Pakistan’s Dangerous Double Game

After the 9/11 attacks, planned by Al Qaeda in Taliban-ruled Afghanistan, Pakistan and the US linked up as allies in the “war on terror” declared by George Bush. The Taliban have long since scattered, many to the rugged Pakistan-Afghanistan border area, and regrouped in camps. The US alludes to an agreement, possibly made with former President Pervez Musharraf, that allows its troops to cross the border and attack Taliban camps; Pakistan denies such an agreement and has announced orders to fire on unexpected US military raids in its territory. The two countries also disagree over which Taliban leaders are most dangerous. In an article for Newsweek, Ron Moreau and Mark Hosenball describe Taliban operatives moving about Pakistan, funded by tribal leaders, seeking suicide bombers, with the support of Pakistani military officers. The US military moves cautiously because attacks on civilians only attracts more recruits for extremists. With the Taliban proving to be resilient, Pakistan has requested additional high-tech military equipment from the US, and the US is left to wonder how much might fall into the hands of future enemies. – YaleGlobal