The Truth About Talibanistan

The tribal region of Pakistan, just over the border of Afghanistan, is increasingly becoming a sanctuary for Taliban and other extremists – a mini-state beyond the control of governments that straddle it on either side. Tough, young extremists take control of villages that lack any means of defense. Meanwhile, the US and NATO troops stationed in neighboring Afghanistan lack authority to enter Pakistan, and Pakistani security forces are distracted by domestic protests and conflict, prompted by the suspension of a chief justice of Pakistan’s Supreme Court and a raid of a television station. “If the protests against [President Pervez] Musharraf continue, he will be even less inclined to crack down on the militants holding sway in Talibanistan – grim news for the US and its allies and good news for their foes throughout the region,” writes Aryn Baker for “Time.” Tribal leaders, annoyed with Taliban and foreign extremists moving into the border region, sent a delegation to Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai, requesting help defending their communities. Governments, even with thousands of troops, have long had trouble controlling the region. Yet ongoing inability to prevent extremists from bullying the small villages could expand into a security matter of global magnitude. – YaleGlobal