press. Remember I got the bridge to sell to you. Interested?
Look you shouldn't be talking. You accepted we committed the attack in India without any proof. Now you believe this article. You one of those guys that will believe anything in the press. Remember I got the bridge to sell to you. Interested?
Bhai jaan it doesn't matter they provide proof or not, when your so called national leader (nawaz shairf) came on tv and said live about ajmal kamal and etc. Then i don't have any other source except like yourself who have a intelligence angecy to confirm the news. Righto. !
Wait so when Pakistan is accused of a crime against humanity you say no proof is required if some two bit politician says it on TV? Wow some standards.
Wait so when Pakistan is accused of a crime against humanity you say no proof is required if some two bit politician says it on TV? Wow some standards.
Sadly that two bit politician represent 65% of Pakistan's voter base !
And what does that have to do with the issue of proof or the absolute 100% veracity of the media report?
I can't get your point of not believing media + popular leader words. Again, i am sorry i don't have enough resources like you to personally confirm every single news i came through.
So media and a politician’s public statement (which belongs in the media category actually) are the only ways to confirm/assess world events and situations?
I can't get your point of not believing media + popular leader words. Again, i am sorry i don't have enough resources like you to personally confirm every single news i came through.
The issue is not confirming. It is corroborating. And I still have thet bridge. The media says its the best time to buy bridges right now.
So media and a politician’s public statement (which belongs in the media category actually) are the only ways to confirm/assess world events and situations?