Pak "may be biting off too much" in launching Waziristan offensive without sealing Swat

Pakistan News.Net
Friday 3rd July, 2009 (ANI)

Lahore, July 3 : The Pakistan Army may have been planning an all out assault against the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) chief Baitullah Mehsud in his stronghold of South Waziristan, but experts believe that the operation could result in further disappointment for the United States.

South Asia specialist at the Council on Foreign Relations, Daniel Markey, warned that Pakistan "may be biting off too much" by initiating an offensive against the Taliban chieftain in his stronghold without establishing total command in the North West Frontier Province (NWFP).

The Obama Administration wants to establish comprehensive control in Waziristan to counter Islamic extremis, but the objective is unlikely to be achieved.

"If Mehsud can be captured or killed, he would likely be replaced by Taliban leaders even more eager to fight US forces in Afghanistan," said Markey.

The military offensive in the NWFP's Swat Valley has forced the Taliban to retreat, but the government has not been able to establish its control in the region completely.

Moreover, questions are being raised over the chances of success of the military operation against Mehsud in Waziristan, as it had failed to suppress the Taliban on two earlier occasions.

The Army had initiated operations against the banned outfit in 2004 and again in 2007, but failed on both the occasions.

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