Islamic Militancy in the Pakistan-Afghanistan Border Region and U.S. Policy

Islamic Militancy in the Pakistan-Afghanistan Border Region and U.S. Policy

CONGRESSIONAL RESEARCH OFFICE

“Autumn 2008 saw an increase in the number of lashkars—tribal militias—being formed in the

FATA. These private armies may represent a growing popular resistance to Islamist militancy in

the region, not unlike that seen in Iraq’s “Sunni Awakening.” A potential effort to bolster the

capabilities of tribal leaders near the Afghan border would target that region’s Al Qaeda elements

and be similar to U.S. efforts in Iraq’s Anbar province. Employing this strategy in Pakistan

presents new difficulties, however, including the fact that the Pakistani Taliban is not alien to the

tribal regions but is comprised of the tribals’ ethnolinguistic brethren. Still, with pro-government

tribals being killed by Islamist extremists almost daily in western Pakistan, tribal leaders may be

increasingly alienated by the violence and so more receptive to cooperation with the Pakistan

military.

The Pakistan army reportedly backs these militias and the NWFP governor expresses hope that

they will turn the tide against Taliban insurgents. Islamabad reportedly plans to provide small

arms to these anti-Taliban tribal militias, which are said to number some 14,000 men in Bajaur

and another 11,000 more in neighboring Orakzai and Dir. No U.S. government funds are to be

involved.23 Some reporting indicates that, to date, the lashkars have proven ineffective against

better-armed and more motivated Taliban fighters. Intimidation tactics and the targeted killings of

pro-government tribal leaders continue to take a toll.”

[WITH THIS CONFESSION OF US GOVERNMENT SUPPORT FOR THE PROCESS THAT IS DRIVING FATA LEADERS TO FORM ANTI-TALIBAN/AL QAIDA "LASHKARS" (MILITIAS) COMES THE REALIZATION THAT, DESPITE PUBLIC STATEMENTS MADE TO THE CONTRARY, THE US AND PAKISTANI ARMY ARE ON THE SAME PAGE.  WHILE US PREDATOR AND TERRORIST STRIKES ARE DRIVING THE PEOPLE TO THE MILITIAS, THE PAK ARMY WHITTLES AWAY AT "PAKISTANI TALIBAN" EXCESSIVE STRENGTH AND GIVES LIFE TO THE FICTION THAT THERE ARE "GOOD TALIBAN" AND "BAD TALIBAN."  THE PAKISTANI PEOPLE MUST UN-AMERICANIZE THEIR ARMY, TO FREE THEMSELVES FROM IMPERIAL DESIGNS.]

“Pakistan is wary of signs that India is pursuing a policy of “strategic encirclement,” taking note of

New Delhi’s past support for Tajik and Uzbek militias which comprised the Afghan Northern

Alliance.”

[UZBEKS AND TAJIKS FROM THE NORTHERN ALLIANCE OF GEN. AHMED SHAH MASOOD FAME ARE PLAYING THE ROLE OF "AL QAIDA" IN THE DRAMA CURRENTLY UNFOLDING IN FATA.  THEY PERFORM THE OBLIGATORY PUNITIVE ATTACKS NEEDED TO FORCE UNWILLING TO "SHARIAH LAW," AS DEFINED BY "AL QAIDA," WHICH DRIVES THE PEOPLE INTO ANBAR-LIKE "SUNNI AWAKENINGS."

“The United States has not met its national security goals to

destroy terrorist threats and close safe haven in Pakistan’s FATA,” and, “No comprehensive plan

for meeting U.S. national security goals in the FATA has been developed.” House Foreign Affairs

Committee Chairman Representative Howard Berman called the conclusions “appalling.”33

[ENTER ZIONIST HITMAN HOWARD BERMAN ("IRAN WAR RESOLUTION"), TO CRY OUTRAGE AT AMERICAN-PREFERRED VIOLENCE LEVELS THAT ARE WAY TOO LOW TO SATISFY ISRAELI LUST FOR TOTAL WAR ON ISLAM.]