As a follower of world events, I was quite surprised at the coverage Pakistan has received from ABC News earlier in the week. They were reporting that the Taliban had gained control of the northwestern provinces of Pakistan and were moving to within 60 miles of Islamabad, causing the Pakistani Army to move back to the capital for defensive purposes. As of today they have gained 10 miles and have moved to within 50 miles.
It is reported that their government is sending in Special Ops to combat the Taliban and slow the groups progress. Unfortunately, this may be too little too late and has had dismal results. The Taliban have become embolden over the last few months. They have been acquiring more sophisticated military weaponry; including rocket launchers and artillery.
Many in the intelligence and security fields believe that Pakistan's fall is imminent. The Pakistani Army is not a cohesive unit. As a military entity they lack the will to combat this fanatical and violent group. Many in both the officer corp and the enlisted ranks are sympathetic to the cause of radical Islam and are guilty of collaboration.
Should Pakistan fall to the Taliban, this would have a profound effect on world peace. Pakistan is a nuclear power and possesses nuclear weapons. Neither the U.S., Israel nor India can allow these weapons to fall into the hands of these murderous thugs. The real question is whether any country has the balls to keep this from happening.
If Bush would have been more interested in fighting the war in Afghanistan, this would not be happening.
ReplyDeleteFor better or worse, the decision was made to fight a low intensity war in Afghanistan and use those against the Taliban rule as the main instrument. This was meant to be an Afghan show of force to take back their country. Unfortunately the "Vietnamization" tactic was not successful. Just as it had been in Vietnam, it lacked the concerted efforts of the populace.
ReplyDeleteThe Taliban will not strike at the capital right away, they will use a war of attrition, domination and religious pressure to gain the strength they need to wear the Islamabad government down.
Time is on their side and they are in no hurry to achieve their goals. They view themselves as a purifying effect and will either win others over or terminate those that oppose them.
President Obama has not helped the situation in Pakistan. While his supporters continue to give him high marks for atoning for the perceived American arrogance and self righteousness we have had towards other countries, he has weakened our position in the world. Those that are envious of us would like to see us knocked down a notch or two. Those that are our enemy would like to see us as a pile of dust. He has no concept of what it takes to gain peoples respect. He has lived his life needing the approval of others and this shows in his attitudes towards foreign policy or lack there of.
Sorry to get lengthy in my response, I was feeling a bit energized.
Take Care.
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